By Jenny Scott Russell - Local Leo

In September 2015 I, somewhat unexpectedly, found myself in Austria at the beginning of a six-month Erasmus exchange program. I say somewhat unexpectedly because before applying to university I hadn’t considered studying abroad, let alone in Austria. But what a great last-minute decision it turned out to be. Austria was an amazing country to spend a semester in, and I look back on studying abroad as the highlight of my university experience.

Four years on and I’m still recommending Austria to everyone, be it for a city break in Vienna or skiing trip to Innsbruck. However, Austria is also an unrivaled location for students seeking new and exciting experiences. Read on for my top 10 reasons you should consider studying abroad in Austria…

1. It’s in the center of Europe

You don’t get a more conveniently located country to explore central and eastern Europe from. Eight different countries share Austria’s border and thanks to the efficient and well-connected rail network, they are all incredibly easy to get to. Bus travel is also an option for those budget conscious students among us, with companies like Flixbus getting people from Vienna to Berlin from around €22. I actually managed to get from Munich, to Berlin, to Cologne and back for under €30! I also took full advantage of the opportunity to visit Budapest and Prague, with both cities reachable in under four hours from Vienna by train.

2. Education is inexpensive and (reasonably!) relaxed

Now, let me explain myself. I’m not saying you won’t have to do any work while studying abroad. That is completely your choice! However, a benefit of studying in Austria is the relaxed mentality Austrians have towards university. Generally, degree programs take from three to five years to complete but technically there’s no limit to how long you can take to finish studying. This means students in Austria are considerably less stressed than students in the UK, which is where I studied the majority of my undergraduate degree. In addition to this, course fees at universities in Austria are miniscule, especially if you come from an EU country. Plus, you can apply for Erasmus funding to help out while you’re there. This takes the pressure off financially, making for an all-round chilled out experience.

3. The alpine scenery is beautiful all year round

Mountains, lakes and forests are hard to avoid in Austria. Even if you’re studying in central Vienna, mother nature is on your doorstep. And thanks to the previously mentioned approach to studying, you’ll find yourself with plenty of time to explore and make the most of the stunning Austrian landscape. In the summer, you can swim in the picturesque lakes or spend your weekends like I did, hiking in the Alps. If you find yourself in Austria during the winter, you could learn to ski alongside your studies. With second-hand ski gear, it’s possible to do this even on a student budget.

4. You get the chance to learn German

Admittedly, German is not the most widely spoken language in the world. However, when it comes to finding a job, having German in your back pocket is only going to help. Especially those of you in the mechanical, engineering, automotive, financial and textile industries. It opens up the opportunity of working in Austria and Germany and makes you more attractive to employers from your home country. Most universities in Austria will expect you to take a German class as part of your semester credits which makes the language even easier to pick up.

5. …But many courses are taught in English

Thank goodness, right? I wanted to take advantage of the chance to learn German, but having all my lectures in a foreign language might have been a step too far. International students make up a huge percentage of those enrolled at universities in Austria, especially in comparison to other European countries. So, it makes sense for the universities to teach in English and it’s even more common at masters level.   

6. Vienna has the highest quality of living in Europe

For the 10^th year running Vienna took the top spot in Mercer’s Quality of Living survey. They consider a variety of factors including standards of schools, crime levels, recreation options and climate! All of potential importance when picking a city to study abroad in. There are also over 130,000 students in Vienna, making it an amazing place to study and live, and it came 11^th in the most recent QS Best Student Cities index. However, the rest of Austria is great for students too. I can personally vouch for Salzburg being an incredible place to live as a student! The universities there hosted a variety of educational and recreational events all semester which made meeting people really easy.

