Career Preparation. Martin Tillman of Johns Hopkins University's writes, "In a ever more globalized economy, educators need to assist students in building a sophisticated 'toolkit' to market the value of their varied portfolio of international experiences to employers." Employers look for skills like intercultural sensitivity, adaptation to new surroundings and ability to deal with ambiguity - skills that can be gained from study abroad and other international programs.
Personal Growth. Research has connected postive impacts between the study abroad experience and positive personality development. An IES study found that 97% of respondents said study abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity; 96% reported increased self-confidence; and 73% said study abroad continues to influence the decisions they make in their family life.