DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS

DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS

During your year abroad you will naturally develop both personally and professionally, whether you are studying or working in a foreign country. The transferable skills you gain whilst abroad can be used in any career path and make you more employable. Whilst you will gain several skills in your daily life there are many ways you can enhance and build on these.

Socialise

• Whilst it may be tempting to skype home after a hard day at work or chat to you English flatmates in halls, it is important that you meet new people from different backgrounds and cultures during your Residency Abroad. Socialising with new people improves your communication and interpersonal skills, plus if they do not speak English you can improve your language skills. To meet people with similar interests join local clubs or societies at your new university.

Travel

• Take advantage of being in a foreign country and explore it’s cities and neighbouring countries! Travelling opens your eyes to different cultures & societies and increases your adaptability, self-management, organisation & planning and social skills. Moreover, you become more globally aware – a skill which is becoming more desirable amongst employers as a result of globalisation.

Volunteer

• Volunteering during your Residency Abroad can be a great way to meet new people, contribute to a good cause and enhance your transferable skills.

Find a Part Time Job

• Students who attend university during their Residency Abroad or work as a British Council Language Assistant may wish to find a part time job to gain more experience and a different skill set whilst abroad. This is a great way to earn some money, meet more people and gain some valuable experience. Find more information about part time work abroad here.

Consider an Internship

• If you are spending a whole year abroad it is most likely that your work or study placement will come to an end at the beginning of the summer. If this is the case, and you don’t need to return home immediately, consider finding an internship abroad for the summer. This can be especially useful to students who have spent their Residency Abroad studying as the skills you gain in a work placement vary to those in education. Moreover, an internship can give you real life experience in your chosen career/sector which will prove invaluable when applying for jobs.