7. The variety of local and international food on offer will keep you happy

No, this doesn’t just mean schnitzel and apple strudel. Although both are delicious (vegetarian/vegan schnitzel is also an option!). The International Food Festival in Vienna’s Der Garten is a great example of how popular and available all cuisines are in the country. I challenged myself to test as many new cuisines as possible while in the capital and Salzburg wasn’t bad for variety either. Syrian and Lebanese were two of my favorites. Of course, the traditional Austrian cuisine is also a draw especially as it modernises and adapts to suit all dietary requirements. As a foodie, Austria was the perfect place for me to explore!

8. Architecture, art, music and literature – what more could you want?

Before Salzburg I had never been to the opera but I took full advantage of cheap student tickets when I was there! And what an incredible experience it was, to enjoy Bizet and Mozart in the Felsenreitschule (AKA the theater from The Sound of Music). I ended up in classical music recitals and countless galleries, and marveled at the impressive Baroque cathedrals. The Old Town in Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site and I actually lived there! Viennese architecture was equally as impressive and since finishing my studies I have been back multiple times to enjoy it. Surrounding yourself in such a rich and historical culture is an education in itself.

9. The cost of living is surprisingly cheap

Saving money during my semester studying abroad in Austria came as a surprise. But lucky for me, the rent was cheaper there despite living in the most expensive city in the country. My bills were included and public transport was next to nothing. I got a bike a few weeks into my stay, which is the norm in Salzburg, saving myself even more money. Food and alcohol were also much cheaper than I expected. It was great, the cost of being a student in the UK suffering in comparison. And considering Austria is one of the nicest countries to live in central Europe, I really had nothing to complain about!

10. Austrian beer festivals and Christmas markets are amazing

I was spoilt for choice when it came to Christmas markets in Salzburg, with more than six to explore. I collected the mulled wine mugs unique to each market I visited, including the ones in Vienna and Innsbruck. This meant a lot of mulled wine drinking and inevitably lots of amazing festive memories made with my friends! You can’t beat the vibe in the markets, people are jolly and extra social. Likewise, with beer festivals. They were highlights of my Erasmus in Austria. Wearing dirndls (I now own three) and spending whole days in the sunshine, eating and drinking. The entire experience was perfect!

Sponsored by Duke Kunshan University

The demand for medical physicists in China and other regions across Asia is looking to skyrocket in the next decade or so, with an estimated 12,000 job openings expected, especially in the coming era of proton therapy.

Medical physics is a hybrid of physics and medicine, and can be considered a lifeline to the human race (excuse the pun) when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. It offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities ranging from clinical activities, to quality assurance, radiation safety, and research – including big data and AI within diagnostic radiology physics, radiation therapy physics, and nuclear medicine physics. Plus, it offers an impressive average salary as well!

Interested? Read on to find out whether medical physics is the career for you.

You’ve got a background in science

If you’ve already got an undergraduate degree – or are in the process of getting one – in physics, applied science, engineering, or applied mathematics, you already have an ideal background for grasping medical physics and how it works. 

You want to make a real difference

It’s important to note that a medical physicist has a very different role to a doctor, but you are still able to make a difference to patients’ lives and that can be a big motivator for medical physicists, much like it is for doctors. However, the job itself doesn’t involve as much day-to-day contact with patients.

Medical physicists aren’t laboratory-bound introverts though either. Whether it’s in a hospital, clinic, or research center, many medical physicists are at the forefront of patient care, helping save lives by ensuring the maintenance of highly sophisticated hospital equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, or contributing to the research and development of cutting-edge medical treatment and procedures.

This is incredibly rewarding – albeit challenging – work.

You have a desire to work with the latest medical technologies

Image credit: Duke Kunshan University

If you’re fascinated by the prospect of working with some of the most advanced and sophisticated machinery in the world, this is where you can really put your physics expertise to the test.

Depending on your area of expertise, you may design specialized technology to calculate radioactive implants and beam dosages for cancer treatment, work with laser technology to reduce the need for evasive surgery, or even help develop image-guided surgery to treat disease and diagnose illnesses in patients.

