World Tourism Day: How Travelling in the UK Can Boost Your Career Prospects as an International Student

It might seem a bit strange, to connect World Tourism Day (27th September) with international students and employability! I’ve always been delighted to hear stories from students about their adventures in the UK. It’s such a gift to visualise my home country through the eyes of someone from somewhere else. But how can your travels boost your career as an international student?

Whilst at a UK university, you have a unique opportunity to explore not only your academic interests but also the rich and diverse culture of this country. All four of them in fact (Wales, Scotland, England and N. Ireland). Travelling during your studies isn’t just about sightseeing and taking a break from your coursework—it can be a powerful way to build skills that will grow your employability.

1. Expanding Your Cultural Awareness

One of the major benefits of travel is gaining a deeper understanding of the world around you. The UK is home to an array of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles, from the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

By travelling, you can experience these cultural differences yourself. Your cultural competence will grow—an increasingly sought-after skill in today’s global job market. Employers value graduates with cultural awareness, as it shows that you can work well in diverse teams, understand international markets, and communicate across cultures.

Visiting historical sites, attending local festivals, and engaging with people from different regions of the UK will develop your understanding of British culture, hopefully in a good way! It will also broaden your worldview. A broader worldview will help you to approach future challenges with a more open and adaptable mindset. This lovely poem about travel sums it up beautifully.

2. Practising and Improving Language Skills

For many international students, English is not your first language. Travelling provides an excellent opportunity to practice and improve your language skills in real-life situations. Whether it’s asking for directions, ordering food in a café, or chatting with locals about their hometown, these experiences will push you to improve your British-English.

Your confidence in speaking English will grow. Your communication skills will grow too—another key skill that employers look for. Being able to communicate clearly and confidently, especially in a second language, demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a strong ability to connect with others. Travelling is a fun and practical way to sharpen your language abilities, helping you stand out in the job market.

3. Developing Problem-Solving and Adaptability

When travelling, things don’t always go as planned. You might miss a train, get lost in a new city, or need to adjust your plans due to weather conditions (Scotland- I’m talking to you!). These problems, while frustrating, offer valuable opportunities to develop your problem-solving skills. Finding solutions quickly, managing unexpected situations, and staying calm under pressure are experiences that closely mirror challenges you might face in the workplace.

Employers hire graduates who can think critically and adapt to changing circumstances. Your travel experiences can provide strong examples of these skills. Whether it’s adjusting to cultural differences or finding your way in a new place, each of these experiences helps you grow in resilience and adaptability—skills that are transferable to any career.

4. Boosting Confidence and Independence

Travelling independently, especially in a foreign country, requires a great deal of confidence. The more you explore, the more confident you become in coping with unfamiliar environments, making decisions, and managing your own time and money. These are skills that employers highly value, particularly in industries where independent thinking and initiative are key. Think leadership roles, consulting, tech, creative arts, media and research and development.

Through travel, you’ll develop the confidence to handle challenges and embrace new opportunities. This independence feels great but also sets you up for success in your future career, where you may be required to work by yourself or take on leadership roles.

5. Enhancing Your Well-Being

Travelling isn’t just about developing skills—it’s also about taking a break, having fun, and reducing stress. Studying abroad can be overwhelming, with new academic pressures, cultural adjustments, and sometimes homesickness. Travel provides a healthy way to recharge, explore, and do things that bring joy and relaxation.

Taking time for yourself is so important. Your time in the UK shouldn’t all be study! Travel can help balance your studies and your mental health. Being well-rested and refreshed makes you more productive and focused, both during your studies and as you prepare for your future career. Remember travel doesn’t have to mean an expensive trip- it might mean a day trip to the next town, or a bus into the countryside.

6. Networking Opportunities

Travelling also opens doors for networking. Whether you meet fellow students, locals, or professionals in different industries, these people can become part of your UK network. You never know who you might meet—a casual conversation could lead to a professional opportunity or a valuable connection for your career.

Making the most of your travel experiences means being open to learning from others. It means finding ways to grow your network. In a globalized world, having contacts in different places or industries can be a big advantage in your graduate job search.

7. Be Inspired by the Tourism Industry

If your travels around the UK spark a love for exploration, you might want to consider a career in the tourism industry. As one of the largest and most diverse global sectors, tourism offers so many opportunities across areas like hospitality, travel management, and event planning. It’s a career path that allows you to work with people from around the world. Your language skills will be valued. ?Careers in tourism also give you the chance to travel and experience different cultures. Check out some brilliant articles about tourism as a career area on targetjobs.

If you’re a careers practitioner in a UK university reading this, I want you to know that you play a crucial role in helping international students make the most of their time in the UK—not only in maximising their time at uni but also in terms of their development outside of uni. Encouraging students to travel and explore the UK (or just their local area) can offer them a wealth of experiences that enhance both their employability and their overall well-being.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Encourage Reflection on Travel Experiences

In your skills conversations, ask students about their UK travels. This is a great way to build rapport, but also can begin a conversation to reflect on the skills they developed during their journeys. In group discussions, or one-to-ones, help students connect their travel experiences to key employability skills like problem-solving, communication, and cultural awareness.

Help them identify specific examples from their travels that they can use in job interviews or on their CVs. For instance, navigating public transport in a foreign city can demonstrate adaptability and initiative, while engaging with local communities can highlight intercultural communication skills.

2. Promote Exploration of Different Regions for Potential Work Opportunities

Many international students may only be familiar with major cities like London, Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh. Encourage them to explore other regions of the UK that may offer unique career opportunities or a different quality of life. For instance, cities like Bristol, Birmingham, or Glasgow have thriving job markets in industries such as tech, finance, and creative arts, while smaller towns may offer a more relaxed lifestyle and lower cost of living.

Help students understand the diverse job markets and industries across the UK, and how they might fit their career goals and personal preferences. Encourage them to explore these areas during their travels, so they can make more informed decisions about where they might want to live and work after graduation.

3. Connect Travel to Career Development Workshops

You can integrate travel themes into career development workshops, helping students reflect on their travel experiences and how they relate to employability. Workshops could focus on topics like "Building Cultural Awareness Through Travel" or "Using Travel to Enhance Your CV." This will help students see the value of their travels beyond just relaxation, guiding them to apply their experiences strategically in their job search.

4. Promote Travel as a Form of Well-Being

Finally, emphasise the importance of travel for mental health and stress relief. Encourage students to take breaks from their studies to explore the UK, reminding them that this can positively impact their overall well-being, making them more focused and resilient in their academic and career pursuits.

By supporting international students in their travels, you’re not just helping them enjoy their time in the UK—you’re also equipping them with valuable skills and experiences that will serve them well in their future careers- which is what we love, right?