How Foreign Education Influences Further Professional Success
Many students aspire to pursue their education abroad, hoping to gain valuable skills, experiences and perspectives that will enhance their future careers. But how exactly does foreign education influence one’s professional success? What are the benefits and challenges of studying in a different country and culture? And how can students make the most of their international education to achieve their career goals?
Benefits of Foreign Education
Studying abroad can have a positive impact on one’s professional development in several ways. Some of the benefits include:
– **Language proficiency**: Learning a foreign language or improving one’s existing language skills can open up new opportunities for communication, collaboration and networking in the global market. Proficient foreign language speakers are more likely to find better career opportunities, become more mobile geographically and have greater chances of being promoted to higher-level jobs (Canadian Heritage, 2016; European Commission, 2012; Isphording, 2015; Ahuja, Chucherd and Pootrakool, 2006).
– **Cultural competence**: Experiencing a different culture and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds can enhance one’s cultural awareness, sensitivity and adaptability. These are essential skills for working effectively in multicultural teams, managing cross-cultural conflicts and negotiating with international clients and partners. Cultural competence can also foster creativity, innovation and problem-solving abilities by exposing students to different perspectives, ideas and approaches (Matherly, 2005; Ashwill, 2004; Adler et al., 2007).
– **Personal growth**: Living and studying in a foreign country can challenge one’s assumptions, values and beliefs, leading to personal growth and transformation. Students who study abroad can develop greater self-confidence, independence and resilience, as well as a deeper understanding of themselves and their goals. These personal qualities can help students overcome obstacles, cope with stress and pursue their passions in their professional lives (Norris, 2006; Wanasek, 2006; Scheib, 2006).
Challenges of Foreign Education
While studying abroad can offer many advantages for one’s professional success, it can also pose some challenges that need to be addressed. Some of the challenges include:
– **Academic adjustment**: Adapting to a different academic system, curriculum and teaching style can be difficult for some students, especially if they face language barriers or have different expectations and preferences for learning. Students may need to adjust their study habits, time management and academic writing skills to meet the requirements and standards of their host institution. They may also need to seek academic support or guidance from their professors, advisors or peers if they encounter any difficulties or confusion (Nussbaum, 2005; Sockett, 2005).
– **Social integration**: Making friends and building relationships with people from different cultures can be challenging for some students, especially if they face cultural differences or stereotypes. Students may need to overcome their shyness, anxiety or isolation and actively participate in social activities, clubs or events that can help them connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. They may also need to balance their social life with their academic responsibilities and avoid being influenced by peer pressure or negative behaviors (Hannigan, 2004; Johnson, 2006).
– **Career preparation**: Preparing for one’s future career after studying abroad can be challenging for some students, especially if they are not sure about their options or goals. Students may need to research the job market, identify their strengths and interests, update their resume and portfolio, and network with potential employers or mentors. They may also need to market their international experience effectively to employers by highlighting the skills, knowledge and competencies they gained from studying abroad (Tillman, 2005; Nolting, 2006).
How to Make the Most of Foreign Education
To maximize the benefits and minimize the challenges of studying abroad for one’s professional success, students can take some steps before, during and after their international education. Some of the steps include:
– **Before studying abroad**: Students should research their host country and institution carefully and choose a program that matches their academic and career goals. They should also prepare themselves financially, academically and emotionally for the experience and set realistic expectations and objectives for themselves. They should also consult with their home institution advisors or counselors about the transferability of credits, the recognition of credentials and the availability of support services (WES Advisor Blog, 2019).
– **During studying abroad**: Students should immerse themselves in the host culture and language as much as possible and seek opportunities to learn from others. They should also maintain a positive attitude and an open mind towards new experiences and challenges. They should also balance their academic work with their social life and take care of their physical and mental health. They should also keep track of their achievements and reflections during their study abroad experience (EU Business School Blog, 2015).
– **After studying abroad**: Students should evaluate their study abroad experience and identify the skills, knowledge and competencies they gained from it. They should also update their resume and portfolio with their international experience and achievements and prepare for job interviews or applications. They should also maintain their connections with their host institution, professors, peers and friends and seek feedback or advice from them. They should also continue to develop their language and cultural skills and pursue further education or career opportunities that align with their goals (AIFS Study Abroad Blog, 2018).
Conclusion
Foreign education can influence one’s professional success in many ways, by enhancing one’s language proficiency, cultural competence and personal growth. However, it can also pose some challenges, such as academic adjustment, social integration and career preparation. Therefore, students who study abroad need to be proactive, flexible and resourceful in making the most of their international education and achieving their career goals.
References
Adler, R., Loughrin-Sacco, S., & Moffatt, R. (2007). The role of experiential learning in preparing global-ready graduates. In M. Tillman (Ed.), Impact of education abroad on career development (pp. 15-17). Stamford: American Institute for Foreign Study.
Ahuja, A., Chucherd, T., & Pootrakool, K. (2006). The impact of foreign language skills on income: Evidence from Thailand. Journal of Asian Economics, 17(6), 1013-1031.
Ashwill, M. A. (2004). A world of possibilities and the world of work: Study abroad returnees get down to business. In M. Tillman (Ed.), Impact of education abroad on career development (pp. 11-13). Stamford: American Institute for Foreign Study.
Canadian Heritage. (2016). The economic value of languages in Canada: A review of the literature. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/official-languages-bilingualism/publications/economic-value-languages.html
European Commission. (2012). Europeans and their languages: Special Eurobarometer 386. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/archives/ebs/ebs_386_en.pdf
Hannigan, T. P. (2004). Collaboration between international education and career development professionals to improve the quality and impact of work abroad experiences. In M. Tillman (Ed.), write my paper on Impact of education abroad on career development (pp. 13-15). Stamford: American Institute for Foreign Study.
Isphording, I. E. (2015). The returns to foreign language skills in the transition countries of Central and Eastern Europe. IZA World of Labor, 2015(176), 1-10.
Johnson, M. (2006). The University of Minnesota Career Development Network. In M. Tillman (Ed.), Impact of education abroad on career development (pp. 21-23). Stamford: American Institute for Foreign Study.
Matherly, C. (2005). Effective marketing of international experiences to employers. In M. Tillman (Ed.), Impact of education abroad on career development (pp. 9-11). Stamford: American Institute for Foreign Study.
Nolting, W. (2006). Pathways to international careers: How we can support students’ aspirations. In M. Tillman (Ed.), Impact of education abroad on career development (pp. 18-21). Stamford: American Institute for Foreign Study.
Norris, J. (2006). Service-learning for international students: A win/win/win/win proposition. In M. Tillman (Ed.), Impact of education abroad on career development (pp. 28-30). Stamford: American Institute for Foreign Study.
Nussbaum, A. (2005). The Boston College Global Proficiency Program. In M. Tillman (Ed.), Impact of education abroad on career development (pp. 23-25). Stamford: American Institute for Foreign Study.
Scheib, M. (2006). Study abroad: Providing students with disabilities an educational boost, career preparation and personal pride.
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