Beyond the States: College in Europe

Latest Episodes:

The Many Incredible Master’s Degree Options in Europe Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

For our final episode of the season, Jenn dives into a discussion on the rewards of pursuing a Master’s degree in Europe. Her conversation partner this week is Sean Dempsey, a past BTS member and recent graduate of the highly-ranked KU Leuven, in Belgium. It was his study abroad semester in Spain, as an undergraduate, that was the inspiration and gateway to gaining his Master’s degree in Europe.

And speaking of graduate school, Jenn announces our team’s summer plans on the podcast for giving a deserved boost to our sweeping Master’s degree resources and offerings. Get the scuttlebutt on these improvements, and hear about some of Jenn’s favorite grad programs featured in our Master’s database, some of which her own son, Sam, is exploring. It’s happening!

“According to FinAid.org, the average cost for master’s degree programs in the US ranges from $30,000 – $120,000 which depends on whether a student is paying in-statue tuition, out of state or private tuition. English-taught master’s degree programs in Europe are much more affordable. Their average tuition for the more than 6,200 English-taught programs is under $8,000 per year. That average includes the higher priced programs, like MBAs, so it is significant to note that there are over 1,800 options under $3,500 per year and more than 700 that are tuition free-even for international students.”

–Jenn

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Fostering Student Independence (Encore) May 10, 2022

Show notes

No doubt, being independent is one of the most important qualities needed if you plan to study in Europe. Navigating in a foreign country, on your own, demands a large degree of self-reliance and pliancy, and it’s important to appreciate that colleges in Europe do far less hand-holding when compared to those in the states.

This topic never goes out of style, and is always shifting and fluid with the culture, such as now in the wake of the pandemic. With that in mind, Jenn revisits and updates a past podcast episode from 2018, geared toward parents, titled Fostering Student Independence. Listen in on how Jenn has helped her own children develop these skills over the years, and get ideas for things you can do at home, and while traveling, for your own family.

“Many of us underestimate the resilience our kids have, but by underestimating this and trying to protect them from uncomfortable situations we prevent them from developing more resilience and independence that’s going to help them through life.” –Jenn

Workplace of the Future Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

This week’s episode certainly aligns with a common theme this season addressed by many of our guests, and that is the critical importance of cultivating “soft skills” in the up-and-coming workforce. These skills, like assertiveness, resilience, self-direction, empathy, cooperation, diversity awareness, and adaptability are simply not versed (even discouraged) in traditional education in the US. In the current US college admissions game alone, it appears there is no room (or reflected value) for failure.

Our guest this week, Colleen Bordeaux, a senior manager at Deloitte Consulting in LA, joins us in discussion on this hot topic, speaking from an employer’s point of view. You’ll hear her pressing for today’s youth and graduates to see the value in getting out of comfort zones, of taking and seeing the advantage of experiences and failures, since these are some of the opportunities where important human skills can begin to take shape; these are the skills that matter more-than-ever for professional success.

"Up to 40% of the jobs that we know have the potential to be automated and done by technology. And there are millions of new jobs that are being created that people have never done before. And so it is calling on us to really think differently about what are the skills and capabilities we've got as humans that can endure and help us adapt in the fast-changing workplace." –Colleen Bordeaux

“Though I don’t believe college in Europe is the route for everyone, I do truly believe that it’s an incredible way to ensure our kids are developing these crucial skills while having these life-changing experiences.” –Jenn

Transparent Admissions Requirements (Encore) Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

It’s that time of year again… College admissions are on the minds of many students who have attempted to get into their choice schools across the US; it can be a deeply confusing and stressful time for many. Jenn begins the episode this week by sharing a disturbing, first-hand look at the US admissions process through her daughter (Ellie) and Ellie’s friends’ experiences, and provides an update on Ellie’s plans for the fall and how she eventually came to the decision to study in the US.

As well, although it is true that college in Europe is not for everyone (as evidenced by the fact that Jenn’s daughter will be attending school in the states), it is important to understand how the transparent and objective admissions criteria is in surprising contrast to that in the US. With that, we decided to revisit an important episode from 2017 with Maarten Dikhoff, an administrator from Groningen University who explains the admissions approach and process in the Netherlands and Europe. Ultimately, we’ll see how this approach is wholly refreshing, compared to the problematic one in the states. (Spoiler alert - they don’t care about your SAT scores or extracurricular activities!) Tune in and find out more!

