International Experience, International Skills

What are the benefits of international experience?

Whether you have studied, worked, traveled, or lived abroad, chances are you’ve begun developing intercultural competencies that are extremely valuable in today’s global economy. With that said, I often find that people have difficulty recognizing and articulating these transferable skills. Not to mention putting them to practice.

In Dr. Bruce La Brack’s web site “What’s Up With Culture?” you will find an extensive list of “Seventy-Five Positive Long-Term Outcomes from an International Experience,” categorized by the following:

1. Intercultural/Communication Skills, including a list of “Transferable Intercultural Skills useful in the workplace and often sought by employers”
2. Enhanced Worldview Understanding
3. Personal Capabilities
4. Increased Understanding of Own Culture

Also included are examples of how to translate these competencies into resume language.

By identifying and articulating these competencies, you will not only increase your marketability to future employers, but you will also consciously expand your learnings during future travels and intercultural exchanges. In other words, you will be more attuned to the importance of identifying and understanding culture-specific nuances that will help build bridges across cultural boundaries.

Check out the following article called “Doing Business in China”—What great value it would be to know and apply these tips when conducting business with Chinese clients and partners. This past year, I had the opportunity to spend one month in Shanghai and visit with community leaders and business professionals throughout the city. As I learned more about local values and customs, I was amazed as to how much more meaningful my exchanges became and how much more effective I was at establishing relationships. What’s even more exciting is that I still have much more to learn! Believe me: It’s worth the time and worth the intention, both professionally and personally. And in order to keep up with today’s world of work, it’s absolutely necessary.