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Why study or work abroad?
Did you know?
A third of employers view a graduate with any overseas study experience as more employable and 65% of international employers indicate that having overseas professional work experience makes graduates more employable (Council for Industry and Higher Education and i-graduate).
We believe that a year studying or working abroad as part of your degree offers an exciting experience and brings huge benefits. These are just a few of them.
An International Outlook
Business, politics, government and many other areas of employment are more international than ever. Leading companies are international and competition is global. The political arena is filled with international institutions while many areas of employment require a multicultural outlook and international collaboration.
Many employers need people with an international approach, who can negotiate the cultural diversity of the world, who understand the competitive environment and are able to identify international possibilities. These employers seek "global citizens," individuals whose experience, outlook and abilities match the dynamics of the globalised world.
The year abroad is a great opportunity to develop a global outlook and to become global citizens by enhancing your understanding of cultural difference, different ways of organising and doing things, and different ways of thinking.
A year abroad will challenge many of your assumptions and even how you think. Even countries as familiar as France and the USA are surprisingly different under the surface.
Transferable Skills
By successfully completing a year abroad you will have demonstrated an ability to rise to a challenge and thrive in an unfamiliar context. You will have proved that you are self-reliant, have determination and adaptability. You will have improved your cross cultural communication skills and you will have enhanced your writing skills through different styles of written assessments.
Above all, you will be able to demonstrate that you have the energy and confidence to do something extra and ambitious as part of your degree.
Read the Eurobarometer on what employers currently look for when recruiting graduates.
Modern Language Skills
The year abroad is a key way for students to develop skills in modern languages and many programs at Kent are available with French, German, Italian and Spanish. The University has broadened its language offering to include Portuguese, Mandarin and Japanese together with programmes and opportunities for students linked to these languages.
There is also a wide range of options to spend a year abroad studying in English, including the USA. In countries such as the Netherlands, Finland and Portugal you can combine study in English with the development of skills in a new language.
"It's so interesting to see new approaches to curriculum and teaching styles, to see the cultural and social differences and to just soak up an entirely new world. I strongly recommend it, for it will be an experience that you won’t want to end.
Support for the Year Abroad
Students are supported by the experienced and dedicated teams within Kent's International Development Office and the Student Placement Office.
You will receive expert advice from your academic schools and a warm welcome from Kent recognised partners abroad.