Those with Study Abroad Experience Have a Promotion Rate to Section Manager or Higher About Twice That of Those Without, with a Notable Difference in the Over 8 Million Yen Annual Income Bracket. However, 70% of Working Adults Have Never Studied Abroad.
A survey by Raxus Inc. reveals a significant career gap between those with and without study abroad experience. Individuals who studied abroad are twice as likely to be promoted to manager-level positions and more likely to earn over 8 million yen annually. While 77.8% of those with experience felt it positively impacted their careers, 73% of all respondents had never studied abroad, highlighting a potential disparity in career opportunities.
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- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 20:43
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 12:01
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Raxus Inc. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka / President and CEO: Seijiro Fukushige, hereinafter 'the Company'), through its study abroad support business, conducted a questionnaire survey of business professionals in their 30s-50s regarding the relationship between study abroad experience and medium- to long-term career development.
■ The Reality for Those with Study Abroad Experience: Career Disparities Shown by Position and Income Data
The most striking finding in this survey was the relationship between having study abroad experience and the 'position gap.' The proportion of individuals in management positions or higher, such as section manager, department manager, or executive level, was 42.0% for those with study abroad experience, compared to 21.5% for those without—a difference of nearly double. The proportion of those with no official title was also reversed, at 16% for those with experience versus 55% for those without, making the difference stark. In terms of annual income, there was a 12-point gap in the over 8 million yen bracket, with 34.6% of those with study abroad experience and 22.4% of those without.
The most frequently cited impact of studying abroad was 'increased opportunities to be involved in overseas work (51.9%),' far surpassing 'language skills were useful for work (22.2%).' This numerically substantiates that the value of studying abroad is not limited to language skill acquisition but is an experience that can change one's position and career path itself.
On the other hand, 73% of the 300 people surveyed this time had no study abroad experience. The clearer the career effects of studying abroad become, the more apparent the structure is that the availability of study abroad opportunities during one's student years affects competitiveness after graduation.
■ Background: Why Ask Working Adults About 'Study Abroad and Career' Now?
While the importance of developing global talent is often discussed, how studying abroad actually affects work and careers in the medium to long term has not been well researched. Much of the data available to universities and companies is limited to 'language proficiency improvement during enrollment' or 'study abroad satisfaction,' with little data tracking the impact on careers after graduation.
Therefore, this survey analyzed the relationship between the presence and nature of study abroad experience and current job, annual income, and position through an internet survey of 300 active business professionals (in a wide range of occupations including sales, technology, management, and administration). This is a survey that directly asked working adults how studying abroad 'is effective for their post-graduation work.'
So, do the 27% who have experienced studying abroad actually feel an impact on their careers?
Among those with study abroad experience, 77.8% answered that it 'had an impact on their career.' The total for 'little or no impact' was only 22.2%. Furthermore, the ratio of section managers or higher among those with study abroad experience was 42.0%, and the ratio with an annual income of 8 million yen or more was 34.6%, significantly exceeding those without study abroad experience (21.5% and 22.4%, respectively). This confirms that the career impact is not limited to the respondents' subjective opinions but is clearly reflected in their actual job positions and compensation.
The most common answer was 'increased opportunities to be involved in overseas work (51.9%).' This was more than double the 'language skills were useful for work (22.2%),' revealing that studying abroad not only helps in 'skill acquisition' but also increases opportunities for involvement in international work. When combined with the data that the ratio of section managers or higher among those with study abroad experience is about twice that of those without (42.0% vs. 21.5%), it suggests a structure where studying abroad influences actual position attainment.
Other answers included 'had a positive impact on promotion/advancement (37.0%),' 'broadened my perspective and way of thinking (33.3%),' and 'was advantageous during job hunting (30.9%),' confirming a wide range of positive effects in both quantitative and qualitative aspects. 22.2% of experienced individuals also cited a positive impact on annual income, indicating that studying abroad has an impact on careers that goes beyond mere language skill improvement.
Also noteworthy is that this disparity cannot be explained by age. In this survey, the average age of those with study abroad experience was 41.7 years, and for those without, it was 42.7 years, which is almost the same. Even when comparing only those in their 40s, a nearly twofold difference remains in the ratio of section managers or higher (55% vs. 27.5%). This suggests that studying abroad may have a medium- to long-term impact on careers through the accumulation of opportunities for involvement in overseas work and differences in promotion opportunities.
