Thomas Klassen
Professor Thomas Klassen, from the School of Public Policy & Administration in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), is co-author of a just published guide to flourishing while studying abroad and mobilizing an international education to begin a fulfilling career after graduation.
The book, The Essential Guide to Studying Abroad: From Success in the Classroom to a Fulfilling Career, covers all aspects of the international student experience – inside and outside the classroom – encouraging young people to perform their very best and succeed in their new environment. Written in an engaging and accessible style using examples, case studies, and links to resources, the book reduces the stress of studying and working abroad.
Christine Menges
Christine Menges, the co-author, was an international exchange student from Germany at York University in 2002-03. She is now the director of the Career Center, MBA Programs, at the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, one of Germany’s top business schools. “We wrote this book to help the many students that study abroad and face the challenge of succeeding in a new university, a new culture, and a job market that works very differently from the one of their home countries,” says Menges. “The book contains a wealth of practical and hands-on advice, based on years of experience and expertise in guiding international students.”
Cover of The Essential Guide to Studying Abroad. Image courtesy of the authors
Klassen, who recently taught a York University summer study abroad courses in South Korea, notes that, ”In 2018 there were more than five million international students with half of these studying in English speaking countries. Two decades earlier there were less than two million international students. Parents and students know that employers place a premium on new professionals who have a wide range of skills including adaptability, problem solving, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness. One way to develop these sought after skills is through studying abroad.”
He adds, “But more importantly, studying outside your own country – whether for a few weeks, a summer, a semester, a year or longer – is a wonderful way to learn about the world. For many young people is it the most amazing adventure ever! Learning in a classroom is necessary and useful, but studying abroad also means learning about a new culture and making friends.”
The book is aimed at current and potential international students, as well as parents and family members, and school guidance counsellors.