Research summary: Study Abroad Participation
Official title: Participation in Study Abroad Activities among 2020 Graduates: Results from the 2023 National Graduates Survey
Author of the report: Penny Haloulos
Alternate formats
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Why this study
This research looks at characteristics of Canadian post-secondary students who studied internationally ("abroad"). The research looks to see if studying abroad helped them get a job or earn more money after graduating.
What we did
This research uses the 2023 National Graduates Survey. The research looked at the characteristics of students who studied abroad. The research also uses the Survey to see if studying abroad helped students in the labour market after graduation.
What we found
Students participated in study abroad activities more if they were:
- women
- younger
- not a visible minority
- not a landed immigrant
- living with a disability
- a resident of Quebec
- from a family where at least one parent went to university or college
- attending university, and/or
- from a highly educated family
Students who studied abroad more often:
- attended a university or college in Quebec
- studied agriculture, humanities, life sciences, behavioural sciences, or business
- went to study abroad in France or the United Kingdom, and
- studied abroad for 16 weeks or less
In the labour market, after graduation, students who studied abroad were slightly more often:
- working
- employed in a full-time job
- working one or more jobs
- working in management, business or finance jobs
- earning more money, on average, and
- satisfied with their job
What it means
Graduates who studied abroad do slightly better in the labour market. This is in comparison to their peers who only studied in Canada. The key benefits of studying abroad are the personal and professional skills gained. This research could offer better understanding into longer-term benefits of studying abroad.
Contact us
For access to the full report, please contact us using the email address below.
Skilled Trades, Young Canadians and Students Branch, Learning Policy & Services Directorate, Policy, Planning and Partnerships Division
Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@esdc-edsc.gc.ca