Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama spoke with CNN about the benefits of studying abroad. Studying abroad isn’t a common experience. Less than 1% of college students study abroad and the number is even smaller for high school students. Finances, time constraints, and safety concerns are some of the major factors in the decision to spend a semester abroad. Despite the challenges, studying abroad gives students a boost in a job market that continues to be extremely challenging for young adults. The benefits of studying abroad have prompted many initiatives such as World Smart.

First Lady Obama has been working to promote the benefits of traveling and studying abroad and often speaks about the importance of education, youth empowerment and the benefits of studying abroad. Obama recently stated in a CNN interview that “More and more companies are realizing that they need people with experience around the world”. In addition to the efforts of Mrs. Obama, many hiring managers have noted that the self-confidence, resiliency, and cultural awareness gained by studying abroad are all translatable to the workplace. Also, many students become more self-aware and discover where they want their career paths to lead. You can watch First Lady Obama’s response to questions concerning studying abroad and read the full article here.