Have you ever considered studying abroad? This type of experience undoubtedly contributes greatly to a student's personal, academic, and professional development. But ultimately, what is the importance of international experience on a resume? 

Keep reading to learn more!

The importance of international experience on a resume.

The job market is becoming increasingly demanding and competitive. Currently, due to changes in labor relations, a good academic background and professional experience are not the only relevant factors for securing a good position.  

Employers expect candidates to demonstrate qualities that go beyond technical knowledge, such as the ability to create and innovate, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a considerable amount of experience outside the corporate environment. People who have had international experience demonstrate a greater ability to interact and work in teams.  

At this point, it's worth highlighting that there are different types of international programs for higher education students. 

During graduation, It is possible to take advantage of academic mobility programs at different higher education institutions and study abroad for at least one semester. 

And thus, expand not only the professional horizons of students, but also allow them to learn about other cultures and increase their proficiency in a language.

Benefits of international experience

Many people associate international experience solely with learning a foreign language. Undoubtedly, improving language skills is one of the great benefits of an exchange program, but this type of travel offers many other advantages.

Academic and professional development 

For younger students, international experience is an excellent opportunity to get to know academic institutions and experience a profession, which contributes to their professional development. choosing a college course and of the career. 

University students can incorporate credits from courses taken abroad into their academic transcript. Furthermore, it's possible to participate in a sandwich degree program, in which the student obtains a diploma certified by two universities.

International experience also has a strong influence on learning. Studying at an international institution allows students to come into contact with different points of view and opinions, broadening their horizons. 

Having an experience abroad contributes to expanding one's network, since students can build a base of academic and professional contacts from different countries, which is very important for a professional's growth and development.  

Personal development

Beyond providing benefits for professional and academic development, exchange programs also foster personal growth. 

Far from home and, consequently, from their comfort zone, students need to communicate in another language, deal with completely new situations, and adapt to a different culture. This environment fosters the development of social skills and a more global perspective. 

The opportunity also involves making friends in different cultural contexts, learning about the history of the place you traveled to, and absorbing unique experiences. All of this promotes the revision of beliefs and paradigms, as well as helping the student develop independence and confidence. 

How can a student gain this experience?

Including an international experience on your resume is a dream for many students. Fortunately, this type of experience is becoming increasingly common. Due to globalization and the increase in the number of agreements between Brazilian and international universities, the procedures and bureaucracy for studying abroad have decreased significantly, and exchange programs have become more accessible.

It is also important to carefully evaluate all the conditions of the program of interest and to have specialized support, so as not to have unpleasant surprises during the trip.  

It is advisable to check if the higher education institution the student attends has agreements with international universities. These partnerships facilitate students' access to courses in other countries. 

Furthermore, it is essential to have excellent academic performance, considering both regular classes and extracurricular activities, as these criteria are taken into account in the evaluation and selection of candidates for international programs. 

How can this training help the student in the job market?

International experience is highly valued by recruiters. Studying abroad, whether for a short or long term, can set a professional apart in the future selection process, as, in addition to academic background, candidates' life experiences contribute to their evaluation.

Furthermore, the act of participating in an exchange program demonstrates proactivity. Companies value professionals with international experience on their resumes, as this experience shows that candidates have initiative and an interest in developing new skills and knowledge. 

Flexibility and a greater ability to handle unforeseen situations provide a competitive edge when seeking employment or professional relocation.

Improving a second language during an international experience is also a very important asset on a resume. After all, language fluency is one of the... factors that contribute to employability. 

Frequent and daily contact with a new language in classes and during interaction with other people allows for much faster development of the ability to communicate in a foreign language. This can be very advantageous, since other languages—especially English and Spanish—are a requirement in many job openings. 

In addition to studying, exchange students can gain professional experience. 

Depending on the visa obtained for the exchange program, students can take advantage of their time abroad to do an internship, which allows them to acquire and expand their professional skills and, consequently, provides greater recognition in the job market.

For this reason, it's important to evaluate the international programs offered before choosing an educational institution. Research educational centers that encourage international experiences and look for a program that suits your interests and expectations. It will surely be an incredible experience!.

How do I include international experience on my resume?

Without a doubt, having international experience on your resume is a major advantage, but it's essential to detail this experience well in your presentation. It's important to highlight the activities performed and the results achieved: cite projects and work conducted, published articles, and languages studied.  

In other words, highlighting experiences on your resume that demonstrate the acquisition of a specific skill, or the execution of tasks in an academic or professional environment, can be crucial when it comes to securing a job.  

Now that you know the importance of international experience on your resume, take the opportunity to learn more about... ESEG Exchange Center.