"It's not where you go to college, but how you go to college that matters." -- Jenn

“We basically do our selection during the first year. Students can all get the chance to study at a university in the Netherlands, but in the first year they need to show they are capable of doing so.”, Martin

Life Before, During, and After College Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

There are some incredible university choices all around the world, including in the US. However, there is a widespread belief that the US higher education system is the best in the world. Jenn summarizes specific studies that debunk this belief.

Later in the episode, Jenn and her guest discuss other aspects of studying and students’ lives before, during, and after college. Jenn has a conversation with Jeffrey Selingo, the best-selling author of numerous useful books about higher education. Jeff shares some interesting points and situations he faced while collecting and researching data in this field for more than two decades.

“Life is not a straight line. There are going to be failures. Learn from people that you can identify with.”, Jeffrey Selingo

Executive Functioning Skills Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

Jenn’s son, Sam has been struggling with implementing and sticking with organizational systems since his 5th grade. Even though the question of whether Sam suffers from ADHD remains unsolved, one is for sure, he lacks Executive Functioning skills. Therefore, in today’s episode, Jenn is joined with Jenna Prada, the creator, and director of Private Prep's Executive Functioning Programs. Jenna shares some of her strategies for helping students to overcome common executive functioning struggles, gain motivation, and learn time management skills.

Moreover, you will learn why it is counterproductive to protect your teens from failure, when parents should reach for professional help, why do we have executive dysfunctions as adults, and how to solve them later in life. Tune in and find out more!

“There is no kid that grows into their adult life and doesn’t need any systems. Even if you can get your way through college, adulting is hard. We all need systems.”, Jenna Prada

Finding the Perfect Place for You Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

Why are certain places a perfect choice for some people but a mistake for others?

Generally speaking, something doesn't have to be “better than” or “worst than”, it can just be defined as different. Moreover, something is very rarely universally “better than” or “worse than”, rather, it is a matter of the specific person's preferences. Whether we are talking about food and fashion or homes and education. Hence, how to make choices that match your personality and expectations when it comes to living and studying abroad?

Jenn and her guest discuss this topic. She is joined with Tim Leffel, a writer, an editor, a publisher, and an author of numerous books about traveling. Stay tuned as Tim shares his rich experience of traveling to many countries and also suggests the importance of setting the right priorities when choosing a country to stay.

“You need to know what is crucial for you to have in your life ahead of a time and to be prepared for cultural differences.”, Tim Leffel

Is a Degree from Abroad “Good” in the US? Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

Is a degree from Europe valuable enough in the US? Does it allow students to get into grad school and get a good job? Who gives accreditation to universities in the States? What are the hidden costs international students need to know when applying for universities? Jenn digs deep into this topic to answer these and many more questions.

Later in the episode, Jenn opens a discussion with the doctor and international medical graduate Akriti Sinha. Sr. Sinha shares her story around becoming a doctor in the US with a degree from abroad and gives advice for coping with numerous problems and specific challenges foreign students can face.

Research University vs. University of Applied Science Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

What are the differences between study programs at Research Universities and those at Universities of Applied Sciences? Which one prepares a student for a Master’s Degree Program and which for employment? Should we care about academy snobbery? How can you choose the best possible university for our own circumstances, and what can you expect after getting a degree? Jenn and her guest share some very useful ideas and experiences that can be of great help to students and their parents.

In the second part of the episode, Jenn talks with Andrew Smith, who received his master’s degree at The University of Applied Science in Wiener Neustadt (Fachhochschule Wiener Neustadt), in Austria and is now working for Deloitte in the US. Andrew shares his story and gives advice on how to find the best university in Europe.

“By studying abroad, you are going to brand yourself, and for someone who wants more of that international focus, studying abroad is a no-brainer.” Andrew Smith

Impact of International Education on Students’ Career Development Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

What does the research say about the benefits of studying abroad? Why are American students far behind the world when it comes to studying abroad? Why do only 10-14% of college freshmen end up studying abroad even though 63% of them wish to take a semester beyond the states? Tune in as Jenn answers these questions!

Later in the episode, Jenn opens a discussion with Marty Tillman, a prolific speaker, an author, an advocate for international studies, and the president of Global Career Compass. Marty shares his valuable experience in working with young people, bringing their needs closer to the listeners of this episode. Furthermore, the guest of the show reveals the impacts of international education on students' career development and goes through some of the most common concerns students and their parents have. Lend an ear to this week’s podcast and find out more!

“There is a career impact, and there is no question for me. It’s got to be discussed with the student about the importance of what they are going to undertake. They need not to minimize the potential impact on their career.” Marty Tillman

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