Psychology says students who study abroad often gain more than a degree - The surprising ways living in another country can strengthen independence, confidence, resilience, social skills and cultural awareness while teaching young adults how to navigate uncertainty and adapt to completely new environments

Studying abroad can do much more than add an international experience to a college resume. For many students, living in another country means navigating unfamiliar routines, communicating across cultural differences and making important decisions without the usual support system close by. Those experiences can become powerful opportunities for personal growth. Research suggests that international study can be linked with changes in personality, cultural intelligence, confidence and adaptability. A 2022 longitudinal study of Japanese students studying in the US, for example, found evidence of changes in personality-related behavior during the experience. More recent research involving hundreds of international students has also found significant growth in multiple dimensions of cultural intelligence after international mobility.

LIVING ABROAD CAN BUILD INDEPENDENCE AND RESILIENCE