The percentage of respondents who answered that they 'have no opportunity to use English at work' exceeded the majority at 65.3%. On the other hand, over 42% of those with study abroad experience answered that their opportunities for involvement in overseas work had increased, showing a strong correlation between having opportunities to use English and having study abroad experience. In an era of advancing globalization, the structure where working adults without study abroad experience remain in the workplace without contact with English suggests that the design of international experience affects future work opportunities.
■ What the 'Effectiveness Gap' of Studying Abroad Shows: From 'Number Sent' to 'How the Study Abroad Was Designed'
According to a survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the number of Japanese students studying abroad is on an increasing trend. However, this survey also revealed a reality where it cannot be simply said that 'studying abroad = career advantage,' as there is a gap in the percentage of those who feel that 'studying abroad was useful for their career' even among those with study abroad experience. As the macro difference of 42% vs. 21.5% for the ratio of section managers or higher shows, studying abroad is, on average, a plus for one's career, and 22.2% of those with study abroad experience answered that it 'led to an increase in income.' On the other hand, 7.4% said there was 'no particular impact,' showing that there is a difference in effectiveness even among those with the same study abroad experience. This fact suggests that the 'quality' and 'design' of the study abroad experience are in question.
【Survey Outline】
Survey Method: Internet survey
Survey Region: Nationwide
Survey Period: April 3, 2026 – April 6, 2026
Survey Target: Business professionals in their 30s-50s (Full-time employees, contract/temporary employees, executives/officers, civil servants (excluding teachers), doctors/medical professionals, self-employed, freelancers, part-time/casual workers)
Number of Respondents: 300
About Mirai Bridge
'Mirai Bridge' is a study abroad agency specializing in Australia. With government-certified counselors and counselors who have graduated from local universities, we propose the optimal study abroad plan for each student based on the latest local information and extensive experience. We can provide information on universities, vocational schools, and language schools throughout Australia, including Griffith University. We offer comprehensive support from school selection and application to travel preparation and on-site support after arrival, all free of charge (excluding some short-term study abroad programs).
▼Official Website for 'Mirai Bridge,' the Australia-specialized local study abroad agent
https://gcryugaku.com/
About Raxus Inc.
Raxus Inc., under the mission 'To create a future that does not yet exist,' develops businesses that fuse technology and reality in fields such as mobility, human resources, education, M&A, and sports.
Unconstrained by the frameworks of existing industries, we aim to provide value that does not yet exist in the world by building services based on fundamental solutions to social issues.
Through structural and business reforms, we are committed to achieving sustainable growth and enhancing corporate value while pioneering new markets.
＜Company Profile＞
・Company Name: Raxus Inc.
・Representative: Seijiro Fukushige, President and CEO
・Headquarters: 18th Floor, Tower B, Grand Front Osaka, 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka
・Business Activities: Pure holding company (management of group companies)
・URL: https://raxus.inc/
■ The Reality for Those with Study Abroad Experience: Career Disparities Shown by Position and Income Data
The most striking finding in this survey was the relationship between having study abroad experience and the 'position gap.' The proportion of individuals in management positions or higher, such as section manager, department manager, or executive level, was 42.0% for those with study abroad experience, compared to 21.5% for those without—a difference of nearly double. The proportion of those with no official title was also reversed, at 16% for those with experience versus 55% for those without, making the difference stark. In terms of annual income, there was a 12-point gap in the over 8 million yen bracket, with 34.6% of those with study abroad experience and 22.4% of those without.
The most frequently cited impact of studying abroad was 'increased opportunities to be involved in overseas work (51.9%),' far surpassing 'language skills were useful for work (22.2%).' This numerically substantiates that the value of studying abroad is not limited to language skill acquisition but is an experience that can change one's position and career path itself.
On the other hand, 73% of the 300 people surveyed this time had no study abroad experience. The clearer the career effects of studying abroad become, the more apparent the structure is that the availability of study abroad opportunities during one's student years affects competitiveness after graduation.
■ Background: Why Ask Working Adults About 'Study Abroad and Career' Now?
While the importance of developing global talent is often discussed, how studying abroad actually affects work and careers in the medium to long term has not been well researched. Much of the data available to universities and companies is limited to 'language proficiency improvement during enrollment' or 'study abroad satisfaction,' with little data tracking the impact on careers after graduation.
Therefore, this survey analyzed the relationship between the presence and nature of study abroad experience and current job, annual income, and position through an internet survey of 300 active business professionals (in a wide range of occupations including sales, technology, management, and administration). This is a survey that directly asked working adults how studying abroad 'is effective for their post-graduation work.'
So, do the 27% who have experienced studying abroad actually feel an impact on their careers?
