Graduate school, or grad school for short, is a higher education institution specialising in postgraduate degrees – most commonly master’s or doctorate programs. Grad programs can be notoriously difficult to get into, and students applying for a position may need something special on their academic record to give them that competitive edge.
While studying abroad can seem daunting or even like a far-fetched idea, undertaking an education overseas can be just the thing to help bolster your grad school application. From gaining global skills to promoting social development, we break down all the reasons why and how studying abroad can help you get into grad programs in the US.
What is studying abroad?
Studying abroad involves undertaking study at an overseas university. Unlike an exchange program, study abroad student commonly have to pay fees to the overseas university, rather than to their home university. The one or two semesters you study abroad are on a not-for-degree basis, meaning you will need to check whether you can have the units/courses you undertake credited to your degree back home. Even if you can’t get those courses credited, studying abroad is still an incredible way to expand your cultural knowledge and stand out from fellow students with your unique experiences.
You can read in more detail about studying abroad, and the difference between exchange students and international students, here.
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How can studying abroad help me get into American grad schools?
Studying away from your home country comes with a range of benefits. Not only can you experience a new culture and the enrichment of living in a foreign country, but you can also meet new people and develop your language skills.
Studying in Australia also has its own unique advantages – from the gorgeous weather, beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife, to the multicultural campuses and an education system that offers strong links to industry and employability.
Here’s how studying abroad can help you get into American grad schools.
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You develop global skills
Jane Grono, Manager of Global Student Mobility at Curtin University, says you can develop a range of global skills when studying abroad. These include intercultural awareness and understanding, tolerance, the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, open-mindedness and global engagement.
Depending on the grad program you’re applying to, schools will not only look at your academic record, but will seek to learn more about you – often via a personal statement or essay. This can include what you’re like as a person, your professional achievements, or any extracurricular activities you’ve undertaken. Studying abroad and the global skills gained while overseas allows you to craft an admissions essay that truly stands out.
It can give you an academic edge
From an academic point of view, studying abroad can give you an edge. Jane explains that if a student were applying for graduate law school, they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to study any law units in a standard US bachelor degree, which is quite broad.
“In the Go Greater program, students can take some undergraduate law units and be able to enhance their written application, personal statement and interview with that background knowledge that other candidates may not have,” Jane says.
But a study abroad program like Curtin University’s Go Greater is targeted towards US bachelor’s degree students in their third or final year. Students select units that provide an introduction to their chosen discipline for future master’s study. This gives students the opportunity to study more in-depth units at an undergraduate level. Its purpose is to provide students with an immersive academic experience in order to accelerate future studies and careers, which they can use to their advantage when applying for grad schools back home.
It promotes personal and social development
Studying abroad can also build attributes such as independence, self-awareness, adaptability, resilience, self-confidence and interpersonal skills.
The Go Greater program, for example, includes an Indigenous study unit, a career design unit and additional options such as social activities and opportunities to develop your leadership skills by undertaking volunteering and service learning.
In addition to a written grad school application, there is usually an accompanying interview. Studying abroad means you not only have a resume and application that stand out, but, during the interview phase, you can also showcase your stellar social skills.
It can enhance your employability
Jane adds that completing studies overseas can enhance your employability when pursuing a career further down the track.
“[Studying abroad allows students to] build a resume and gain a competitive edge, establish international networks, gain a global perspective on their discipline, learn a language, improve teamwork and leadership skills,” she says.
