Building Global Life Skills: Value Added from Study Abroad

At High Point University, our emphasis on global perspectives is designed to provide students with opportunities to enhance their international awareness, to deepen their intercultural sensitivity, and to develop their intercultural competencies and cross-cultural communication skills. Studying abroad is strongly encouraged as a part of this emphasis on global studies. With a variety of extraordinary options at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, students at High Point University are encouraged to study abroad as early as the summer after their freshman year.

Employers are looking for more than just a degree; they want well-rounded individuals who have familiarity with diverse cultures, special skills, and knowledge of the world around them.

To gain a competitive edge in our global community, it is essential to gain understanding and expertise through first-hand experiences. Some of the benefits of studying abroad include:

Personal Growth

• Get outside your comfort zone and see a different perspective
• Become immersed in a different culture and develop observation, processing, and adaptation skills
• Gain independence & self-confidence
• Learn to navigate complex situations
• Develop your intercultural competencies
• Enhance your time-management, budgeting, and independent travel abilities

Academic Insights

• Diversify HPU’s curriculum
• Broaden class discussions
• Navigate unfamiliar systems
• Satisfy degree requirements, completing courses toward your major, minor, or core requirements
• Improve language proficiency
• Undergo service-learning, internship, and research opportunities
• Studying abroad often solidifies students’ career goals and interests

Professional Development

• Network globally as you build relationships with classmates, faculty, and others from around the world
• Complete an internship for academic credit and gain valuable international work experience
• Develop intercultural sensitivity, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Be more competitive through transferable skills such as cross-cultural communication and team-work
• Boost your résumé and develop personally and professionally through service learning and volunteer opportunities
• Have specific experiences to talk about on your cover letter and in interviews
• Set yourself apart: Less than 2% of US college students study abroad before they graduate

And that is just the beginning. As you can see, participating in authentic, immersive experiences in varying cultures really can help build global life skills, setting students apart to be a well-rounded leader in our diverse, global marketplace.