You’ve got an analytical mindset with top communication skills

It’s not enough to simply have the technical know-how when it comes to a career in medical physics. You’ll be working closely alongside other healthcare professionals including doctors, radiologists, practitioners, and nurses on a daily basis, so interpersonal and communication skills are vital, as is being a team player and being able to demonstrate good leadership abilities. 

You’re thinking of studying a master’s in medical physics

Image credit: Duke Kunshan University

Studying a master’s in medical physics can help give your career prospects in this field a real boost. Master’s degrees in medical physics such as the one offered at Duke Kunshan University in China teach students the fundamental practices and theories of medical physics.

In the second year, students can break away from this and specialize in diagnostic imaging physics, radiation therapy physics, nuclear medicine physics, or even opt to study a multi-track path.

The two-year MSc in Medical Physics is a joint run degree with Duke University in North Carolina in the US and is fully taught in English. Students spend their first year studying in China, and then spend the summer and first semester of second year studying at the Duke University campus, allowing students to get the best of both countries in one degree!

Lead image credit: Duke Kunshan University

Sponsored by EIT RawMaterials

When it comes to pursuing a career in engineering, whether it’s resources engineering, sustainable materials or even innovative recycling, specialist skills and knowledge are vital if you want to stand out compared to other job candidates.

Much like every other industry in the world, the engineering landscape is evolving at a rapid rate, and so the demand for engineers with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset has never been greater.

We’ve teamed up with EIT RawMaterials, the world’s largest innovation community in the raw materials sector, to give you the top four reasons why every aspiring engineer should spruce up on their innovation skills and tap into their entrepreneurial mindset.

Engineers are essentially inventors for the future

Innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers in today’s engineering world, and the push for sustainable products, services and technologies is needed now more than ever. From global corporations to small businesses, national governments to local governments, many are avidly searching for ways to come up with sustainable solutions to combat pressing environmental challenges.

So, when it comes to innovation in engineering, it’s never been more critical. You’d be mistaken for thinking engineering is all about working with a rational and logical process with no room for creativity, when in fact engineering and innovation go hand in hand.

Innovation is a great influence on the growth and survival of today’s engineering world, which is why it’s important higher education institutions are committed to the teaching of innovation and entrepreneurship.

It raises the standards of living on a global scale

Innovation has the potential to add colossal value to practically everything and anything – it doesn’t always have to be of monetary value which is why it plays such an important role in engineering. It can strengthen market uptake of raw materials solutions and build a bigger platform for a greener future.

Engineers work to improve society, and not just for the benefit of the local community, but the planet as a whole. Over the last few years, there’s been a rise in developing sustainable innovative solutions, from e-mobility and new battery technology for greener, more sustainable cities, to alternative energy sources and robotics for sustainable mining technology. Without innovation in these areas, modern life wouldn’t be possible.

Although there’s still a long way to go in developing and implementing these innovative technologies and processes in order to overcome societal challenges, such as the recycling and substitution of raw materials, it’s important that the next generation of engineers are trained in innovation and are able to use their entrepreneurial mindset to design, create and implement a favorable future – economically, socially and, especially, environmentally.

You’ll become a T-shaped professional in the industry

Master’s programs such as the ones run by EIT RawMaterials Academy have their own dedicated innovation and entrepreneurship modules that are designed to train the next generation of engineers to become T-shape professionals and experts in the raw materials industry.

Although it may feel like foreign territory overlapping engineering with innovation and entrepreneurship, it’s actually where your business instincts can really grow. You’ll develop your expertise in raw material management and entrepreneurship; add to this your in-depth engineering know-how and you’ll be well on your way to a career in academic research, industrial innovation, or even starting up your own business. Speaking of which…

… it can also lead to exciting job opportunities and help you develop your career further

One way to enhance your qualification and develop your expertise and skills can be summer school. The Master in Advanced Materials for Innovation and Sustainability at EIT RawMaterials Academy runs its own summer school in a different location across Europe each year, and it’s the cornerstone of their master’s program.

