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Why Study Abroad

Studying abroad can have a valuable impact on students academic, personal, and professional growth. While abroad students learn a lot about themselves and what they are capable of, help them improve their academics, and may help guide their future professional goals. An global experience enhances your student’s academic career and can provide real-world experience tied to their career path. Nearly 40% of UNC College of Arts & Sciences undergraduates study abroad, and adding this type of experience offers students competitive advantages and cross-cultural competence that open up a wealth of immediate personal and long-term professional opportunities, allowing them to gain new skills and traits that employers seek in their employees, such as:

• Curiosity
• Flexibility
• Increased confidence
• Independence
• Initiative
• Interest in diversity and international issues
• Maturity
• Open-mindedness
• Self-reliance
• Willingness to step outside their comfort zone

Going abroad during their college career is one of the best times for a student to pursue such an activity. Financial aid and scholarships can make the experience affordable, they can travel with their peers and UNC faculty, they have the time to devote to the experience, and significant support from the Study Abroad Office and our partners abroad to ensure their safety.