Among those with study abroad experience, 77.8% answered that it 'had an impact on their career.' The total for 'little or no impact' was only 22.2%. Furthermore, the ratio of section managers or higher among those with study abroad experience was 42.0%, and the ratio with an annual income of 8 million yen or more was 34.6%, significantly exceeding those without study abroad experience (21.5% and 22.4%, respectively). This confirms that the career impact is not limited to the respondents' subjective opinions but is clearly reflected in their actual job positions and compensation.
The most common answer was 'increased opportunities to be involved in overseas work (51.9%).' This was more than double the 'language skills were useful for work (22.2%),' revealing that studying abroad not only helps in 'skill acquisition' but also increases opportunities for involvement in international work. When combined with the data that the ratio of section managers or higher among those with study abroad experience is about twice that of those without (42.0% vs. 21.5%), it suggests a structure where studying abroad influences actual position attainment.
Other answers included 'had a positive impact on promotion/advancement (37.0%),' 'broadened my perspective and way of thinking (33.3%),' and 'was advantageous during job hunting (30.9%),' confirming a wide range of positive effects in both quantitative and qualitative aspects. 22.2% of experienced individuals also cited a positive impact on annual income, indicating that studying abroad has an impact on careers that goes beyond mere language skill improvement.
Also noteworthy is that this disparity cannot be explained by age. In this survey, the average age of those with study abroad experience was 41.7 years, and for those without, it was 42.7 years, which is almost the same. Even when comparing only those in their 40s, a nearly twofold difference remains in the ratio of section managers or higher (55% vs. 27.5%). This suggests that studying abroad may have a medium- to long-term impact on careers through the accumulation of opportunities for involvement in overseas work and differences in promotion opportunities.
The percentage of respondents who answered that they 'have no opportunity to use English at work' exceeded the majority at 65.3%. On the other hand, over 42% of those with study abroad experience answered that their opportunities for involvement in overseas work had increased, showing a strong correlation between having opportunities to use English and having study abroad experience. In an era of advancing globalization, the structure where working adults without study abroad experience remain in the workplace without contact with English suggests that the design of international experience affects future work opportunities.
■ What the 'Effectiveness Gap' of Studying Abroad Shows: From 'Number Sent' to 'How the Study Abroad Was Designed'
According to a survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the number of Japanese students studying abroad is on an increasing trend. However, this survey also revealed a reality where it cannot be simply said that 'studying abroad = career advantage,' as there is a gap in the percentage of those who feel that 'studying abroad was useful for their career' even among those with study abroad experience. As the macro difference of 42% vs. 21.5% for the ratio of section managers or higher shows, studying abroad is, on average, a plus for one's career, and 22.2% of those with study abroad experience answered that it 'led to an increase in income.' On the other hand, 7.4% said there was 'no particular impact,' showing that there is a difference in effectiveness even among those with the same study abroad experience. This fact suggests that the 'quality' and 'design' of the study abroad experience are in question.
【Survey Outline】
Survey Method: Internet survey
Survey Region: Nationwide
Survey Period: April 3, 2026 – April 6, 2026
Survey Target: Business professionals in their 30s-50s (Full-time employees, contract/temporary employees, executives/officers, civil servants (excluding teachers), doctors/medical professionals, self-employed, freelancers, part-time/casual workers)
Number of Respondents: 300
About Mirai Bridge
'Mirai Bridge' is a study abroad agency specializing in Australia. With government-certified counselors and counselors who have graduated from local universities, we propose the optimal study abroad plan for each student based on the latest local information and extensive experience. We can provide information on universities, vocational schools, and language schools throughout Australia, including Griffith University. We offer comprehensive support from school selection and application to travel preparation and on-site support after arrival, all free of charge (excluding some short-term study abroad programs).
▼Official Website for 'Mirai Bridge,' the Australia-specialized local study abroad agent
https://gcryugaku.com/
About Raxus Inc.
Raxus Inc., under the mission 'To create a future that does not yet exist,' develops businesses that fuse technology and reality in fields such as mobility, human resources, education, M&A, and sports.
Unconstrained by the frameworks of existing industries, we aim to provide value that does not yet exist in the world by building services based on fundamental solutions to social issues.
Through structural and business reforms, we are committed to achieving sustainable growth and enhancing corporate value while pioneering new markets.
＜Company Profile＞
・Company Name: Raxus Inc.
・Representative: Seijiro Fukushige, President and CEO
・Headquarters: 18th Floor, Tower B, Grand Front Osaka, 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka
・Business Activities: Pure holding company (management of group companies)
・URL: https://raxus.inc/