Welcome Back!
Now that you have studied abroad, maybe you are interested in staying involved in international activities on campus, and finding opportunities to go abroad again. Here are some resources to help you with that.
Opportunities at PSU
International Student Associations (you don't have to be international, just interested)
International Studies Major and Minor Program
IKE Certificate of International Knowledge and Experience
Be a Pitt Pal to a new International Student
Apply to be a study abroad e-bassador
Turning your Study Abroad experience into a career asset
Have you thought about how you will talk about your study abroad experience in a job interview? Potential employers want to hear what you gained from the experience, but all too often returnees can only say "It was awesome, I loved it." Employers are not impressed.
This list provides a handy reference of skills you may have developed as a direct result of your experiences abroad. Use this to spark ideas for creating a resume, preparing for an interview and reflecting upon your experiences.
Skills
Understand cultural differences and similarities
Adapt to new environments
Learn through listening and observing
Establish rapport quickly
Function with a high level of ambiguity
Take initiative and risks
Utilize time management skills
Identify problems and utilize available resources to solve the problem
Accept responsibility
Communicate despite barriers
Learn quickly
Handle difficult situations
Handle stress
Manage/organize
Lead others in formal/informal groups
Conduct research despite landguage and cultural differences
Cope with rejection
Qualities
Self-reliance
High energy level/enthusiasm
Appreciation of diversity
Perseverance
Flexibility
Open-mindedness
Assertiveness
Inquisitiveness
Self-confidence
Self-knowledge
Independence
From "Reentry Resource Packet," James L, Citron, Vija G. Mendelson
Click here for specific tips on incorporating your study abroad experience into your resume.