The feeling of visiting a foreign country for your international studies, meeting local people, and immersing yourself in a new culture is almost unparalleled. When combined with spending time abroad for a Masters programme, it is a meaningful experience for anyone who seeks to broaden their horizons and develop their personal and professional self. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that one can extract the same value from an international study programme at home. When considering the next steps in your education and the most suitable Masters degree for you, keep one thing in mind: the dynamic environment of international studies will be an experience to cherish and remember.

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International and intercultural awareness


What constitutes an international Masters programme is not one abroad, but one which features a diverse student body and teaching staff from different parts of the world. Programmes that are truly international are relevant to our contemporary surroundings and look at the teaching material through a global perspective. They manage to instil in students an intercultural awareness and an open-minded attitude – essential attributes for today’s globalised business.

The growing student interest in international programmes both at the undergraduate and graduate levels is then easily explained. According to a report from British Council and Studyportals, the number of on-campus English-taught Bachelor’s and Masters programmes rose by 22% between 2021 and 2024. Top international Masters programmes boast incredible student diversity, with people coming from different continents and enhancing the study experience with a variety of academic and professional experiences.

Although intercultural awareness is not part of most Masters curricula or a subject of its own, class participants are able to reap the benefits of their international surroundings in several ways. Experts say that the communication and teamwork that goes on in class essentially teaches students how to deal with work styles that differ from their own. 

“Cultural awareness becomes an understanding of one’s self and how one needs to adjust to the environment and ecosystem that he or she is in. To be culturally aware, you’re acknowledging, ‘I’m aware of what my culture is and I’m taking the strategy to adjust my behaviour in a specific way,” explains Dr Patty Goodman, Associate Teaching Professor at Northeastern University (US).

Personal development


Next to bringing people together and enhancing their intellectual potential and cultural awareness, international studies also contribute to the personal growth of class participants. Reports on the topic have shown that studying abroad or in an international programme has the capacity to influence a person’s values and their life choices. Research compiled by NAFSA (Association of International Educators) shows that international studies and study abroad programmes are highly effective at boosting self-confidence, maturity, and global-mindedness.

Whether you are bold or insecure, determined or still looking for purpose in your future career, international immersion will open your eyes to the qualities and strengths of your character.

Above all, personal growth is not just about developing your values and expanding your view of the world. Believe it or not, changes of a personal nature will also influence your professional attitude and the way you handle yourself at the workplace. Students who have international experience are often viewed as independent, self-reliant, and adaptable. These qualities will help you deal with day-to-day matters but they are also some of the most highly sought soft skills by employers. Every moment of self-discovery and personal growth will lead you in the right direction and will contribute to your career progression.

Diverse career opportunities


Speaking of the intercultural awareness and personal development of students usually brings up another popular question: does international experience equal lucrative job opportunities?

Of course, the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no”. Although job offers will not be falling from the sky after a year or two spent abroad, international experience counts for a lot. People who are exposed to different nationalities, ethnicities, languages, and other factors related to diversity develop intercultural understanding and more sophisticated communication and problem-solving skills.

Moreover, beyond influencing skills and competencies, going global seems to have a tangible professional impact as well. It will certainly look good in your CV/resume and employers will take note. The European Association for International Education (EAIE) summarised recent evidence from 2025 showing that international education experiences translate into greater job readiness, employability, and long-term career success.

Perhaps even more importantly, having international experience can open new doors for you by encouraging you to look for job opportunities you may not have considered prior to your international studies. Your confidence in working in English and conversing with people in a foreign language will also positively impact your chances of landing a job in an international setting. Testimonials of alumni who choose to develop their careers at home are another proof of the universal value of international and intercultural experience. 

“Three months after graduating from [the programme] I was already involved in a large urban project back in Brazil. In this project the diversity of the studies carried out during the course proved essential to deal with situations that involved planning, design, and research,” reflects Luiz Carvalho on his European Post-master studies in Urbanism at TU Delft (Netherlands).

There is one common factor bringing all of these points together – your eagerness to go off the beaten track and delve into the unfamiliar. Whether it is to explore the world or to enhance your career, international Masters studies will make you more adaptable and independent. Even seemingly simple efforts such as getting accustomed to an international setting and working with English-speaking professors will help forge your character and get you ready for the global market.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the benefits of international studies without going abroad?

Yes. As discussed above, what makes a Masters programme truly “international” is not its geographic location but the diversity of its student body, faculty, and curriculum. Many schools now offer hybrid and online international programmes that bring together cohorts from dozens of countries in a virtual setting. These formats have grown significantly since 2020 and are recognised by employers as equivalent pathways to developing intercultural competence.

Will an international Masters degree help me in the age of AI?

Arguably more than ever. As artificial intelligence automates routine cognitive tasks, employers are placing a premium on the distinctly human skills that international study develops: cross-cultural communication, adaptability, empathy, and creative problem-solving. Far from being made redundant by AI, the soft skills gained through international education are becoming the differentiating factor in competitive job markets.

Can I stay and work in the country where I study after graduating?

In many cases, yes – and this is an important factor to research before choosing where to study. Most popular study destinations have post-study work visa routes for international graduates. For example, the UK offers a two-year Graduate Route visa, Germany has an 18-month job-seeker visa for graduates, and Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can grant up to three years of work authorisation. Rules change regularly, so always verify current requirements with the official immigration authority of your target country, or consult your school’s international student office.

Is an international Masters degree worth the cost?

The return on investment depends on the programme, field, and your career goals – but the evidence is broadly positive. Graduates of internationally accredited Masters programmes consistently report higher starting salaries and faster promotion rates than peers without postgraduate qualifications. The network you build – classmates, alumni, and faculty spread across the world – also builds career value over time. Scholarships, assistantships, and government-funded loan programmes can significantly reduce upfront costs.

Originally published: 10 August 2018

Updated: 15 June 2026