Mihaylo students at the Great Wall of China in 2015. They visited Tianjin, Shanghai and Beijing during their tour of the world’s second-largest economy.
Looking to expand your résumé this summer? Consider exploring the world through CSU Fullerton’s study abroad opportunities, which provide a firsthand look at dynamic economies and developing markets.
In today’s interconnected world, experiencing the global economy firsthand can give you a major leg up on academic and professional development. Here’s five reasons you should consider studying abroad this year.
- Study abroad improves your employment prospects.
According to IESAbroad, 97% of college students who studied abroad found employment within one year of graduation, compared with 49% of graduating students generally. “There is no profession in 2016 and beyond that doesn’t have an international component,” says Jack Hobson, director of CSU Fullerton’s Study Abroad programs. “Graduating students are entering one of the most complex and competitive work environments that the U.S. has seen in many decades. They must find ways to quickly set themselves apart from the many other applicants for professional positions as well as graduate school admission. Study abroad is one of the ways students can demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile, place themselves in unfamiliar environments and explore who they really are.”
- Develop a truly global understanding of today’s economy by studying abroad
The U.S. may still be the world’s leading economy, but it is home to only 5% of the world’s people and less than one-fourth of the gross world product. Economic powerhouses in East Asia and Latin America, emerging markets in Africa and the Middle East and developed economies in Europe are all major players in the world economy and important markets for U.S. companies and industries.
- Study abroad complements your academic studies
Learn a foreign language, witness international business firsthand or gain a better understanding of the consequences of decisions you’ve learned about in your history or political science general education courses by visiting foreign cities and landmarks.
Mihaylo students in Munich, Germany, in 2015. The students learned about European economics and culture from the perspective of the continent’s largest economy.
- Study abroad is a safe and economical way to travel the world
Financial aid can transfer to study abroad programs; scholarships are available, and there are destinations to fit every budget. Many semester-long opportunities are comparable to the Cal State on-campus tuition. Traveling in a group is safer than independent travel, and many nations actually have much lower crime rates than we are used to here in the U.S.
- Study abroad makes you a better global citizen
“Decision-makers in the American professional and political realms regularly make choices that impact millions of people at home and abroad,” Hobson says. “To effectively participate as a global citizen in this increasingly small world, students must be equipped with personal experiences of engaging in the unfamiliar and having their status quo challenged in new ways.”
Mihaylo and Cal State Fullerton study abroad opportunities
Among the study abroad programs specifically designed for Mihaylo business students offered this summer are the Business Europe Study Tours (BEST) and the Business Study in China. These three-week programs give students the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and economies in a structured environment lead by Mihaylo faculty. New programs, offered as part of undergraduate courses, are planned for this summer in Mexico and South America. For more information on these opportunities, visit the Center for International Business online or at SGMH 3357A. The center will also host several upcoming study abroad information sessions, including events on Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. at LH 306, Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at MH 287 and 10 a.m. on Feb. 24 at MH 465.
Graduate students have the opportunity to explore economies in East Asia and Europe through career-focused seminars with local business leaders. For more information on these programs, visit Mihaylo MBA and Graduate Programs online or at SGMH 4210.
Students interested in long-term study abroad opportunities might consider the many Cal State international programs, exchange programs and even non-CSU Fullerton programs that provide personal enrichment and academic credit. A study abroad fair with information on university programs, including financial assistance, will be held at the Central Quad on Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit the CSUF Study Abroad Office online or at UH 244.
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