How Can Studying Abroad in High School Make You a Better Leader?

Great leaders are a lot like great travelers. 

Both know that stepping into the unknown takes courage, and that the best experiences often happen when you stay curious, flexible, and open to change. Great travelers understand that unexpected detours can lead to discoveries, that the people you meet shape your journey, and that listening can be just as important as speaking. 

Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to connect, the same qualities that make someone an unforgettable traveler, are the very traits that answer the question: What qualities make a good leader?  

One of many study abroad benefits is the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Let’s explore how and why those experiences matter for your college career and future. 

How High School Study Abroad Builds Leadership Skills 

All CIEE high school summer abroad programs provide invaluable opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and develop the skills that define great leaders. 

With various programs designed around specific themes like leadership & service, you have a real opportunity to gain hands-on experiences that challenge you to think critically, to collaborate, and to take initiative. 

Adaptability 

Learning to be flexible when plans change or things go wrong is a crucial leadership skill, and studying abroad offers plenty of opportunities to practice it. 

Imagine participating in the CIEE's Leadership & Service program in the Dominican Republic, where you live with a host family and collaborate with the local community. At first, navigating social norms feels overwhelming. But as you immerse yourself in daily life, from participating in public health projects to sharing dinner conversations, you gain the confidence to problem-solve and thrive in unfamiliar situations.  

By the end of your program, you’ve built the kind of adaptability that strong leaders rely on. 

Curiosity 

Curiosity drives great leaders to ask questions, seek new ideas, and embrace different perspectives. Studying abroad encourages this mindset. 

Picture yourself participating in CIEE’s Leadership & Service program in Morocco, where you can also get a chance to work alongside local youth and community leaders. Through conversations about culture, traditions, and social issues, you begin to see a new culture through new eyes. Each interaction challenges you to ask thoughtful questions, embrace new ideas, and get to know those around you, a powerful foundation for leadership. 

Empathy 

The ability to understand and connect with people from different backgrounds is one of the most important leadership traits, and it’s one that naturally develops when you study abroad. 

In all CIEE’s leadership programs for high school students, you’ll hear stories and witness the impact of societal challenges on people’s livelihoods. You gain a deeper understanding of resilience, community, and the importance of global cooperation.  

Learning to listen, empathize, and engage with people facing different realities helps you develop the emotional intelligence that defines strong leaders. 

Resilience 

Resilience is the ability to face setbacks and keep going in difficult situations. 

Imagine that you’ve taken several years of Spanish throughout middle school and high school but find yourself struggling to communicate in Spanish during CIEE’s Leadership & Service program in Mexico. Instead of switching to English, you push yourself to stick with it. Day by day, you find yourself feeling more comfortable and before long, you realize you're holding full conversations with your host family.  

Your persistence has paid off, and you've gained confidence in your ability to overcome challenges. 

Connection 

Leadership is all about working with people, all kinds of people. Strong leaders don’t just connect with those they like or who share similar backgrounds; they know how to find common ground, understand different perspectives, and unite people with diverse ideas and experiences. 

In CIEE’s Leadership & Service program in Cape Town, you’ll be inspired by Mandela’s legacy and his role in ending the cruel apartheid system and building peace. Working alongside your high school peers from different corners of the U.S., you’ll work to investigate and reflect on how a community can unite to address inequality and economic disparity.  

By engaging in meaningful dialogues and collaborative problem-solving, you’ll be inspired to one day lead diverse teams and bring people together. 

Why Colleges Value Study Abroad Experiences 

Colleges and universities increasingly recognize that the best students aren’t just those who excel in academics; they’re those who show maturity, resilience, and self-awareness.  

Studying abroad helps you develop these traits by pushing you to grow through real-world experience. 

Admissions officers know that students who study abroad develop skills that can’t be learned in a classroom alone. Your experience shows you can manage uncertainty, build meaningful connections, and succeed in challenging environments. 

When you share your study abroad story, you demonstrate qualities that universities value in future leaders. These experiences can make your college application stand out and show schools that you’re prepared to contribute to their campus community.  

Learn more about how CIEE High School Summer Abroad programs provide you college planning support through College Access. 

Prepare for Your Future Leadership Role 

CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad programs are designed to immerse you in new environments, challenge you to think differently, and give you the confidence to take on leadership roles. 

Explore CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad Leadership & Service programs and start an application for next summer.