Study Abroad: The Key Differentiator

Over Here, Over There

Travel broadens the mind, they say. Combined with study, it provides an incredible opportunity for personal development and forms a powerful differentiator in one's career and life, including the benefits to one's own country and the international community. However, to many students, studying abroad may seem like an unobtainable goal because of the perceived cost and challenges. In this episode, hosts Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris discuss the benefits and the 'how to's' of studying abroad with Dr. Jonah Otto, International Relations Director, Research and Teaching Fellow, and Director of Internationalization Development and Incoming Exchange at the University of Augsburg in Germany. They discuss many of the questions that weigh on students' minds when considering making the seemingly big decision to go abroad. Dr. Otto dispels the view that studying abroad is only for the affluent and high achievers and that any student in good standing has the opportunity to study abroad with only marginal additional cost, if any. As Dr. Otto explains, there is more financial and educational support available than students may realize to make studying overseas a reality. This episode is packed with useful information, both practical and inspirational, on the value international education brings to both students and society, which is not to be missed. Enjoy!
Dr. Jonah Otto's profile:
LinkedIn
ResearchGate
University of Augsburg
University's International office
Faculty's international office
Study Abroad Programs:
Study in Germany
Erasmus
Fulbright
State University of New York at Brockport, Center for Global Education & Engagement
London School of Economics and Political Science

Capitoli

1. Study Abroad: The Key Differentiator (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:00:19)

3. Can you please describe the University of Augsburg international study programs? (00:05:10)

4. The Internationalization of Education (00:06:56)

5. What are the benefits of studying abroad? (00:09:47)

6. How do you increase the awareness of the benefits to studying abroad? (00:13:18)

7. How accessible is international study? (00:16:16)

8. Interlude (00:19:07)

9. What qualifications are you looking for in a student’s application for a study abroad program? (00:19:40)

10. What part do Erasmus and Fulbright scholarships play in international study programs? (00:21:40)

11. Is the demand for international study programs on the rise? (00:22:50)

12. What is the soft power of international education? (00:25:08)

13. What are the financial challenges for students considering studying abroad? (00:28:00)

14. What are the trade-offs between a semester vs. a year abroad (00:28:16)

15. Do different educational systems and teaching styles present challenges for international students? (00:30:27)

16. How impactful is international study on a CV or resume? (00:32:33)

17. Are there social and emotional benefits to studying abroad as well? (00:34:16)

18. Interlude - Thanks to OHOT Supporters (00:36:48)

19. What nationalities are most involved in international education? (00:37:20)

20. What criteria should a student use when planning to go abroad? (00:39:04)

21. What are the trends in studying abroad, particuarly given the current international environment? (00:40:33)

22. Conclusion (00:44:00)