5 Resume Boosters Hidden in your Study Abroad Photos

You took a ton of pictures while you were abroad, right? But did you really “take it in”? Believe it or not, your photos captured way more than smiling faces and National Geographic-worthy landscapes. Those images are documented proof of the professional skills and personal maturation you developed while you were out seeing the world. Add some extra leverage to your resume by looking beyond the stunning architecture and sunsets and see how your study abroad photos are actually framing your professional persona. What you see isn’t even half of what you get.

“Five Nations travel as one” Photo by: Melody R, Macquarie University in Australia

1. What you see: Passports galore. Someone’s going on an adventure with her friends from around the world!

What you get: A professional network of culturally-aware peers just waiting to collaborate on global business or service ventures.

“In this landscape, it is hard to feel important.” Photo by Jennifer K, University of Western Sydney, Australia

2. What you see: A beautiful sunny day spent hiking in the Australian mountain ranges.

What you get: Humbleness. Surrounding yourself with people from different cultures and being completely engrossed in Mother Nature’s international splendors will make you feel small. In a good way.

“In the West, we think we need wealth and fortune to be happy, and we think that everyone in the world needs to learn from us. We are quick to impose our views on others throughout the world, without stepping back and seeing what really matters in life.” Photo by Alex D, Thammasat University, Thailand

3. What you see: Making friends with elephants and locals in Thailand.

What you get: Awareness. Visiting new-to-you locations can change your perspective not only on your own life, but on the lives of others.

“At first, the incredibly low temperature shocked me. It seemed that the severe weather condition might be a problem, but it turned out to be an unnecessary worry. Everyone got used to the weather and began to enjoy the long-lasting winter.” Hayoung P, Iowa State University, USA

4. What you see: Friends hangin’ out in the snow on campus.

What you get: Tolerance. The climate, culture, or traditions of your host country may make you feel like a fish out of water at first, but once you start truly living like a local you will build a tolerance and appreciation to the unfamiliar.

Getting from point A to point B isn’t always easy. With the help of a local Ghanaian, Quencina G (University of Ghana) rides a motorcycle to reach her final destination

5. What you see: A fun motorcycle ride through Western Africa.

What you get: Adaptability. Sometimes plans don’t always go as planned. When that happens 4,000 miles from home you learn to deal. You learn to explore your resources, and make the best of any situation.

For more tips on how to translate your study abroad experience into resume gold, read-up on “Getting a Job After Study Abroad.”

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