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Is studying abroad a good idea for an International Marketing major?

I was wondering if studying abroad for some of college would be good if I want to travel as a job in business or marketing. #business #marketing #college #study-abroad

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Maryann’s Answer

I also majored in International Business before switching to Information Systems. I couldn't afford a study abroad program, but feel that it would be super helpful if you can swing it. If not, you will eventually get that experience if you go to work for a global company and work with people in other countries.
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Nathalie’s Answer

Hi!
I completed a Summer study abroad program as part of obtaining my International Public Relations Certificate. It was such an amazing experience and would highly recommend study abroad, especially for any careers/interests that are international related. I don't think it's an absolute must, but I do think the experience is well worth it. The experience is useful to know if you truly like international business and/or traveling for business.
I also completed an international PR internship at my school. I would recommend at least searching for internships, whether they are paid or unpaid, here stateside.

Good luck and hope this helps!
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Ashley’s Answer

100 times YES! If you have the opportunity to go abroad, it will never hurt you. It will only help. I have a colleague that studied abroad and did an internship I believe in New Zealand and was hired immediately after school. Companies love to see experience, and especially such a unique experience as traveling to another country and successfully marketing there. You’ll find great opportunities waiting for you. Good luck!
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Vivian’s Answer

Studying abroad is an excellent chance especially if it relates to you as an International Marketing major. I know some people even put it on their resumes as experience! Some jobs even look for people who have experience in traveling abroad and I think it will be a good chance to see if that's what you want to do as well.
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Jeff’s Answer

A semester or year abroad is an incredible experience, not just for your career but for your life overall. There is nothing better than living in another country to gain appreciation of people, culture, life experience that is different than what each of us grows up with. In my experience I have heard that a semester abroad is a bit too short, but a year is a bit too long. I recommend going for the year if you can!
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Liezl’s Answer

I think studying abroad is an incredible opportunity for ANYONE in college, and I highly recommend it. You will develop an appreciation for cultures other than your own practice adapting to new situations, step outside your comfort zone, and grow a more global mindset. That kind of education is valuable for anyone who has the opportunity to do this. But yes, if you're in international marketing, there will also be a direct relevance to your future career path. :)
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Lauren’s Answer

Hi Maddy,

Great question. I personal studied abroad in college and I definitely think that regardless of your career path studying abroad is a great opportunity to understand different cultures and values within other countries. It provides you with some perspective and it is a great experience you can use in the future when looking for jobs after graduation.
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Noura’s Answer

Definitely - regardless of your career path, studying abroad and gaining international experience will always benefit you. Being in a diverse, new place with new people, a new culture, new food, different internship/working styles, is going to be a great learning experience and prepare you for the workforce in an international based role or in a diverse organization.
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Semin’s Answer

Hi Maddy,

I definitely think that studying abroad would be a great opportunity to expand your horizons for future international marketing. Not only will you get to learn how to adapt and adjust to new cultures, you will find yourself gaining problem-solving skills in a foreign setting. People that I know who have experience in studying abroad often return to those countries to work in the realm of international marketing there. The global mindset you will gain from it will un-parallel something in the States! So I would definitely say yes to looking into these opportunities.
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Shannon’s Answer

Could not agree more with the other answers here. I was an International Business major as well and it was one of the best experiences of my life and extremely valuable for a variety of reasons. Culture exposure, building a network outside of your school with peers in a similar field that you will stay in touch with throughout your career, international perspective and educational challenge.
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Colleen’s Answer

Any exposure to other cultures that you have the ability to experience will be helpful as you pursue your career. If you know where you intend to focus your international relations in the future, it will help you to pick the correct area of the world to start.
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Sydney’s Answer

Hi Maddy,

My gut reaction to your question is yes! From what you shared about your professional ambitions, study abroad seems like a great experience that could prepare you for a career in international marketing. Not only might it offer you specialized skills for your future career, but study abroad can also introduce people to diverse once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will help you grow as an individual. Also, it can be a blast!

My degree program (Business & Global Affairs) actually offered mini-study abroad adventures (about 1-2 weeks) as part of the curriculum, because international experiences, when possible, can offer tremendous hands-on value. Whether it is cultural exchanges or simply the act of traveling a far distance to a new environment, study abroad trips are wonderful!

However, study abroad trips are not for everyone, so please find a list of possible pro's and con's that you can consider to best answer your question yourself.

PROS
- exposure to different culture, environment, food, and language
- specialized skill development for your internationally-focused degree and career interest
- growth & maturity as a young individual traveling a far distance to a new environment and finding a place for yourself amidst the ambiguity
- a rare opportunity to truly see the world and have a blast meeting new people!

CONS
- the cost: not all study abroad trips are financially feasible
- the courses: do your school's study abroad programs still allow you to graduate within your desired time period? are the courses ones that you are interested in taking? do they fill your requirements?
- the location: is there a program in a location that fascinates/interests you? would you be excited about traveling there?
- the timing: given the fact that the pandemic has limited many students' time to be in-person at their schools, would you regret missing out on school activities by being away for a semester?
- the distance: are you comfortable with traveling a far distance from your family/home?

Hope this was helpful!
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Jason’s Answer

Regardless of your major, I would recommend studying abroad.
Here are the benefits:
-independence
-learning new culture
-transfer credits while travelling and making new friends

Here are a few things to consider:
-research the school (cost, location, will your school recognize credits)
-funding (your own savings or better yet a program/scholarship that will pay for study)
-cost include tuition and much more, like travel cost, insurance, accommodation and living expenses
-how long will you be away (that impacts cost and arrangements)
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Maddy!

Yes, you'll get so much out of stuying or working abroad. I've worked abroad one summer, studied abroad for 6 months, did an internship for 5 months and ended up working abroad for 5 years, all in 4 different countries. Now I have almost 13 years of experience in International Marketing. It's been great.

Some of the key benefits: network, huge personal development in terms of becoming independent, by building a life outside of the known and safe, getting in touch with people from all different places, religions and walks of life, stumbling and picking yourself up again, being surprised about little things and learning so much about yourself and the culture you grew up in - you'll never get that from staying close to home. It's immensely valuable for the rest of your life.

Although I'm not familiar with the American system for credits , financing etc. Here are some thoughts:
1. My first summer job was working for a business contact of my parents. I first worked a summer in their local office and the summer after I spent 6 weeks in Spain. They ended up paying for rent and a small but ok salary. Do you have anyone in your network that could facilitate something like this?
2. My internship in Brazil I found through an organization called AIESEC - worth exploring if they have a local group in your home city.
3. My international network was built in large part through JCI - worth exploring if they have a local group in your home city
4. Some universities offer fixed exchanges, this is usually more cost effective.

Generally here's a remark: When people say 'It's expensive', it's probably worth investigating the actual cost. You may be surprised, and it may cost less than you expected. How much do you need exactly? Is the cost of living cheaper over there, than it is where you live? That may compensate for a bit.
Also, if you want to do it, tighten that belt and save up. It's worth it. When I moved abroad I had to have a certain amount of money in the bank to be able to go and work there. I took my calculator and made a plan. Found out what I needed, and how much I had to save per month to get there, reviewed my expenses and found so many ways to save or earn a couple of bucks extra. I achieved my financial goal in one year. Once you are motivated, so much is possible!

Good luck!
Kim
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