Benefits of Global Learning Abroad

"The technical electives were unique, especially a course learning about water effluent processing. There was also a field trip to a refinery, which is not offered at UCalgary."

1. Take unique classes not on offer at UCalgary
2. Earn credits towards your major/minor/options
3. Have a diverse education and benefit from various styles of instruction
4. Reignite your passion for learning and get hands-on educational experiences like our academic research programs abroad
5. You can also supplement your learning with some of our hybrid learning & internship opportunities. 
6. Study in a global hub for your field - many of our programs and partners offer top-ranked instruction in a variety of fields. 
7. Network into or research Masters programs abroad
8. 90% of study abroad alumni got in to their 1st or 2nd choice grad school. Source 
9. Improve your GPA - study abroad alumni saw their GPA increase twice as quickly as a result of studying abroad vs their peers. Source
10. Increase the depth or spread of academic connections across the University of Calgary campus with various advisors across campus, fellow study abroad alumni, and/or (for Group Study Programs) program instructors.
11. Combine study time with the opportunity to travel - combined costs are reduced versus doing both independently of each other. 

1. Visit and/or live in a different country and have a base from which to travel.
2. Make international friends - great for future trips, building a professional network, and learn about other places around the world, etc.
3. Offers greater opportunity to develop your communication skills and/or language skills.
4. Become more independent, and challenge yourself. This can give you greater ability to see the world from various perspectives.
5. Learn how to budget effectively
6. Gain unique experiences that other students may not have
7. 95% said that their experience had a lasting impact on their perception of the world, and it improved students connection with their international community and sense of identity outside of their home nation. Source
8. 97% of alumni report that their experience stimulated increased maturity and awareness, 96% reported higher self-confidence, and 89% reported greater tolerance for ambiguity. Source
9. Make a difference in the world, your campus, and your community. Some of our past alumni were inspired by their studies abroad to bring about change here in Calgary: here's one example.

"My perspective on bilingualism and how it affects social relations is different, now that I'm so close to being able to call myself bilingual. And my perspective on myself has changed, too, probably more than anything else – which in a way is, I think, the real point of studying abroad!"

"My perspective on bilingualism and how it affects social relations is different, now that I'm so close to being able to call myself bilingual. And my perspective on myself has changed, too, probably more than anything else – which in a way is, I think, the real point of studying abroad!"

1. Incorporate your study abroad experience into your resume and interview
2. 7 in 10 students found that their studies abroad influenced their career choices. Source
3. Earn more than your peers! Study Abroad alumni earn on average 25% higher starting salaries. Source
4. Build an international professional network
5. Be prepared for an international workplace
6. Beat a recession - study abroad alumni have 19% lower unemployment rates than their peers
7. Get free access to numerous international job banks and resources
8. Enhance your career success - 97% of study abroad alums found work within the first 12 months of graduating, while only 49% of their peers did. It also increases your starting salary potential by 25% (out-earning peers by 17%). Source
9. Participate in Peer Mentorship opportunities at the UCalgary International office or mentor international students through International Student Services Mentorship program - all can be used on a resume or to build connections for references.
10. The ALIS (Alberta Learning Information Services) page details even more ways studying abroad can impact you professionally and personally.