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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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