According to UNESCO, more than 6.9 million students worldwide pursued part of their education outside their home country in 2025, a figure that signals a new stage in global education. This growth reflects one of the most significant changes in the labor market over the past decade: internationalization. As a result, employers increasingly value profiles that can operate in global environments and collaborate effectively with multicultural teams. Studying abroad exposes students to these realities even before they begin their professional careers. These experiences help build decision-making skills, effective communication, and the ability to handle complex situations that require a higher level of independence. However, the benefits extend beyond professional development. Throughout this guide, we explore additional advantages of international mobility.

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What international mobility means today

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International mobility is no longer limited to the traditional one-semester exchange program. It now includes full academic programs, short-term study periods, professional internships, research projects, and hybrid formats that combine in-person learning with digital components. This evolution has made international experiences accessible to a wider range of student profiles, allowing them to study abroad without significantly disrupting their academic planning.

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Academic benefits of studying abroad

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From an academic perspective, international experience offers clear added value. Studying in another country provides exposure to different teaching methods and academic approaches that strengthen subject-specific skills. Contact with alternative education systems also encourages deeper critical thinking within a student’s field of study.

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In addition, working in another language within academic settings reinforces learning in a practical and lasting way. Participating in classes, group projects, and discussions in a second language helps consolidate language proficiency far more effectively than local classroom environments alone.

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Personal development and transferable skills

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Living in another country requires adapting to different cultural norms, managing unfamiliar situations, and operating with greater independence from the outset. Over the course of the stay, students learn how to interpret new contexts, communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, and respond to situations that do not always have immediate solutions. Over time, these experiences encourage a more open attitude toward change.

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This process also supports personal maturity by requiring students to make decisions in unfamiliar environments. Managing academic responsibilities, building a social life, and dealing with unexpected challenges without direct support fosters greater self-confidence. For this reason, the skills gained during an international experience extend well beyond formal education and remain relevant across many aspects of future life.

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Impact on employability in the medium and long term

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According to the International Experience as a Career Asset report published in 2025 by The Forum on Education Abroad, students who completed part of their studies abroad earned, on average, 6.3 percent higher starting salaries than those without international experience. This outcome appears across students with both strong academic records and those who faced greater academic challenges, meaning it does not depend on prior academic performance.

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The same study also shows that international experiences support the development of competencies highly valued by employers, including adaptability to new environments, intercultural communication, and problem-solving in real-world situations. These skills expand career opportunities over time and contribute to long-term professional growth.

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Strategic opportunities for educational institutions

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International mobility also delivers clear benefits for educational institutions. It supports campus internationalization, strengthens partnerships with overseas universities, and helps build a strong academic reputation. When mobility programs are thoughtfully designed, they become effective tools for student recruitment and retention while reinforcing networks of academic collaboration across borders.

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The importance of student support

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Despite its advantages, international mobility involves challenges that directly affect the student experience. These include housing, cultural adjustment, administrative procedures, and access to clear information. Proper support reduces friction and allows students to focus on their education. Platforms that centralize resources and track the entire process, such as Abroad by Lodgerin, offer more structured support by providing access to over 90,000 verified accommodations across more than eight countries, creating confidence and security for both students and the institutions that guide them.

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International mobility represents an opportunity that enhances academic learning, supports personal development, improves employability, and strengthens institutions that integrate it strategically. In conclusion, it is a formative investment with lasting impact for students.

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