The program is focused on tackling the key issues surrounding the substitution and replacement of critical and toxic materials to optimize product performance. Carrying this theme in to summer school, students will sit in on lectures, presentations and have the chance to get involved with practical activities and company visits.

Students will have the chance to work in diverse teams, nurture their entrepreneurial mindset and learn how to bring a product or a service that has potential to the market as they work alongside industry partners’ representatives.

So, as you learn to understand and appreciate all aspects of the engineering industry, your chances of securing that top post-graduation job will increase exponentially.

It’s about moving forward in today’s technologically revolutionized world

Lead image: EIT RawMaterials GmbH

Sponsored by emlyon business school

So, you want to get your foot in the door of the international hospitality management industry, but you’re not sure which job is right for you? Well, you’ll be pleased to know the global hospitality industry is one of the largest industries in the world - so much so, that it’s having to continually evolve to cater to the new trends and demands of world-wide travelers and go beyond the traditional realms of hotel and restaurant managers.

Read on and take a look at some of the unique and unusual jobs you may come across with a master’s in international hospitality management.

Culinary trendologist

This may sound like a new social media fad, but it truly is a real job where you can combine your love of food with your tip-top business acumen.

You’ll need to stay up-to-date with market research and data in order to offer specialist advice to restaurants and hotels when it comes to what food customers want (and don’t want). Your culinary radar should be as sharp as your taste-buds, and so watching cooking shows, reading culinary blogs, and attending food tour shows will be necessary to keep you inspired and well-informed when it comes to knowing what’s on trend in the world of gastronomy.

Chief listening officer

As social media platforms continue to grow, it’s the listening officer’s responsibility to keep an eye on social media and websites for reviews and feedback about the business, whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or event. Your business acumen and management skills will ensure you’re well prepared when it comes to protecting the brand and reputation of the company.

With an average salary of £60,000 (~US$77,262) according to Monster.co.uk, it’s no wonder this job role is gaining a lot of attention.

Banquet concierge

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced setting where timing and attention to detail is absolutely critical, then a job as a banquet concierge may be perfect for you.

From corporate events to charity events, banquets are considered the most prestigious and elaborate dining events in the world, and as a banquet concierge, it’s your responsibility to ensure the event goes off without a hitch. 

You will effectively run the show as you oversee, manage, plan and liaise with kitchen staff and other team members whilst ensuring guests receive top class service when it comes to the food and overall experience and that your clients’ requirements are also met to the highest standards.

Hotel events planner

Hotels are a prime location for a variety of events, and so it’s your job as a hotel events planner to make sure each and every event is tailor made to suit its purpose, whether it’s a wedding, conference or convention.

Similar to a banquet concierge, your time management, organization and coordination skills need to be spot on when it comes to planning the overall execution of an event from start to finish. You’ll also need a head for finances and logistics as you liaise and finalize sales with external vendors and other services, such as florists and photographers (depending on the type of event).

Staying within the clients’ budget and ensuring everything goes to plan is also your top priority as the success (or failure) of an event can have a huge impact on the brand or business. Fortunately, a master’s degree such as international hospitality management can give you a solid understanding of general management and skills necessary to perform well in this role.

… or start your own business

As they say – the sky’s the limit! You’d do well to become your own boss – whether it’s opening your own boutique hotel or starting up your own chocolate factory as one emlyon business school student recently considered. No matter what your ambitions are, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills that come with studying an international hospitality management master’s degree.

Where to begin…

International hospitality management master’s programs are a great way to get your foot on the hospitality career ladder. Emlyon business school and Institut Paul Bocuse have come together to create the MSc in International Hospitality Management, where you’ll have the exciting opportunity to study in three locations – Lyon, Paris, and Shanghai in order to gain both a broad perspective of the industry and specialized knowledge, focusing on such topics as new venture creations, brand design and innovation management.

