The impact of time abroad extends far beyond the duration of the experience itself. It shapes careers, builds cross-cultural understanding, and creates lasting connections between people and communities. Whether through work, study, or volunteer programs, international experiences create ripple effects that benefit both travelers and their host communities for years to come.
But don’t take our word for it. We sat down with the true experts — those who have experienced cultural exchanges first-hand through InterExchange. Here are some of their stories and words of wisdom for future participants.
Personal Growth and Skill Development
One of the biggest perks from living abroad is how it changes a person — both on a professional and personal level. Improved self-confidence, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and improved intercultural communication skills are just a few of the benefits exchange participants shared with the NAFSA’s Association of International Educators.
Language and Communication Skills
Of course, one of the most tangible benefits of time abroad is improved language proficiency. The American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) affirms that immersion in a target language environment is crucial for developing real-world communication skills.
This was evident for Matej Horváth, a Slovakian Work & Travel USA participant who spent two summers working at a private club in upstate New York:
“For sure my English has improved. I know my grammar is not the best but I feel comfy to speak English… I think I can speak in every situation that I need to. Sometimes I don’t use the correct words, but I think I’ve improved because of being here.”
Professional Development & Career Impact
International experience has become increasingly important in the diverse job market. Research from the Institute of International Education supports that time abroad develops key skills highly valued by employers—namely adaptability, problem-solving skills, and cross-cultural communication and awareness.
An experience abroad can also bring clarity when it comes to one’s chosen profession—confirming their existing goals, expanding their prospects, or opening up a totally new path altogether.
For Savarna Pahari, who volunteered in Nepal through InterExchange’s Christianson Fellowship, her international experience strongly aligned with her goals and confirmed her chosen profession:
“My dream is to be a community health leader and to serve folks who need healthcare assistance the most. This experience has absolutely inspired me to continue to do so for the Nepali community… I am committed to a future ahead of me where I am able to dedicate my future medical skills to Nepal.”
Shelby Spurlin, a Minnesota native who visited Toronto through InterExchange’s Work & Travel Canada program, said her experience expanded her fashion industry career prospects:
“I did study fashion prior to coming here so I thought fashion could be pretty prominent here (Toronto)… I think that was also a factor of if I was going to move. I would have to do it in a big city to expand on my career.”
Maxwell Harris D’Amato, a volunteer in Bolivia through the Christianson Fellowship, shared how his time abroad fueled his passions and revealed his career path:
“This experience has provided me with much needed clarity for what I want to do with the rest of my life… My work in Bolivia with photography and videography has cemented my belief that my future is meant to be devoted to documenting the visual world.”
Enhanced Global Perspective & Cultural Understanding
The benefits of time abroad extend far beyond the individual. International exchanges can fundamentally shift how people view the world and their place in it—challenging preconceptions, fostering genuine understanding, and ultimately building bridges between cultures. The Forum on Education Abroad‘s research shows that living abroad significantly increases intercultural competence and global awareness.
Pahari describes how her experience deepened her global understanding:
“My service project experience has immensely nuanced my understanding of maternal health in rural Nepal and all the contributing stakeholders and factors that play a role in its outcomes.”
Others share how their experience gave them an appreciation for cultural differences. Spurlin points out the difference in work-life balance between Toronto and U.S. cities:
“My company really stresses work-life balance and it has been one of the best work cultures I have ever worked in. They really care for the employees and always do things to make the employees feel important…”
Likewise, Matej Horváth observed cultural differences by the way people communicate and greet each other. Even when using similar phrases, the intent can be different.
“When you say hello or hi you say ‘how you doing?’ ‘how are you’… in Europe when you ask ‘how are you’ you really care what you ask, but here when people say it… it’s just the phrase to use it here. But in Europe, it’s not a phrase… These small differences teach you about other cultures.”
Impact on Host Communities
The benefits of international exchange flow both ways. Host communities benefit from visitors in many areas, from education and economics to social and cultural enhancement.
AIFS Foundation research points out some of the specific benefits cultural exchanges programs offer host communities, including:
- Cultural enrichment and understanding though broadened perspectives, increased empathy, and building global connections
- Educational and cultural benefits though opportunities for learning, enhanced skills, increased global awareness
- Economic and social impact though positive economic impact, stronger social networks, promoting diversity and inclusion
Max D’Amato observed this mutual impact in Bolivia:
“Through photography, video and writing we’ve been able to draw some attention to these otherwise unknown figures that will bring in more volunteers and help to raise funds. For example, funds raised through one beneficiary video I created paid for a new roof for the school at Mercado.”
Advice for Future Travelers
Though all our InterExchange participants and Christianson Fellows have had different experiences and takeaways, all offer consistent advice: embrace the unfamiliar, stay open-minded, and ultimately take the leap!
Max D’Amato talks about the importance of going into another country with the right mindset in order to gain and provide the most value from the experience:
“Stepping outside your culture and the way of life you know is one of the most humbling experiences. My best advice to Americans going abroad anywhere in the world hoping to make an impact is to separate themselves from their American identity. Looking at problems through a western lens can get in the way of progress. When you watch and listen, you will then start to understand how to best contribute.”
While each experience will be different, accompanied by unique professional and personal opportunities for growth, it all comes down to a willingness to show up. As Spurlin puts it:
“Don’t be scared. Definitely take that leap of faith and try something that scares you… When you’re here, just take in the moments that you have. If you’re on the working holiday, maybe you’re only here for a year. So definitely try to explore.”
As you can see, the impact of time abroad is widespread and long-lasting. And the examples above are just scratching the surface. Check out the link below to get started on your own life-changing journey!
References:
- Beal, M. – International Competence and Career Readiness: Setting Your Students Up for Success (2024): NAFSA article on preparing students for global careers.
- ACTFL – Guiding Principles for Language Learning: Foundational practices for effective language instruction.
- Institute of International Education – Why Study Abroad (2025): Benefits of study abroad for career and personal growth.
- The Forum on Education Abroad – Education Abroad as a High-Impact Experience (2025): Overview of study abroad as a transformative educational practice.
- Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs – Impact of Exchange Programs on American Host Communities (2020): Report on the local benefits of hosting international exchange participants.
