Why Business Students Should Study Abroad

We often hear about the importance of pursuing higher education after college and getting those qualifications under our belt. But what about studying abroad? It’s a completely different ball game compared to the conventional study experience and one that reaps so many rewards.

For business students, the reasons to study abroad are compelling. It’s just one of those moves that makes sense.

If you’ve recently been asking yourself the question, “Why study business abroad?” then read on because this is the post for you. Read this extensively researched and thoroughly written article (yes, we’re blowing our own trumpet) and you’ll soon see why a business study abroad is the right decision for you.

15 benefits of studying abroad as a business student

Now, although this is a nod to the business students, don’t think that all of this is exclusive. Some students of other disciplines will find a couple of these reasons relatable, too. So without further ado, let’s dive into 15 reasons why anyone pursuing a business major should study abroad:

1. Gain valuable cultural exposure

If you’re ready to kick-start your business career, it’s time to see what studying abroad can do for you.

With travel comes cultural exposure, which increases tenfold when you’re living in the country too. Studying business abroad will make you a more rounded, mindful individual—all respectable qualities in the world of business. With so many places to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice.

2. Experience transformative personal growth

Moving away from your hometown is a whole new challenge, but with that comes growth. Now imagine doing the same, but moving to an entirely different country. It’s a whole other ball game!

Business study abroad programs will make you more independent, more adaptable, and more resilient. All of these traits will give you an edge in your business ventures.

3. Build a global network

Networking is a huge reason why business students should study abroad. In business, contacts are key. Studying abroad will give you the chance to build connections globally. That’s one hell of a flex!

It could be with fellow international students, local entrepreneurs, or lecturers. Either way, the outcome is pretty much the same: you’re opening yourself up to global opportunities.

4. Develop language skills

Reasons to study business abroad aren’t just limited to furthering your knowledge in business. If you’re moving abroad, then it makes sense to learn the language. Even just a few basic sentences can help you out.

Speaking another language is invaluable in all walks of life, and the same goes for business. A basic grasp of another language can go a long way. Your language skills can help you increase sales, get more clients, or design a marketing campaign that reaches more people.

Learn which languages matter: 15 Best Languages to Learn for Business

5. Gain international business insights

Studying abroad will give you insight into trends and perspectives in another market.

Different countries have different business frameworks. Additionally, some of the trends that you see in your home country may not be prevalent elsewhere.

Studying business abroad will give you a chance to soak up all of this. Knowledge of your country’s framework is one thing, but knowledge of another takes you to a whole other level.

6. Learn cross-cultural communication skills

You’ll notice it when you’re traveling, and we’re not just talking about a difference in accents. There’s a real difference in how people communicate, from the directness of German to the tentativeness of Japanese (generally speaking).

Describing cross-cultural communication skills as useful is an understatement, and it’s another reason why studying business abroad will give you a head start.

7. Experience diverse education systems

Different countries have different styles and methods of teaching. Different subjects may be prioritized, and the structure of exams will vary, too.

For you, that means broadening your experience, which will look great on your resume. Additionally, knowing what kind of academic environment best suits your needs is beneficial.

8. Access international internships

Studying business in another country means that you’ll have access to exclusive international internships and programs. This is an opportunity that you won’t get while studying in your own country.

The ceaseless opportunities that come with moving abroad are why prospective business students should study abroad.

9. Enhance problem-solving skills

Living abroad requires a lot of thinking and problem-solving. You’ll find yourself in situations that you’ve never encountered, which means you’re forced to use those parts of the brain that usually gather dust.

Training the problem-solving side of your brain is a handy warm-up for when you take the plunge into your career. Think of it like stretching before you go for a run.

10. Build global business credentials

It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and no industry shows this more clearly than business. It’s all about finding your place in the market and being the company to deliver. So why not give yourself a head start and study abroad?

In a job interview, you’ll be able to demonstrate to a future employer that you’ve been exposed to a global perspective. If this doesn’t spur you when asking, “Why study business abroad?” then we don’t know what will.

11. Learn the foreign market up close

Why study business abroad? Because you can’t beat living in a place if you want to really learn about it!

Studying business abroad will give you an insight into international markets—a huge plus given that so many are on the rise. This insight is a compelling reason why business students should consider studying abroad.

Just take a look at Huawei in China, Samsung in South Korea, or Nestlé in Switzerland. Whichever country you choose to study in, you’re guaranteed to get exposure to a new foreign market.

12. Enjoy travel opportunities

With all that hard work, you’ll need to make time to unwind, and what’s more perfect than traveling on your days off from studying? Explore all that your surrogate country has to offer!

If you’re based in a major city in Europe, then you’ll also be a convenient flight or bus ride away from other neighboring countries. The same goes for many other places around the world. What better reason not to study business abroad?

13. Embark on a memorable adventure

Studying abroad isn’t just about learning. Deciding to go to college is an adventure in itself. Packing your bags, moving away from home for the first time, and meeting people from every pocket of the world is a memorable experience.

Studying abroad brings a whole new definition to “adventure.” When your time is up, you’ll find yourself returning home with dozens of stories to share.

14. Gain exposure to other opinions

Living abroad isn’t just about experiencing a new culture. Intercultural learning introduces you to a new mindset and a different set of values.

If you’re receptive enough, then you could end up with a blend of the very best that different cultures have to offer. That’s great for anyone but particularly useful for business students who are thinking about why they should study business abroad.

15. Understand global social norms

Studying abroad as a business student will launch your career.

Similar to cross-cultural communication, your time abroad will enhance your cultural awareness and introduce you to the distinct social nuances between countries.

Take these examples: In Hong Kong, it’s rude to start eating at a meeting before the host does; in India, business cards should be taken with two hands and never put in your trouser pocket; and when dining in Taiwan, it’s polite to leave some rice in your bowl.

The ability to understand and navigate social norms is a vital skill if you’re working with clients and partners from different nations.

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 business study abroad programs—it’s free!

3 business study abroad programs to get you started

You’ve got so many reasons to study business abroad, but where to start with finding somewhere to make this daydream a reality? We’ve got you covered and narrowed down a long list of business study options:

1. Study Business & Economics in Amsterdam

Studying business in Amsterdam offers numerous benefits. The city is a hub, and its handy EU membership will expose you to the trading dynamics of other countries, such as Germany, France, and Belgium.

Plus, you’ll connect with other IES students and have the chance to take day trips to other Dutch cities.

2. Take an Intl. Business & Humanities Semester at UAB

Studying business at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is the perfect option for anyone seeking a vibrant international environment. It’s a place for expanding your global perspective and exposure to business frameworks of other countries.

While you’re here, take a Spanish language class and learn a handy skill for your career ventures.

3. Experience Business + Culture in Toulouse, France

This program offers the opportunity to study at two esteemed institutions, the Toulouse Business School and the Institut Catholique de Toulouse, in addition to classes at CIEE Toulouse.

The program includes co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE. You’ll also have the chance to brush up on your French.

Sign up for a FREE MyGoAbroad account to save and compare programs side-by-side

Why should business students study abroad? It’s obvious!

Broadening business knowledge, making personal and professional connections with people all over the world, the adventure of living in a foreign country, and a huge resume flex—you’ve really got everything to gain and nothing to lose by studying business abroad. Consider this as your sign to take the next step and start with your applications.