The Impact Studying Abroad Can Have on One’s Career

One of the most valuable competencies I developed over three months studying abroad is resilience. Before this experience, I was extremely hard on myself whenever I made a mistake. I let failure define me. Studying abroad forced me to confront—and rewrite—that mindset. From the start, it wasn’t smooth sailing.

On the plane ride to Barcelona, I was already feeling sick. I later discovered this was due to a deviated septum. While in Spain, I got sick multiple times. I went to the doctor and thought the doctor's note would excuse my absences. I found out I should’ve contacted the school office directly because doctor’s notes are not excused absences. That mistake nearly cost me my attendance record and my course grades. In the past, I would’ve shut down. But this time, I picked myself up, communicated clearly, and did everything I could to stay on track with my work.

Being abroad also came with travel mishaps. I didn’t know that European flights require early check-ins or that a U.S. driver’s license isn’t a valid ID for boarding. I lost money and time. And yeah, I beat myself up about it. But I also learned. In Europe, it is best to check in as soon as possible after booking your flight. I adapted to the extra costs I endured by cutting back on things like going out with friends. I learned to cook at home, budget smarter, and find joy in small wins—like getting to class on time or finishing assignments despite the mess I was in.

How did these things affect my career and professional life?

In the professional world, things will go wrong. Mistakes will happen. Plans will fall apart. But resilience is what turns failure into feedback. It’s the difference between giving up and bouncing back. I now know that I can face unexpected problems, whether it be at work, in life, or in a completely new country, and find a way to adapt. This skill helps me manage my career not just emotionally but also strategically. Resilience helps me stay focused when a plan fails, communicate under pressure, and recover with grace instead of panic. It also reminds me that setbacks aren’t signs to stop... they’re signals to grow. I used to think resilience meant staying strong. Now I know it means getting back up—stronger, smarter, and more self-aware.