Did You Study Abroad? The Foundation for Asia Pacific Education Wants Your Input Via An Online Survey

If you’ve previously studied abroad, there’s still time to complete the Foundation for Asia Pacific Education’s “Who Are You Now” online survey of study abroad alumni.

“It’s doesn’t matter when, where, how long or with whom you studied abroad,” says Ashley Borden, project consultant for the Foundation, a non-profit organization in Denver whose mission is to create global citizens and leaders by helping students gain cultural and academic experiences in the Asia Pacific region. “If you are from the United States or Canada and studied overseas, then we want to hear from you about how that experience has impacted your life today.”

So far, more than 1,500 people have responded to the 15-minute survey, and the Foundation hopes to surpass its goal of 2,000 completed surveys by Sunday.

The survey, while not a scientific study, is designed to gather input on how international educational experiences influence participants’ educational choices, lifestyles and careers, among other areas.

“The surveys so far are yielding some valuable responses,” Borden said. “For example, more than three-fourths of the respondents who are out of school and have at least one year of work experience said their overseas study has had an impact on their choice of career path.”

Among responses so far to the question of how experiences abroad most significantly impacted them professionally are:

• “It has given me a stronger sense of self. While this may seem entirely personal, I’ve found a stronger sense of self has allowed me to be both a better leader and a better team player.”
• “The language skills I gained have helped to qualify me for jobs that other colleagues were not eligible for.”
• “It gave me tremendous confidence in business relationships with the ability to understand how others are critically thinking.”

Among responses so far to the question of how studying abroad has most significantly impacted participants are:

• “Studying abroad was one of the most significant experiences of my life – opening up my eyes to new possibilities and helping me form new goals for my future education and experience.”
• “I am more aware of what’s considered necessity and what’s considered want.”
• “It got me hooked on traveling, and I have done a lot of packpacking and traveling since.
• “I learned how to adapt quickly to unexpected circumstances.”

To take the survey and contribute to the conversation on the impacts of studying abroad, visit the “Who Are You Now” survey.