Enlarge image
Do I have to go abroad and if so, what is the best way to organize my stay?
(icon picture)
Photo: We Are/Getty Images
Recently, as an entrepreneur, I was a guest in an exchange format with students.
A business informatics student asked me if he should go abroad again, he felt it was important.
What I only found out later: He had already completed five stays abroad during his studies!
It should be clear that five stays abroad are sufficient.
But what does a stay abroad actually stand for in your CV – and how do I design it so that it also makes sense from a professional perspective?
Why go abroad at all?
Both as an employer and personally, I think that a semester abroad can be worthwhile.
The experience of having to integrate yourself abroad also helps enormously after you return.
A successful semester abroad sends a signal to potential employers: I am able to find my way around new environments quickly and easily.
Those who integrate well abroad will also be able to fit better into the team in a new company.
In addition, employers appreciate it when employees have experience that is not necessarily standard and can then bring this later into their professional lives.
Whether this later means supporting a company expansion abroad or organizing a welcome program for international customers - experience abroad can be used in a wide variety of ways.
In order for this to really succeed, the time abroad should not just be understood as a party break.
Of course, the fun should not be neglected.
But to benefit personally and CV-wise, there are a few things to keep in mind before and while studying abroad.
Choose a city or a university that really interests me
Simply going somewhere to have been abroad makes little sense.
Choosing the destination country based on prestige is also nonsense – six months in China is no more impressive than six months in France.
Instead, genuine interest should be in the foreground.
Those who are honestly interested in their surroundings are more likely to learn the language and deal with the cultural characteristics of the respective country.
Deal with the land in advance
Towards the end of my studies I spent a few weeks in China.
I had already studied the Chinese language and culture for several years - and yet I experienced a real culture shock.
Because I had hardly dealt with the current political and social situation in the country beforehand.
I gritted my teeth and stayed, but it wasn't easy.
It doesn't have to be that bad.
But culture shock can drag even hardened students home earlier than originally planned.
And that would be a shame, both for valuable experience and for the necessary proof of learning.
more on the subject
Reverse Culture Shock: When Home Is Suddenly ForeignBy Benjamin Ansari
Keep away from other exchange students
Spending time only with other guest students or even exclusively with Germans hinders integration.
When I was studying in France for a year and a half, I looked for a choir.
We didn't sing very well.
But the choir members took me under their wing and gave me a glimpse into real French life – I learned a lot about food, wine, music and politics.
When I later had to deal with French people professionally, this knowledge was very useful to me: for example, it was clear to me that even a professional lunch with them would never be done in half an hour.
Keep an eye on the standard study period
In most cases, the home university does not recognize all courses from abroad.
The earlier exchange students deal with the curriculum abroad, the better they can adapt their study plans.
It is best to conclude learning agreements at an early stage and plan as many subjects as possible that can be recognized for the time of the semester abroad.
Ideally, the standard period of study is not extended by the stay abroad - that makes an even better impression on your CV.
Those who heed these tips will come home with new experiences and knowledge.
Some things, such as the language, might be used professionally.
Other things, such as new friendships or recipes, are above all personally enriching.
The same applies to stays abroad: quality over quantity.
I don't have to have traveled to five different countries.
It is quite sufficient if I have made contacts in a country and got to know the language and culture.
