Studying abroad during college is an opportunity that many students overlook, often due to misconceptions about the experience. Some believe it’s too expensive, irrelevant to their career, or just a way to have fun. However, at Amherst College, studying abroad offers a unique chance to gain skills that make you stand out professionally while also fostering personal growth. With the right support from the college, including financial aid, there’s no reason to pass up this amazing opportunity.
Standing Out to Employers
One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad is how it enhances your resume. In fact, 90% of employers believe that students who study abroad acquire skills that are highly desirable in the workforce. These include cross-cultural communication, adaptability, time management, and crisis management. In an increasingly global job market, these competencies are critical, and students with international experience bring valuable perspectives that employers seek.
Employers are particularly interested in candidates who have taken that step to live and learn in a different cultural context, as it shows you can adapt to new challenges and environments—something not every college graduate can claim. At many schools, studying abroad is rare, but at Amherst, it’s a supported and encouraged path that can set you apart in job applications.
Personal Growth and Independence
Studying abroad is more than just a professional advantage; it’s also a time of immense personal growth. Many Amherst students find that studying abroad teaches them to be comfortable with being uncomfortable—a feeling that helps them both in life and in their careers. You’ll learn how to navigate new cities, cultures, and languages, all while being away from the familiar routines of college life in the U.S. This kind of independence fosters maturity and self-reliance, qualities that translate well into both your professional and personal life.
Beyond language skills, studying abroad helps you develop cross-cultural communication abilities. You’ll engage with people who come from entirely different backgrounds and perspectives, learning how to communicate across these divides—a critical skill in today’s interconnected world. Moreover, managing your time and balancing academic responsibilities while in a new country teaches you to handle stress and crises in a composed, effective way.
Staying on Track Academically
A common concern for Amherst students is whether studying abroad will set them back academically. The truth is, studying abroad doesn’t have to slow down your progress. In fact, Amherst students are required to take a full course load while abroad, ensuring that you stay on track for graduation. You’ll work closely with your academic advisors to select courses that align with your major and meet graduation requirements.
Even student-athletes manage to study abroad without falling behind, thanks to the college’s flexible support system. Coaches are open to working with athletes to make sure their academic and athletic commitments are met, so the opportunity to study abroad is accessible to everyone, regardless of extracurricular obligations.
Financial Aid Makes It Affordable
One of the biggest misconceptions about studying abroad is that it’s too expensive. At Amherst, the college works hard to make studying abroad financially feasible for all students. The homeschool policy allows students to pay Amherst’s tuition while abroad and pay the program for only room and board, and financial aid is fully transferable. This means that if you’re on financial aid at Amherst, you can apply that aid to your study abroad program.
Studying abroad may actually be more cost-effective than many think. Living expenses in some countries are often lower than what you would spend on campus, and Amherst’s financial aid office is committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier. By removing this financial burden, Amherst opens the door for all students to gain the experience of living and studying in a foreign country.
Easy Application Process
Another concern that students may have is the application process. But Amherst’s Global Education Office (GEO) makes studying abroad easy. With dedicated advisors to guide you through the process, from program selection to academic planning, it’s as simple as a conversation. You’ll only need to apply to two or three programs, and students usually get accepted into their first choice. The GEO provides all the support you need to handle logistics, so you can focus on preparing for an exciting adventure.
Why You Should Study Abroad Now
For Amherst students, studying abroad is an incredible opportunity that extends far beyond academics. It’s an investment in your career and your personal development. Whether you’re looking to gain skills that set you apart in a competitive job market, explore a new academic field, or simply grow as an individual, studying abroad offers a wealth of benefits. And it may never be easier to travel and live abroad than it is while you’re in college, with the support of advisors and financial aid.
So why wait? With the opportunity to learn, grow, and enhance your resume in ways that few other experiences can offer, studying abroad is a choice that can shape your future for the better. Take advantage of this amazing chance to explore the world while still benefiting from Amherst College’s academic and financial resources. Go study abroad now, and discover how it can open up both your life and your career.
