Study Abroad

Go Above and Beyond

Beyond internships, student jobs, and research experience, there are many ways to get involved outside of your classes at UCSB. If you are looking to get more involved while also building your skills and network for future internships and jobs, extracurriculars are a great place to start.

Options range from joining a campus organization, to gaining leadership experience, to becoming a volunteer, to studying abroad, to learning through certificates and trainings. Extracurriculars provide a strong start for exploring a career path or enriching the path you are already on.

Read more below to better understand the value of extracurriculars and how to find them.

Developing Skills Overseas

Studying abroad is a fabulous experience for passionate travelers, but did you know that it also develops attractive skills for prospective employers?

Experience studying abroad demonstrates that you can handle new situations, environments, and challenges, and that you have a global perspective to offer within any workplace. Additionally, you may get exposed to new career possibilities and present opportunities to explore fields of work that are not as attainable in the United States.

Here are some common skills that studying abroad typically offers:

Adaptability
Problem-solving
Critical thinking
Intercultural communication
Foreign language abilities
Familiarity with international business practices and customs

After you study abroad, talk about your travels while applying for internships or jobs. Abroad experiences are valuable to many employers, so be sure to market them in your Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews.

Maximizing Your Study Abroad Experience

While you are abroad, take advantage of opportunities to gain hands-on experiences like internships, research, and volunteer opportunities. Learn more by visiting the UCSB Education Abroad Program (UCSB EAP) or checking out other study abroad options.

Keep reading for some tips to maximize your experience.

Prepare Before You Go

It is always helpful to plan ahead before a big journey. To prepare for a smooth transition, make friends with an international student from the country you hope to visit. Research and prepare a quick country reference guide. Besides your English resume, consider creating a resume in the language of the country you plan on visiting. Bring at least one business-attire outfit to wear for possible interviews (see our tips to Arrange Your Attire).

Meet With Professionals Overseas

The social aspect of studying abroad is one of the most valuable parts of your experience. Befriend the local expatriates while you are abroad, attend conferences or meetings in your field of interest, and network for possible jobs. You can also research organizations within the United States that do business in the international city nearest you. Do Informational Interviews with those you meet to get more information on a field of interest.

Consider Adding an Internship or Experiential Opportunity

Studying abroad often creates an opportunity to intern, conduct research, or volunteer abroad in the region you are studying within. Broaden your career horizons outside of class, and boost your resume even further! For details, see our Internships page for tips about interning while studying abroad.

Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Your time abroad is a time to grow and try new things. Consider a home-stay arrangement, join student clubs where the majority of members are local students, or get involved in a multicultural student work team as part of your assigned classroom projects.

Travel Within the Region

It may not come as a surprise, but studying abroad makes traveling abroad easier than ever! Secure a flexible ticket to allow for this, take advantage of nearby weekend travel discounts, befriend local area students and families, and try to join in on local excursions and holiday travels.

Learn More

To help you get ready for life after studying abroad, we joined forces with UCSB EAP to provide some tips on Life After Graduation.