Understanding the Early Career Benefits of Learning Abroad Programs

Abstract

European and U.S. institutions have promoted the value of a learning abroad experience for many years. As Australian higher education institutions have adopted policies and strategies to increase participation in learning abroad, with employability as a central argument, it is important to study this claim. This article examines the links between a learning abroad experience and early career benefits for recent graduates from Australian higher education, with an exploratory consideration of various conditions that may promote working for an international organization. Participation in multiple learning abroad programs emerged as an important variable. Participants reported a high level of benefit from their learning abroad experience in relation to the early stages of their career. Although employability skills such as interpersonal and communication skills, teamwork skills, and problem solving and analytical skills were rated as the greatest perceived benefits, career-related benefits such as future career prospects and increased motivation and passion for their chosen career direction were also identified. Although the study is set within the Australian higher education and graduate employment context, it contributes to the growing body of literature on the value of learning abroad to participants, educational institutions, employers, and society in general.