Abstract 

Applied international experiences benefit students in many ways and possibly contribute to skills deemed important by employers. The objective of this study was to determine specific skillsets gained by undergraduate students during an applied equine international expe¬rience from both student and employer perspectives. Eight students were selected to conduct horse man¬agement seminars in an international setting. Students completed a preflection where they reported experience with a new culture, becoming more global and market¬able, communication skills, credibility and responsibility as useful components of the impending trip. A student reflection suggested communication, problem-solving and teamwork as the top skills enhanced as a result of the international experience. Current employers of grad¬uated students who participated in the trip reported that those employees were good team players, possessed excellent public speaking skills, worked well in a diverse group and were good problem solvers. An applied inter¬national equine program had student and employer perceived advantages for soft skill development and enhancement. International programs offer varied expe¬riences to students; a more concrete description of the advantages of applied international programming would be useful to assist job seekers with illustrating the bene¬fits of an international experience and support university programs when justifying and promoting international programming.