A Better You: Facts to Know About Travel Abroad

The Institute for the International Education of Students, IES Abroad, is a non-profit study abroad provider that surveyed program participants who studied abroad from 1950-1999. Over 3,400 respondents shared how studying abroad impacted their lives during and since their experiences.

Studying Abroad Made Me A Better Person
• 97% said studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity.
• 96% said studying abroad increased self-confidence.
• 95% said studying abroad has had a lasting impact on their worldview.
• 89% said studying abroad enabled them to tolerate ambiguity.
• 73% said studying abroad continues to influence decisions about family life.

Studying Abroad Made Me A Better Leader

• 98% said studying abroad helped them to better understand their own cultural biases and values.
• 94% said studying abroad continues to influence interactions with people from different cultures.
• 64% said studying abroad has influenced them to explore other cultures.

Studying Abroad Made Me A Better Student
• 87% said studying abroad influenced subsequent educational experiences.
• 64% said studying abroad influenced a decision to attend graduate school.
• 63% said studying abroad influenced a decision to expand or change academic majors.

Studying Abroad Made Me A Better Communicator
• 42% now use a language other than English on a regular basis.

Sources: “The Benefits of Study Abroad” by Dr. Mary M. Dyer and Courtney K. Peters on iesabroad.org and “Study Abroad Participation by State” by NAFSA: Association of International Educators at nafsa.org.