Why is an International Experience Important?
Possible Outcomes of an International Experience
The following list of possible student outcomes after having an international experience has been circulating among international program administrators. The original author is unknown.
Skills
- Establish rapport quickly
- Able to function when faced with a high level of ambiguity
- Can achieve goals despite obstacles
- Will take initiative despite risks
- Time management skills
- Identifying problems and utilizing available resources to solve the problems
- Willing to accept responsibility
- Able to communicate despite barriers
- Increased capacity to learn quickly
- Handling difficult situations and stress
- Management and organizational skills
- Taking leadership role in formal and informal groups
- Conducting research despite language and cultural differences
- Coping with rejection
- Adapting to new situations and environments
- Understanding an organization's culture
- Learning through listening and observing
Qualities
- Self reliance
- High level of energy and enthusiasm
- Appreciation of diversity
- Perseverance
- Flexibility
- Tolerance/open-mindedness
- Assertiveness
- Inquisitiveness
- Self-confidence, self-knowledge
- Independence