Welcome to the Beyond The States Podcast
Your Gateway to European Higher Education
Embark on a journey across borders and into the heart of European higher education with the Beyond The States Podcast. Each episode is a deep dive into the diverse, dynamic, and distinctive world of studying in Europe, designed to empower, inform, and inspire students and their families considering an educational path less traveled.
Why Listen to the Beyond The States Podcast?
- Expert Insights: Gain valuable advice from our host, seasoned experts, and special guests including university representatives, current students, and alumni. Discover the nuances of European higher education systems, application processes, and life as an international student.
- Real Student Experiences: Hear firsthand accounts from students from various backgrounds who have navigated the journey to studying in Europe. Learn from their challenges, successes, and tips for future students.
- Guided Support: Whether you’re just starting to consider studying abroad or you’re in the midst of preparing your applications, our episodes offer step-by-step guidance to help you make informed decisions.
- Diverse Perspectives: Explore the vast educational landscapes of Europe, from renowned research institutions to hidden gems in smaller towns. Understand the cultural, social, and academic aspects that make studying in Europe a unique and enriching experience.
- Practical Tips: From living expenses and scholarship opportunities to cultural adaptation and travel tips, get practical advice to prepare for your European education adventure.
What to Expect:
Join us for engaging discussions, interviews, and Q&A sessions covering everything from choosing the right program and university to preparing for life in a new country. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or an educator, the Beyond The States Podcast provides the knowledge and encouragement needed to navigate the path to studying in Europe.
Finding the Perfect Place for You
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…
Research University vs. University of Applied Science
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…
What is College for?
Why is it important to gain insight into what college is for you as an individual? What happens if you don’t have that awareness? Moreover, what questions should you ask yourself to get that clear idea? …
Ellie’s Path to European College?
Jenn has an interesting announcement about the upcoming podcast interviews around studying and living abroad with some of the top-selling book authors on that matter. William Deresiewisz, Jeffrey Selingo, and Tim Leffel are unquestionably inspiring guests…
It’s Never too Late!
In today’s episode, Jenn has an interesting discussion with Tiffany, a parent of one of our members, Ethan. She became so interested in the Beyond the States process herself so that she’s amid planning admission for…
Soft Skills You Gain When Living Abroad
How much active parenting should we do for our teens and college-age students? How much does a parent’s “help” prevent teens from developing the skills they need to become independent and successful adults? How do we…
All around Europe with Anya
Welcome back to another episode of the Beyond the States podcast! In today’s interview with Jenn, Anya talks about a unique study program in Europe in which a student studies in a different city/country each year….
The Many Incredible Master’s Degree Options in Europe
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…
How to Get Financial Aid for College in Europe
Jenn talks with Mark Kantrowitz, a leading expert on financing a student’s college education. Mark is currently Publisher of Private Student Loans, a web site that provides students with smart borrowing tips about private student loans. Mark…
How to Prepare Your Children for College in Europe
Parents are often concerned that students will struggle when faced with the new environment of college. In this episode, Jenn focuses on the importance of building independence in your student. She also talks about how she’s building…
Podcast: The Return of the BTS Podcast
The Beyond the States podcast is back! In this episode, recorded in August 2021, Jenn covers the basics of Beyond the States and overviews some of the biggest ideas around college in Europe. She talks about…
How Should I Pick a Major for College in Europe?
One difference between college in the US and Europe is that in Europe incoming students must apply to a specific program, so they must know what they want to study. For students who don’t know what…
Sports When You Go to College in Europe
In this week’s episode, Jenn discusses with Adam, a US student currently studying in Rotterdam. Our guest talks about a number of his experiences beyond the States, including the fact that he plays competitive baseball in…
Why You Should Pursue College in Europe
Are you considering studying in Europe for your college degree? If so, you’re in for a treat! European universities offer affordable tuition, transparent admissions processes, and life-changing outcomes. Plus, you don’t necessarily need to know another…
Is Tuition Cheap in European Colleges?
This episode of the Beyond the States podcast focuses on tuition cost. Jenn presents information on the astronomical tuition in the US and related problems. She then demonstrates how tuition for the English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree options…
American vs European College Admissions
Affordable Tuition and Quality Education One major benefit of studying in Europe is the affordable tuition rates. Many European universities offer programs taught in English for less than one year of tuition at many American schools….
