Hidden benefits of studying abroad
Juliana Hernandez, Contributing Writer
Studying abroad is often sold as a trip to another country, but the biggest journey happens off the map, as students discover new directions in how they think, learn and navigate life long after they return.
While most students think studying abroad is mainly about exploring new places, research shows that the experience can also help students develop skills such as confidence, independence and adaptability. These hidden benefits may influence academic or professional decisions later on. Several advantages of studying abroad are not immediately obvious, yet they contribute to a student’s overall development. This includes stronger problem-solving skills, cultural awareness, confidence in navigating unfamiliar environments and improved communication abilities.
These broader benefits become even more evident when looking at specific programs, such as the one offered at North Greenville University. The study abroad program at NGU lasts six weeks, with three weeks of travel followed by three weeks of academic coursework. This past year, a group of 10 Business and Entrepreneurship students visited Portugal, France, Switzerland and Spain. They traveled the first three weeks through France, Switzerland and Spain, and the last three weeks they were in Portugal. Although the program is for business students, anyone is welcome to do it.
The idea is to immerse students in a highly international, fast-paced environment alongside peers from many countries and many top universities worldwide. While in Portugal, specifically at the European Innovation Academy (EIA) in Porto, they joined other study-abroad participants from around the world. Students were divided into groups and tasked with developing a business idea, which they then presented to an audience of more than 300 people.
Robert Hucks, who leads the study abroad program, emphasized how international learning strengthens students beyond the typical college experience. With decades of experience in business, marketing and international entrepreneurship at NGU and Bob Jones University, Hucks said guiding students overseas is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
“I love seeing the students being immersed in new cultures and building real friendships with others in the group,” he said.
He noted that these experiences often lead to personal and academic growth that students don’t anticipate before traveling. Hucks said that one student gained unexpected confidence after missing her train and had to find an alternate way to reach her destination. She had to communicate with locals, identify new routes and adjust her schedule on the spot. Situations like this, he said, help students become more flexible and confident problem-solvers.
Kylie Sheldrake, one of the students who took part in NGU’s study abroad program, described how the experience impacted her personally. She explained that being in another country pushed her out of her comfort zone, and she faced challenges such as homesickness and learning to rely on other students as her support system.
“The friendships I formed during the trip were stronger because of the shared challenges and new experiences the group faced together,” she said. “We are all still really good friends even after returning to North Greenville.”
Sheldrake explained that these challenges not only strengthened her relationships but also helped her grow more independent and confident. She remembers one time when she was very homesick and stressed, but after talking to one of her friends, she felt calmer and realized she wasn’t alone in what she was feeling.
Beyond the travel and cultural experiences, the entrepreneurship project in Portugal also shaped many students’ academic interests and career goals. Working alongside peers from universities around the world pushed them to think creatively and take risks. Sheldrake said the process of developing a startup idea and pitching it to more than 300 people helped her realize she grew in public speaking and collaborating in high-pressure settings. Hucks said that students told him the project sparked a deeper interest in business and gave them a clearer sense of what they might want to pursue after graduation.
Hucks said that alongside growth, students often face stress while adjusting to new environments and cultures.
“Learning how to manage a high level of stress helps significantly to personal growth and level of maturity,” he said.
He added that real-world situations overseas often require students to make quick decisions and adapt when plans change. On one trip, the group had to leave a day earlier than planned, forcing students to reorganize their schedules and pack with almost no notice.
Hucks said “Students learn very quickly that the world doesn’t revolve around them. Trains and subways don’t wait for you.”
Studying abroad can also set students apart from peers who remain on campus by giving them experiences that expand their worldview in ways traditional classes cannot. Students often navigate unfamiliar transportation systems, learn social norms unique to each country and adapt to daily routines that differ from what they are used to in the United States. Hucks said many students return with a noticeably broader perspective because they’ve experienced life in places where people value time, community and culture differently. He said these firsthand experiences help students see the world with greater maturity and awareness, something that distinguishes them from classmates who have never lived outside their comfort zones.
Studying abroad can also offer professional advantages. According to CNBC, 41% of employers say they are more likely to offer a higher salary to candidates with international study experience. International Medical Aid, a nonprofit organization, reports that students who study abroad earn roughly 25% higher starting salaries than those who do not. The Institute of International Education also reports that many alumni credit their international experience with helping them secure job offers or promotions, as it signals global awareness and exposure to international work environments. Based on the starting-salary figure, Hucks said students could earn up to $800,000 more over their lifetime and may advance more quickly in corporate settings.
Sheldrake said she also noticed personal growth in her mindset as she adapted to a different culture. When she returned, she felt more mature and confident, describing it as a shift in her overall worldview. She pointed to cultural differences, such as the slower pace of life compared to the fast-paced environment in the United States. In Portugal and Spain, she said, daily two-hour lunch breaks challenged her assumptions about productivity and scheduling.
This adjustment also strengthened her communication skills.
“I grew in my public speaking and communication skills, learning to connect with people from other countries, even when they didn’t speak the same language as me,” she said.
In one coffee shop, where most people didn’t speak English, she used simple phrases, gestures and visuals to order and ask questions. She said moments like this helped her develop patience, adaptability and a stronger understanding of different cultures.
Hucks shared a few pieces of advice for students considering studying abroad. He said the first thing is to pack light, because carrying less makes travel easier and allows students to move more freely. His second piece of advice was to commit to going and find a way to make it happen, even if it feels intimidating at first.
“If you have the opportunity, take it,” he said.
Finally, he encouraged students to fully immerse themselves once they arrive.
He said “Be where you are and enjoy it. You’ll get the most out of the experience if you really lean into the culture around you.”
For many NGU students, studying abroad becomes more than a passport stamp or a break from routine. It becomes a turning point. The challenges, friendships and cultural experiences shape them in ways classroom learning alone cannot. Whether students return with new confidence, a clearer career direction or simply a broader understanding of the world, the impact of those six weeks often lasts far beyond the trip itself. And as Hucks and Sheldrake explained, the true value of studying abroad isn’t in the places students pin on a map, but in the new direction they discover within themselves.
