Why Public Relations and Advertising Students Should Study Abroad

If you are still in college and considering international public relations or advertising as a career, I suggest studying abroad. One size does not fit all when it comes to PR campaigns or ads, especially if you're sending them abroad. In my short one-month program in the United Kingdom, I learned so much about cultural differences and how consumers interact with brands internationally. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will have lasting effects on my future career, but don’t just take it from me; here are (slightly) research-backed (but also personal) reasons why you should study abroad.

You Grow as an Individual

This was a picture of my family and me before I flew alone for the first time, and I was very nervous about going to a new country. Now I don't know why I was so scared.

Leaving your country to study abroad is probably one of the most independent things you can do in your life. It's a big step in becoming your own person and shaping your own values and beliefs, which is especially important in a PR career. Personally, from my time in the U.K. I have noticed a change in my self-resilience and emotional intelligence as I navigated my new surroundings. Studying abroad also helps you grow confidence in yourself. IIE’s Gaining and Employment Edge study states that 70% of study abroad students saw an increase in their confidence, a much-needed skill in the PR and advertising industry.

Better Employability

By studying abroad, employers see you as adaptable, culturally diverse, and globally communicative. For PR and advertising careers, going abroad gives you an edge over your competition because you gain personal insight into foreign policies, ways of advertising, and communication practices. It also demonstrates to your employers that you can see new perspectives and work in diverse teams. Whenever I expressed my interest in studying abroad to professors, I was told it’s a great way to get unique experiences that stand out to potential employers. You are even able to gain global connections while abroad, expanding your network of friends and professionals.

Cultural Diversity

New food!

You will obviously be exposed to a new culture in any study abroad program, but that's a good thing. For international PR or advertising work, you will need to understand how different countries' cultures influence consumer habits and communication styles. Being exposed to new cultures helps give someone a broader, more global understanding of the world, an essential tool for either of these fields. I stepped into a new way of living, full of new traditions, food, and history that I would never have seen if I stayed in America. It’s hard to promote a product or service internationally if you don’t know the culture of the country or how consumers will respond.

And of Course, Sightseeing

Before the tour of the Westminster Palace!

Although not technically as essential as the other elements discussed, it does play a role in shaping how a country is viewed. While abroad, you can explore some of the country's most famous landmarks, learning about the history and its importance to the people. This also relates to expanding cultural diversity and forming global understandings of the world. A study abroad program is meant to be culturally immersive, but the most beneficial experience is gained outside the classroom. For example, I have learned so much about the people here in the U.K. by exploring markets and engaging in conversations. Touring Westminster Palace taught me about U.K. politics and Parliament, which will be useful if I want to do international relations. What I am trying to say is: do your work, but make sure you have time to explore.

I hope this blog has convinced you to look into study abroad programs and to learn more about the world we are in. It’s a great opportunity to explore new cultures and communication styles that will benefit your future career in PR, advertising, or anything you are interested in. If you are interested in international PR or advertising, I suggest going back to read some of my latest posts on the differences between the U.K. and U.S. styles.

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References

IIE Generation Study Abroad. (n.d.). Why study abroad. In IIE - The Power of International Education. Retrieved August 3, 2026, from https://www.iie.org/programs/generation-study-abroad/why-study-abroad/

Queen Mary Institute of London. (n.d.). Benefits of going abroad - Global Opportunities. In www.qmul.ac.uk. Retrieved August 3, 2026, from https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/global-opportunities/outgoing-students/exchange-programmes/benefits-of-going-abroad/

Smith, K. (n.d.). Studying Abroad: Make Time to Travel - Verge Magazine: Volunteer abroad, work and travel, study abroad. Vergemagazine.Com. Retrieved August 3, 2026, from https://www.vergemagazine.com/study-abroad/blogs/2429-the-benefits-of-travelling-when-studying-abroad

Study Abroad Foundation. (2024). Broaden your horizons: how studying abroad expands cultural awareness | SAF. In SAF. https://www.studyabroadfoundation.org/blogs/broaden-your-horizons-how-studying-abroad-expands-cultural-awareness