Sponsored by The Education University of Hong Kong

Gigi Lam Chi-ying has achieved many admirable accomplishments in the world of music and theater education since graduating from The Education University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Education (Honors) in 2011 and a Master of Arts in Music Education in 2013.

From directing numerous musical productions to presenting her pioneering dissertation around the globe, Gigi has accomplished so much in a short span of time. She shared with us how her time at The Education University of Hong Kong has opened up many doors for both her academic and professional career.

Designing tailor-made community music programs

Using the skills and knowledge she developed as a music teacher and during her master’s degree in music education, Gigi has created a number of tailor-made community music programs, including the only Cantonese children’s theater in the UK, and interactive concerts tailored for children with learning difficulties.

She told us: “One time, we organized a concert for children with autism and ADHD, who can find it hard to sit still. Therefore, the concert was developed in such a way as to allow them to shout, run and jump to the music.”

At The Education University of Hong Kong, students who study the MA in Music Education degree are trained to understand the underlying fundamentals of the relationship between music and individuals.

So, when it comes to teaching, it’s important to remember that every student is different and learns in their own way – something which Gigi has championed consistently.

“We need to cater for all types of intelligence: verbal, auditory, kinesthetic, interpersonal, visual.”

Gigi’s passion for music education is undeniable, so when asked what she enjoyed learning about the most when it comes to music education, she told us: “I believe music can be used to transform the lives of children. Integrating music education into the wider community and promoting lifelong engagement in music can benefit entire communities and enrich the learner’s experience.”

Setting up an Education Sharing Lab

When asked what Gigi considers to be her proudest academic career academic achievement to date, she told us it was setting up and organizing a student-initiated Education Sharing Lab – a place where students from around the world are able to connect and share their practices of music education.

“These are students trained as professional musicians, yet this space provided them with a space to reflect on how school music education has made an impact on their current career,” she told us. 

Directing musical productions, theater plays and performances

At The Education University of Hong Kong, Master of Music Education students can combine their specialist subject knowledge and skills with their own personal educational objectives across different professional musical pursuits – something which has suited Gigi very well.

An avid music director, she has worked with community choirs, ensembles and theatre groups, directing a number of musical productions, theater plays and performances, including Kites (2013), Anglican Little Singers - A Table for Five Thousand (2013), A Christmas Gift (2012), and David and Giants (2011) to name but a few.

Presenting my dissertation around the world

In 2012 and 2013, Gigi was invited to present her dissertation on drama education pedagogy for children with autism in choral training at the International Society for Music conference in Greece and the International Drama/Theatre and Education Association International Conference in Paris.

Becoming a research student at the Royal Music College, London

When asked what drove her to study music in education, Gigi told us: “I was blessed to grow up with music and was lucky enough to receive various support from the community, including financial support, mentorships and opportunities to broaden my horizons.

“I believe music has the power to transform and connect lives.”

With this outlook, Gigi’s current PhD research concentrates on the community scene in Hong Kong and musicians’ perceptions in community practices.

“Throughout my educational training at The Education University of Hong Kong and various other organizations, I’ve been able to reach different target groups such as the elderly, children with special education needs, as well as teenagers with tailor-designed community music programs suitable for them.

“I would like to adapt what I’ve learnt and apply it to the local community, especially when it comes to providing training to local teachers and music practitioners. By connecting researchers and practitioners, we can keep developing our practice and bring music to people in the community at every level, in order to create an impact on the development of music education.”

So, what’s next for Gigi?

Gigi hopes to continue creating and promoting music-participation opportunities for all individuals around the world.

She said: “I hope I can bridge the gap between practitioners and academics with the aim of creating a space which serves as a professional development opportunity for colleagues and an outlet for new ways to educate and promote music.

“I hope to continue setting up and organizing workshops in different communities with more musicians joining to add more vibrancy to the music scene.”

Lead image credit: Lydia Cracknell