Study Abroad. Advance Your Career.
Increase your earning potential. Make your résumé stand out.
Develop independence, global awareness and cross-cultural communication skills that stand out to employers.
Study in another country while completing courses that count toward your degree.
Flexible programs fit easily into your academic plan. Study abroad without delaying graduation.
Study abroad and build the skills that are in demand in a global economy. Become the confident professional who will have a clear edge in the job market.
Studies shows that experiencing another culture in person is strongly connected to:
- higher employment rates.
- higher starting salaries.
- professional skills.
- career advancement.
In South Africa, we got to get hands-on experience actually doing geology mapping and looking at an environmental situation (acid mine drainage)...and seeing how dangerous it really is.
RJ Kozich, geology major
Study Abroad by the Numbers
The impact of study abroad goes far beyond travel. The numbers show how it prepares students for career success.
Students who study abroad are employed within 12 months of graduation. (Council on International Education Exchange, 2026)
Business students who study abroad generally earn more when starting their career. (Forum on Education Abroad, 2025)
94% of study‑abroad alumni gained job‑ready skills. More than 50% say it helped them land their first job. (IES Abroad, 2025)
College of Charleston national ranking for short-term programs- Master's Level Universities. (Open Doors, 2025)
Study Abroad Talent Advantage
Studying abroad builds resilience, persistence and the ability to turn unfamiliar situations into opportunities.
These are the skills companies need to stay agile, innovative and resilient in a fast-changing world.
An international experience encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and grow into a confident, self-reliant problem solver.
Return from your experience with a broader world view and insight into how global issues shape communities and careers.
Start Your Global Experience
Explore programs, talk with an advisor and learn how a study-abroad experience can fit your academic goals.
Explore Programs
Study Abroad: Your Questions Answered
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Is studying abroad worth it for my career?
Yes. According to Council on International Education Exchange 2026 data, 97% of students who study abroad are employed within 12 months of graduation, and a 2025 report from IES Abroad indicates 94% of study abroad alumni report developing job-ready skills through their international experience.
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Does studying abroad actually pay off financially?
Yes — especially for business majors. A 2025 study by the Forum on Education Abroad found undergraduate business students who studied abroad earned an average of $4,159 more per year in starting salary than those who did not — a 6.3% differential — based on data from four business schools.
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Will studying abroad delay my graduation?
Not if it's planned well. College of Charleston advisors help students map study abroad terms, including semester, summer, or spring break options, around major requirements to stay on track for four-year graduation.
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How does College of Charleston rank for study abroad?
College of Charleston ranks #2 in the nation for short-term (spring break/summer) study abroad participation among Master's-level institutions, per the Institute of International Education's [YEAR] Open Doors Report.
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What study abroad options are available at College of Charleston?
Students can choose from three program types: College of Charleston-sponsored programs led by CofC faculty, exchange programs with partner universities across Africa, Asia, and Europe, and affiliate programs through approved third-party providers offering options worldwide. Program length ranges from one week to a full academic year. See the full list of destinations and programs at charleston.edu/international/study-abroad.