| Summary: Your exchange may be ending, but your growth is just beginning. Intentional follow up will help you maximize the benefits of your program. Reflect on your experiences, document lessons learned, and recognize the skills you gained—both professional and personal. Update your resume and network, set actionable goals, and apply what you’ve learned to advance your career. Finally, share your story and encourage others to take part—true transformation comes from direct experience. |
What you do with your experiences abroad will determine whether you simply return home with fond memories or with practical wisdom that shapes your future.
So, what separates those who slip back into old routines from those who truly transform? They are intentional about capturing and utilizing everything they’ve gained. If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s where we come in! Read on for ways to maximize your program benefits in the years that follow.
Reflect on Your Growth
When people ask about our experiences abroad, we often recall the big things first—the tourist sites, the food, the major events. Sure, the highlights abroad are unforgettable—but the real lessons often hide in the everyday moments. Taking time for intentional reflection brings these memories to the surface, helping you uncover lessons and discoveries you may not have even noticed at the time.
The Power of Documentation
You want clarity? Write it down. One of the best ways to organize your thoughts is to put them down on paper. Even if journaling is not your thing, a quick list of memories—big or small—can spark insights you didn’t know you had. Include cultural observations, challenges you overcame, pleasant surprises, unexpected detours, and meaningful interactions.
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words
And don’t just stop at words—your phone’s photo album is a visual diary that captures moments through your unique perspective. Look back at the small details that drew your attention, even if others might have overlooked them, and get curious about why they mattered to you. Reflect on what you were thinking and feeling in those moments. You might also record short video messages to your future self, sharing your reflections, cultural observations, and hard-earned wisdom while everything is still fresh.
What did it all mean to you?
As you recount these memories, through words and/or visuals, be sure to include the insights and emotions associated with each. What delighted you, and what took some getting used to? How have your experiences expanded your worldview? What assumptions did you challenge? Which moments pushed you outside your comfort zone? What did you discover about yourself? By documenting not just what happened but how it changed you, you’re creating a roadmap of your own resilience and growth that you can draw on for years to come.
Practical Skills Acquired
After you’ve reflected on the ways you’ve grown as a person, take a look at the practical skills you’ve gained. Not only will they benefit you professionally, but they can open doors in many areas of your life.
These skills may have come from a career training environment, internship opportunity, or simply through immersing yourself in another culture. They might include hard skills like language, conversational fluency, software proficiency and industry processes, or soft skills like cross-cultural communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership.
But don’t stop there. Be sure to include specific examples of how you used each ability, how they’ve changed your approach to challenges, and what new opportunities they’ve opened up for you. It’s also important to keep building on these skills even after your program ends—consider taking online courses, pursuing language certification, or identifying areas for further growth.
Career Enhancement Opportunities
So how do these skills translate into tangible career enhancements? While becoming job-ready may seem daunting at first, you’ll be surprised by how your international experience gives you a competitive professional edge. Your exchange program has provided you with a unique global perspective that employers actively seek. As you update your resume/CV, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio, remember to stay connected with the InterExchange community and continue growing your international mindset.
Update your professional materials.
Your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile are what employers look at first to determine whether you get that initial interview. That’s why it’s crucial that all the skills you’ve gained are well-represented. Anyone can list projects they’ve worked on—stand out by including specific numbers that tangibly demonstrate the value you added (e.g., “my process improvement led to a 13% increase in customer satisfaction”). Be prepared to discuss the soft skills and lessons learned as well. Your ability to work cross-culturally is a huge asset in today’s diverse job market.
Maintain your professional relationships.
One of the biggest determinants of career success is your professional network. You made valuable connections with peers and supervisors during your program, and even though you’re no longer together in person, they could be your greatest supporters and guides throughout your career. Don’t fall into the “out of sight, out of mind” trap, and don’t wait until you need a letter of recommendation or reference to reach out. Keep your network alive: share updates, ask for feedback, and schedule check-ins. A strong connection today could be your opportunity tomorrow.
Ultimately, you want to apply your U.S. experience at home in order to advance in your country’s job market. Seek roles that value the international experience and cross-cultural skills you bring to the table. Consider graduate programs, professional development opportunities, or international career paths. You future entrepreneurs out there may even consider starting a business that bridges cultural differences you observed.
Plan for Success
As you settle back into your old routines, it’s easy to let time slip by. While a little downtime is necessary, don’t let your exchange experience fade into the background. Capture it, share it, and use it while it’s fresh—so it becomes not just a chapter, but a launchpad for what comes next.
To stay accountable, try setting clear goals with realistic timelines:
- Within 30 days: Complete your documentation and skills assessment.
- Within 90 days: Update professional materials and strengthen connections.
- Within 1 year: Leverage your experience for career growth and mentor others.
Remember, growth is a marathon, not a sprint. The impact of your exchange will keep unfolding for years to come. You’ve already taken the first step by saying yes—now keep watering the seeds you’ve planted, and trust that the right opportunities will bloom in time.
Give Back and Pay it Forward
Of all the suggestions above, perhaps the most meaningful way to maximize the benefits of your program is by sharing what you’ve learned. Think of yourself as an unofficial cultural ambassador. Share your story in ways that feel natural to you—whether through speaking engagements, blog posts, or even a casual coffee chat. Volunteer with cross-cultural organizations, invite friends and family to join you, or mentor future exchange participants.
And most importantly, don’t just tell your story—encourage others to create their own. True transformation almost always comes from first-hand experience. Just as someone once inspired you to apply, you now have the chance to encourage another participant who may be undecided about participating. Even the boldest among us sometimes need that extra nudge—and your story could be what sparks their journey. Encourage your friends to visit our site or refer them to one of our cultural exchanges. Or maybe you are thinking about participating in another of our programs…in which case, buckle up and brace yourself for adventure #2!
