I thought intl PT experience would make the delay worthwhile
I justified choosing Australia by telling myself that international experience would strengthen my future US PT career.
However, I eventually realized that professional experience and licensing progress are not the same.
After ilang taon, I still needed to complete the US credentialing and licensing process. My Australian experience improved my resume, but it did not replace the legal requirements for US practice.
The delay also had opportunity costs. I was older, had more responsibilities, and found it harder to study while working full time.
Intl experience is valuable. But applicants should be careful when using it to rationalize postponing the destination they actually want.
Ask whether the experience will materially improve eligibility, compensation, immigration, or licensure in the target country. If the answer is unclear, it may be personally valuable without being strategically necessary.
Those are not the same ROI.