A national report finds measurable earnings gains and strong employer demand for graduates with global experience.
A new US report has reaffirmed the career value of study abroad, finding that international experience delivers clear and measurable benefits in today’s job market. Research from the Forum on Education Abroad and Lightcast shows that study abroad alumni contribute an estimated USD 1.8 billion in added income to the U.S. economy and support more than 17,000 jobs. The findings come as universities advocate for broader access to global learning opportunities.
The study highlights rising employer demand for globally skilled graduates, with 96 percent of US businesses reporting stronger performance when employees bring international experience. Alumni are also signalling this value more openly: graduates from the 2010s list study abroad four times more often than those from the 1990s.
Career impact is evident early. By the three-year mark, students who studied abroad earn an average of USD 1,000 more than peers who did not. The research also shows that these students match their academic majors with related career paths, indicating that global exposure strengthens rather than diverts professional growth.
While participation reached nearly 300,000 students in 2023-24, cost pressures continue to limit access. Researchers stress that expanding funding and strengthening inclusion efforts will be essential to ensure more students can participate in study abroad and benefit from its long-term career impact.
[Source: The Pie News]
