STUDYING ABROAD AS AN ANTECEDENT TO FIND A JOB. EVIDENCE FROM YOUNG EUROPEANS

International mobility programmes in higher education are considered a highly valuable educational experience.

However, outcomes of international mobility for those who study abroad at least half an academic year are commonly taken for granted. Moreover, scarce research has been carried out to assess outcomes regarding employability of international mobility programs.

In this paper, we study if having an experience abroad has a positive relationship with finding a job and being self-employed. In addition, for those who have found a job, what kind of work they have. We distinguish between professionals (employed doctor, lawyer, accountant, architect, etc.), top management, middle management, civil servant, office clerk and other employee (salesman, nurse, etc.).

To achieve our research goal, we use data gathered from the “Eurobarometer Nº 455” which compiles the responses of 8153 young people from 28 Member States of the European Union. Finally, we will discuss theoretical and practical implications.