I am a Gatton student who wants to
Similar to internships, education abroad can help you develop soft skills and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Companies value employees who've travelled internationally and bring intercultural skillsets. In fact, graduates with study abroad experience tend to find a job more quickly and earn higher starting salaries than those with no international experience. Plan to participate in an education abroad program during your time at Gatton!
In a survey, 60% of founders of 'unicorns' (startups with a valuation of over $1B) studied or lived abroad.
It was among the largest predictors of unicorn founder success. It was more important than studying at an elite university, your major in college.
Compared to those who did not study abroad, students who studied abroad:
- Were 6.2% more likely to graduate in four years
- Had a .12 higher GPA .12 upon graduation
Why Study Abroad
Underrepresented minorities who studied abroad experienced a positive impact on 6-year graduation rates (compared to their in-group peers who did not study abroad) double the size of the positive impact experienced from studying abroad among non-minority students. Underrepresented minority students also experienced a positive impact through study abroad on their final GPA at a 33% greater magnitude than their non-minority counterparts experienced from studying abroad.
First generation students experienced a positive impact on 6-year graduation rates double the size of the impact experienced by non-first generation students. First generation students also experienced a positive impact through study abroad on their final GPA at a 22% greater magnitude than their non-first generation counterparts experienced from studying abroad.
Students receiving need-based aid experienced a positive impact on their final GPA and 4-year graduation rates through study abroad at rates similar to their peers who did not receive aid. When looking at the 6-year graduation rate, students receiving need-based aid experienced a positive impact of studying abroad at a 61% greater magnitude than their peers who did not receive aid experienced through study abroad.
Gaining an Employment Edge
Study abroad has an overall positive impact on the development of a wide range of 21st century job skills. Of the 15 skills surveyed, the largest portion of respondents reported developing a broad range of cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills to a significant degree through study abroad, namely: intercultural skills, curiosity, flexibility & adaptability, confidence, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, communication, problem solving, language, tolerance for ambiguity, and course or major-related knowledge.
Study abroad expands career possibilities. Studying abroad gave interviewees both a broader understanding of career possibilities, and the confidence to pursue these career paths. The survey data and the information gleaned from interviews suggest that studying abroad had unintended benefits in terms of not only developing skills and shifting attitudes, but also opening career pathways and opportunities that had been either previously unknown or simply unconsidered. It also helped participants feel more ambitious and less tentative in their careers, in addition to opening up unanticipated career pathways.
AIM Overseas
AIM Overseas reported “61% of employers agree that an overseas study experience is [positive] on a resume. Additionally, 72% of employers agree that knowing a second language adds to the appeal of a prospective employee. The same study reported 95% of students found the exchange experience as useful with regard to their future career plans.
Education Abroad Options
Gatton Faculty-Directed Programs
This is our most popular program type, and for good reason! Offered during summer or spring break, faculty-led programs allow you to earn UK credit while exploring international destinations and business practices in a group setting with other UK students, led by Gatton instructors.
Gatton Exchanges
Study at a Gatton exchange partner university for the cost of UK tuition plus living and travel expenses. These programs are among the most affordable semester options but require a high level of independence. Substantial scholarships are available through Gatton College!
Burgundy School of Business - Dijon, France
Korea University Business School - Seoul, South Korea
Lancaster University Management School - Lancaster, United Kingdom
OST University - St. Gallen, Switzerland
Universidad de los Andes - Santiago, Chile
Vienna University of Economics and Business - Vienna, Austria
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management - Vallendar, Germany
There are many other program options!
Download our Recommended EA Programs for Business Majors Guide to view options and academic offerings. See descriptions of program types below. Visit the UK Education Abroad & Exchanges website browse the full catalog of options.
Organizations that specialize in facilitating study abroad experiences and offer students a high level of staff support
Similar to Gatton exchanges but open to all UK students
Based at an international university that allows students to attend at the institution's visiting international student tuition rate. These programs typically require a high level of independence similar to exchanges.
International Internships
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Funding Your International Experience
Study abroad may be more affordable than you think! Some programs are similar in cost to attending UK, and there are scholarships and financial aid available.
Tips for making study abroad affordable:
- Apply for education abroad scholarships.
- Be sure apply for the UK Education Abroad and Exchange Scholarship (October 1 and March 1 deadlines) so that you'll also be considered for EA scholarships through Gatton College.
- If you receive a Pell Grant, be sure to apply for the Gilman Scholarship (October 1 and March 1 deadlines)
- Browse scholarships here: https://international.uky.edu/ea/browse-scholarships
- Contact your financial aid counselor to find out what current financial aid and scholarship you receive can be applied toward education abroad programs.
- Consider a spring-embedded or semester exchange programs, which are among the most affordable options.
- Consider destinations with a lower cost of living. Cities such as Prague, Dublin, and Barcelona tend to be less expensive than Paris, London, or Florence.
Contact Us
Katherine Hale
Director of Gatton Global Initiatives
Can help with academic planning for education abroad and advise on Gatton EA programs
Olivia Ellis
Education Abroad Advisor
Can provide guidance on any aspect of the education abroad planning and application process