Why Study Abroad

Studying abroad is one of the best ways to cultivate the tools and skills necessary to thrive in today's global society. When you study abroad, you build lifelong friendships and relationships, have one of a kind real-world experiences, and give yourself the advantage to succeed in college and beyond.

A study abroad student sitting on a rock with their arms outstretched, overlooking a vast landscape of mountains and a city below under the clear blue sky.

Reasons to study abroad

Add to your resume

Today's employers want to hire graduates with an international perspective, cross-cultural communication skills and the tools to thrive in an unfamiliar environment. Studying abroad is the best way to cultivate and demonstrate those skills to future employers and enrich your resume or graduate school application.

Enhance your education

Study abroad offers the unique opportunity to gain a new perspective on your own culture and experiences. Central Michigan University's study abroad program allows students to take new and different courses in more than 50 countries on 6 continents – so whether you want to study art in Florence or philosophy in Hong Kong, the world is your classroom.

Learn a foreign language

Employers are in search of employees who are fluent in multiple languages. CMU offers several options for intensive language programs, classes taught in foreign languages, and an option to learn languages not available on campus.

Experience the world

Studying outside the United States provides you with a cultural perspective that is vital in today's global society. When you study abroad, you get the opportunity to live and learn alongside citizens in your host country, taking part in local customs and traditions and learning about a new culture from a first-hand point of view in a way that short visits simply don't allow.

Grow as a person

Studying abroad will test your ability to adapt and learn in a new environment. It will take you out of your comfort zone and challenge you academically and personally. You will be faced with new situations and an unfamiliar environment that will test your ability to learn, adapt and grow. In the end, you will come away with a more sophisticated view of the world and a broader cultural perspective.

Make lifelong friends

Study abroad allows you to meet people from all cultures and countries. You will develop friendships and connections around the globe that can last a lifetime. We encourage students to really dive into the culture of their host country while there and come away with invaluable relationships and connections.

It's accessible

Study abroad doesn't have to be expensive. There are many options for lowering the cost, including scholarships and financial aid. More students are studying abroad than ever before. CMU offers more than 150 programs in 50 countries for nearly every major and minor.