Avoid the Pitfalls of College Rankings
What rankings are we referring to? While there are many rankings of international universities, those that are most influential are from US News, Times Higher Education, and the ShanghaiRanking (ARWU). In our database, we have noted schools that are…
Affordable, English-Taught Degrees in Estonia
In this episode, Jenn interviews Crystal LaGrone about her experience attending the Master’s program in e-Governance Technologies at Tallinn University of Technology in Tallinn, Estonia. Crystal’s tuition and living expenses were quite reasonable, especially since this…
The Myth of American Exceptionalism
In the US, the conventional wisdom tells us that the US academic experience is superior, but is that really the reality or is that the story we are told. In this episode, Jenn talks with Samantha…
It’s Crazy to Pay $50,000 a Year for a Bachelor’s Degree
In this episode, Jenn talks with Chelsea Workman. Chelsea started studying Philosophy at Ohio State. Although she chose an ‘affordable’ public school, the tuition, at over $10k per year, soon put financial stress on my father…
Experience Day at College in Europe
How does a student decide on which program is best for him? What is that selection process like? This episode’s guest is Sam Viemont, son of Jennifer and Tom Viemont. The episode covers Jenn & Sam’s…
What is the Social Life Like for Students in Europe?
In this episode, Jenn looks are two questions: What is the social life like for international students? And what is a University of Applied Sciences? Universities of Applied Sciences focus on getting students ready to enter…
The Parent’s Guide to College in Europe
In this episode, Jenn talks about threshold model of collective behavior first introduced to us in Malcolm Gladwell’s amazing podcast, Revisionist History. This theory describes how some people within a group are more comfortable than others when…
How to Foster Stronger Student Independence
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…
Study Abroad and the Erasmus Program in Europe
Jenn talks about the prospect of studying abroad in another country when you’re already studying abroad as an international student. She interviews João Pinto from the Erasmus Student Network. Interesting fact: students who study abroad are…
Hot Take: When NOT to Go to College in Europe
After reading a blog post from a college counsellor that declared that the US post secondary education system was globally superior, Jenn felt compelled to respond. Here are her answers to the naysayers. Podcast Transcript –…
What You Need to Know About College in Europe
Jenn covers the basic concepts about going to college in Europe. She explains the different types of higher education institutions in Europe, the types of degree programs, along with housing and student life. Podcast Transcript –…
Whats My Major?
One difference between college in the US and Europe is that in Europe incoming students must apply to a specific program, so they must know what they want to study. For students who don’t know what…
Financial Aid and College in Europe
Jenn talks with Mark Kantrowitz, a leading expert on financing a student’s college education.
Return of the Beyond the States Podcast
The Beyond the States podcast is back! In this episode, recorded in August 2021, Jenn covers the basics of Beyond the States and overviews some of the biggest ideas around college in Europe. We hope you…
Studying and Playing Baseball in the Netherlands
In this week’s episode, Jenn discusses with Adam, a US student currently studying in Rotterdam. Our guest talks about a number of his experiences beyond the States, including the fact that he plays competitive baseball in…
College in Europe as an American Student
Welcome back to another episode of the Beyond the States podcast! In today’s interview with Jenn, Anya talks about a unique study program in Europe in which a student studies in a different city/country each year….
Studying with ADHD in Europe
In today’s episode, Jenn welcomes Liza, one of the original BTS members, who some of you might know from TikTok. She will talk about her experience studying in Europe, as a student with ADHD. Furthermore, Liza…
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Europe
In today’s episode, Jenn has an interesting discussion with Tiffany, a parent of one of our members, Ethan. She became so interested in the Beyond the States process herself so that she’s amid planning admission for…
The Soft Skills You’ll Learn Just by Living Abroad
How much active parenting should we do for our teens and college-age students? How much does a parent’s “help” prevent teens from developing the skills they need to become independent and successful adults? How do we…
Following Ellie’s Path to a European College
Jenn has an interesting announcement about the upcoming podcast interviews around studying and living abroad with some of the top-selling book authors on that matter. William Deresiewisz, Jeffrey Selingo, and Tim Leffel are unquestionably inspiring guests…
Should I go to college in Europe? We’ll help you answer this.
Why is it important to gain insight into what college is for you as an individual? What happens if you don’t have that awareness? Moreover, what questions should you ask yourself to get that clear idea? Jenn…
International Education and Career Development
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…
Research vs Applied Sciences, What’s the Difference?
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…
Will a European Degree Work for Me in the US?
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…
Why ‘Best Colleges’ Doesn’t Mean Anything
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…
How to Overcome Executive Functioning Struggles
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…
Does America Have a Top Tier Educational System?
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…
What Transparent Admissions Requirements Really Mean
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…
The Workplace of the Future Demands These Soft Skills
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,…
Fostering Student Independence (Encore)
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…
Master’s Degrees in Europe for International Students
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…
