Education Abroad Delivers Real Career Returns
If you've studied abroad, you've probably heard it all before: "It'll change your life!" and "It's so good for your resume!" For years, those of us who have had the experience of study abroad and/or those of us working in the field of global education, we've known deep down that it was true. But now, we've got the proof.
A new study from The Forum on Education Abroad finally gives us the cold, hard data to back up what our field has been professing for as long as any of us can remember. In an age where the scrutiny of whether a college degree is worth the investment, this research confirms that study abroad doesn’t just change lives - it boosts careers too.
Among the report’s robust data, research shows that students who studied abroad earn, on average, $4,159 more in their first job after graduation. That’s a 6.3% salary boost, and it applies across grades, destinations, and program types.
This groundbreaking study, International Experience as a Career Asset, aggregates data from leading U.S. business schools and makes a strong economic case for international education. What’s more, the salary premium applies not just to “A” students, but also those with “B” and “C” averages - proving the value of study abroad isn’t limited only to students at the top of the class. No matter where students go or how long they stay, global exposure delivers a measurable return.
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Both CEA CAPA and CIS Abroad are proud to be among the Founding Supporters of the larger field-wide campaign Education Abroad: The Career Catalyst that produced this data – spearheaded by the Forum on Education Abroad - which shines a spotlight on how global experiences help students stand out in today’s workforce. Whether it’s developing intercultural skills, learning to adapt, or gaining a global mindset, the career value is clear.
Quick View: Career Impact by the Numbers
📈 $4,159: Average salary increase for students who studied abroad
🌍 6.3%: Earnings bump regardless of GPA or destination
🧳 Applies across program types: short-term, semester, and more
💼 Skills gained: adaptability, cultural agility, problem-solving, communication
The Career Catalyst campaign isn't just about getting the word out - it's about helping the field put theory into action with real-world data as support. The goal is to redefine how people see international experience and its connection to career success.
This is being accomplished by:
Empowering alumni to share their stories through op-ed workshops and other initiatives.
Providing institutions with the tools they need to highlight the value of study abroad.
Engaging directly with employers to show them the real-world benefits of hiring globally-minded talent.
At the heart of it all is a simple idea: skills like intercultural fluency, flexibility, and a global mindset aren’t just "nice-to-haves." They are crucial, strategic assets that make employees invaluable in today’s world.
Of course, challenges remain. Expanding access to study abroad, especially for students historically underrepresented in these programs, requires intentional support, funding, and inclusive program design. Countless initiatives are already working across the field to make global education more accessible, but we need to keep pushing for further improvement, as this work is never finished. But the evidence is clear: when students go global, they don’t just grow - they gain a lasting professional edge.
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Here at CEA CAPA, career readiness is at the heart of everything we do. Through our wide array of career-readiness programs and offerings - from global internships to consulting, shadowing, and research - we help students build the skills, experience, and confidence they need to succeed in today’s global workforce. We have also developed our Career Readiness Activities Toolbox, which ensures that every student onsite has access to enriching and meaningful career readiness activities, regardless of their chosen location or program type. No matter where or how students study abroad with us, they leave more career-ready, connected, and prepared for what’s next. As supporters of the Career Catalyst movement, our combined teams across CEA CAPA, CIS Abroad, and Barcelona SAE deeply believe in championing global education that opens doors, minds, and careers and are committed to advancing this important work. As the data clearly shows, education abroad isn’t just a journey - it’s a career launchpad!
To learn more about our organizational commitment to Career Readiness:
Career Readiness advice from Barcelona SAE’s Founder Rich Kurtzman in his book: Like a Fish in Water: How to Grow Abroad When You Go Abroad (Chapter 16 - “Set Yourself Apart and Land Your Dream Job”)
Explore the Forum’s full report and join the movement: