Recap and Essential Insights for October

The American Study Abroad Program shares insights into the unique benefits of international education, including safety, affordability, and access to top-ranked programs, helping students make informed choices about studying in Europe. We spotlight transformative student journeys, such as Drew Bechdolt-Worsham’s, and keep readers updated on important global trends in education and research. By highlighting opportunities at leading universities, emerging fields like AI, and campus safety comparisons, we empower students to pursue high-quality education abroad with clear guidance on cultural, academic, and financial factors.

Our October News Highlights in Review

1. From Culinary Arts to MBA: The Inspiring Journey of Drew Bechdolt-Worsham: Drew Bechdolt-Worsham’s journey to an MBA at BHMS Business & Hotel Management School in Lucerne, Switzerland, highlights the transformative power of studying abroad. With a culinary arts background, she embraced the multicultural environment and overcame financial and cultural challenges, gaining invaluable global experience. Now working as Chapter Relations Coordinator at Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP?) , Drew credits BHMS with equipping her for leadership in hospitality. Her story encourages students to consider international education, while BHMS’s structured MBA offers a gateway to practical experience and professional networks in Switzerland. Read More
2. U.S. University Campuses See Higher Violent Crime Rates Compared to Europe: A recent analysis reveals a significant disparity in violent crime rates between U.S. and European university campuses, with American institutions experiencing far higher incidents of aggravated assaults, robberies, and sexual offenses. From 2021 to 2022, universities like 美国俄亥俄州立大学 , 美国加州大学伯克利分校 , and 美国亚利桑那大学 reported over 90 violent crimes each, whereas European campuses, including 英国牛津大学 and 英国爱丁堡大学 , reported far fewer. Factors such as safer urban environments, centralized campuses, and strict law enforcement contribute to lower crime in Europe, where campus safety is a key draw for international students. Despite the Clery Act requiring U.S. universities to disclose campus crime, underreporting, especially of sexual offenses, persists. The stark safety gap is prompting growing concerns and calls for improved security measures on American campuses. Read More
3. Dreaming of studying in Europe but unsure where to start? Here’s a look at five top European universities, each from a different country, offering English programs and unique experiences for U.S. students. The 英国牛津大学 (UK) ranks #3 with strong humanities and sciences programs, 瑞士苏黎世联邦理工学院 (Switzerland) ranks #7 with affordable fees for STEM students, and the University of Copenhagen (K?benhavns Universitet) (Denmark) ranks #16, ideal for life sciences and political science in a balanced, happy environment. Sorbonne Universités (France) offers a rich arts and humanities scene in Paris, ranked #35, while the Universiteit van Amsterdam (Netherlands), ranked #52, provides a diverse array of English programs in social sciences and business. Read More
4. Affordable Paths to Quality Education Amid FAFSA Delays and Rising U.S. Student Debt. The recent FAFSA delay has left American students anxious about funding their education, pushing the application date from October to December and adding stress for those reliant on federal aid. This uncertainty, however, highlights the appeal of studying abroad in affordable European destinations like Scotland, the Netherlands, and Germany, where tuition is often a fraction of U.S. costs—even without federal aid. European universities offer English-taught programs, culturally rich environments, and three-year bachelor’s degrees, minimizing student debt and providing access to internships, global networks, and work opportunities. As U.S. student loan grace periods expire and monthly payments loom, studying in Europe offers a debt-relief alternative. Read More: Article 1 and Article 2
5. Switzerland's AI Future: A powerhouse of Innovation. EPFL and 瑞士苏黎世联邦理工学院 have launched the Swiss National AI Institute (SNAI) to position Switzerland as a global leader in AI research and innovation. With CHF 20 million in funding from the ETH Board for 2025-2028, SNAI will unite over 70 AI-focused professors to advance AI technology, including Switzerland’s first national foundation model for languages, developed with values of transparency, trustworthiness, and openness. By offering open-source models, SNAI aims to empower startups, foster economic growth, and address a critical shortage of AI specialists by training new talent. Collaborating with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre and the Swiss Data Science Center , SNAI will drive innovations in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond, while upholding ethical and legal standards to ensure responsible AI development, furthering Switzerland’s influence in the AI sector. Read More
6. Business & Hotel Management School to Add Six New MBA Options! BHMS Business & Hotel Management School in Lucerne, Switzerland, offers a one-year MBA program with six specializations designed to prepare students for leadership in global hospitality, business, and technology. Open for year-round enrollment, the specializations include Digital Transformation in Tourism Management, Luxury Brand Management, AI and Digital Innovation, Innovative Start-Up Business Strategies, Cybersecurity and Big Data Management, and Global Marketing and Sales, providing industry-focused expertise in a prime international setting. Read More

European University News Highlights in Review

1. BHMS Business & Hotel Management School BHMS recently shared a guide to the top study spots on their Lucerne campus, designed to enhance productivity in an inspiring setting. The article highlights various tranquil and scenic areas where students can focus, including lakeside views and modern study lounges, combining academic convenience with Lucerne’s picturesque charm. These spaces aim to foster concentration and relaxation, ideal for balancing rigorous coursework with moments of calm reflection. Read More
2. University of St Andrews Researchers from the University of St Andrews have discovered an ancient tomb with 12 skeletons beneath Petra’s Treasury in Jordan, one of the Seven Wonders. Conducted in collaboration with local and international entities, this excavation used remote sensing technology to locate probable chambers under the iconic structure, revealing a first-century BC tomb likely built for Nabatean royalty. This find sheds new light on the Nabateans and Petra's history, marking a significant breakthrough in archaeological research. Read More
3. Universiteit van Amsterdam The University of Amsterdam’s Molecular Cytology research, led by Joachim Goedhart, is advancing cell biology with innovative fluorescent and light-sensitive probes. By modifying DNA, cells are engineered to produce fluorescent dyes internally, enabling scientists to observe cellular processes in detail. Their research includes “smart probes” for detecting molecular activity and “dumb probes” for visualizing cell structures. These advancements improve research in fields like cancer, virology, and neurology by allowing precise control and observation of cell behavior under microscopy. Read More
4. Universitat de Barcelona The University of Barcelona (UB) has 161 researchers listed among the world’s top 2% most influential scientists, as per Stanford University’s updated ranking by Elsevier. UB leads Spanish universities, notably for its impact in recent publications, with 175 UB researchers recognized for high citation rates in 2023. This ranking underscores UB’s prominence across various disciplines, from life sciences to humanities, and highlights its leadership within Catalonia’s research community. Read More
5. Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence) The University of Florence ranks in the top 200 globally for sustainability, recognized by QS Sustainability and UI Green Metric rankings. The university's initiatives span environmental impact, inclusive education, and governance, securing high national positions in knowledge exchange and sustainable policies. With improved scores in energy, waste, and water management, Florence has advanced significantly in the green rankings, demonstrating ongoing commitment through its Green Office's efforts and educational initiatives. Read More

Events to Come in November

For professionals and students on LinkedIn, here are five upcoming events across European universities:

1. Remembrance Day 2024 Sunday Service – Scotland: The University of Aberdeen Remembrance Sunday Chapel Service on November 10, 2024, will commemorate those lost in service. Led by University Chaplain Rev. Marylee Anderson, with Rev. (Wing Commander) Adrian Dyer, the service includes performances by the University Chapel Choir and a parade by the Officer Training Corps and East Scotland Air Squadron. The event will be live-streamed, with in-person seating available by 10:45 am, followed by a gathering for tea and coffee. Event Link
2. University of Aveiro Nanotechnology Conference – Portugal: The 2nd International Conference on Nanotechnology Research and Innovation (ICNTRI-2024) will be held from November 19-22, 2024, at the Universidade de Aveiro . This conference gathers global researchers and industry professionals to discuss advances in nanotechnology, covering topics like nanomaterial modeling, experiments, and industrial applications. It aims to foster collaboration and share insights on cutting-edge nanoscience developments. Event Link
3. St. P?lten University of Applied Sciences, International Week – Austria: The International Week 2024 at FH St. P?lten – University of Applied Sciences (November 25–28) focuses on how education and research support European values. Key topics include integrating research in education, engaging citizens and students, building strategic partnerships, and using open resources. The event includes panels, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, catering to educators, researchers, policymakers, and academic staff. Special sessions like a “World Café” provide unique chances for collaboration. Event Link
4. International Conference on Metadata and Semantics Research – Greece: Held from November 20-22, 2024, this conference National & Kapodistrian University of Athens will explore topics in metadata, ontologies, and semantic technologies. It’s an interdisciplinary event that attracts IT professionals, academics, and researchers interested in digital libraries, big data, and information technology. This event is ideal for professionals looking to discuss cutting-edge developments in data science and technology applications. Event Link
5. 4th Central European Technology Forum (CETEF’24) – Poland: Scheduled for November 18-19, 2024, CETEF’24 will be held at Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie in Krakow. This forum, organized in collaboration with AGH University of Krakow of Science and Technology, brings together over 1,000 professionals from academia, technology sectors, and governments to discuss advancements in digital and energy transformation. Topics include smart grids, renewable energy, and digital innovation, making it ideal for those interested in cutting-edge technology and European policy discussions. Event Link