INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AS A CAREER ASSET
International Experience as a Career Asset
A new multi-school study finds that undergraduates who study abroad earn higher starting salaries, with benefits visible across GPA levels and program types.
At-a-Glance
- $4,159 – Average higher starting salary for study abroad alumni
- +6.3% – Earnings differential vs. peers who did not study abroad
Source: 7,487 – Alumni analyzed (Class of 2021–2025) by The Forum on Education Abroad (2025), multi-institution analysis of undergraduate business alumni outcomes.
Key Findings
- Higher starting pay -- Alumni who studied abroad reported an average starting salary of $70,224 vs. $65,986 for non-participants.
- Benefits across GPAs -- The salary edge shows up even for students in the B and C ranges, not just straight-A students.
- Consistent year after year -- The higher-earnings pattern holds across graduating classes 2021–2024.
- No delay to first job -- Time to first employment is essentially the same: 79 days (study abroad) vs. 81 days (non-participants).
- All kinds of programs pay off -- Positive outcomes are observed across program formats (exchange, faculty-led, internships, multi-site, etc.), durations (short-term to semester), and world regions.
Why Employers Value Global Experience
- Education abroad helps students develop the skills employers consistently rank as essential: critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and teamwork. These are the capabilities that show up in interviews—and in starting-salary offers.
- Stand out with real-world international experience.
- Demonstrate resilience and cultural agility.
- Translate classroom learning into global business results.
What This Means for Students & Families
- Study abroad is a smart investment with measurable early-career returns.
There’s no single “perfect” program—choose the option that fits your goals, schedule, and budget. - Prepare to articulate the skills you built and how they connect to the jobs you want.
Evidence from the Report
The Forum on Education Abroad’s 2025 report shows that:
- Higher average starting salaries for study abroad alumni appear across class years 2021–2024.
- The advantage is visible across GPA bands, program regions, durations, and formats.
FAQ
Does study abroad only help straight-A students?
No. The salary advantage is visible even among students with B and C GPAs.
Will studying abroad delay my job search?
No. The study found no significant difference in time to first job (79 vs. 81 days).
Which programs have the best ROI?
Positive outcomes appear across formats, lengths, and locations. Focus on the program that fits you best and maximize the learning.
Ready to Go Global?
Explore our current education-abroad options and talk with an advisor about scholarships, internships, and programs that fit your major and timeline.
