When we talk about employability, many people still only think about having a good resume, a valued diploma or previous experience. All of this matters, of course.
But, over the years leading SEDA College and supporting thousands of international students, I realized that there is one factor that has been standing out with increasing force in the global job market: international experience.
International education goes far beyond learning a language. It shapes skills, broadens horizons and prepares professionals for something that is not always taught in universities: working in a globalized, dynamic and multicultural world.
The experience that forms more than professionals: it forms people
An exchange student does not only learn English. They learn to deal with the unexpected, to live with different cultures, to leave their comfort zone, to work in a team with people who think in a completely different way from their own.
These experiences produce more complete professionals, with emotional intelligence, autonomy, empathy and the ability to adapt — all skills that are highly valued by companies around the world.
Today, employability is no longer just about knowing how to “do things”. It is about knowing how to relate, learn quickly, and solve problems in complex and diverse environments. And the classroom alone cannot teach this. But international education can.
A competitive advantage in any field
I often see students who return from exchange programs with more clarity about their careers. Others return with new projects, new ideas and even job opportunities that arose during their experience.
International experience is a differential that attracts the attention of recruiters — and rightly so.
In selection processes, it is common for professionals with experience abroad to stand out not only for their resumes, but for the way they position themselves, think and communicate.
And this applies to all fields: from technology to health, from engineering to marketing.
Employability is about worldview
What I notice most is that international education expands one’s worldview. And that changes everything.
Professionals who have lived abroad understand the impacts of globalization better, respect diversity, have the capacity to innovate and know that there are many ways to solve the same problem.
This translates into more strategic attitudes, more conscious decisions and more relevant contributions within organizations.
Educating global citizens means educating future leaders
As CEO of SEDA, my mission goes beyond offering a good course. I believe that we are educating global citizens — people prepared to work, collaborate and lead in a global scenario.
And that is why, in my view, international education plays a decisive role in employability. It produces professionals who are better prepared, more human and more connected to what the market really needs.
That is why I like to say: if you have the chance to live this experience, go for it. Because the world is increasingly open to those who are also open.
