Go international: How studying abroad can change your life | Alexander Au | TEDxHumboldtMexicoCity
Video Overview & Insights
Profesor de “Alemán como idioma extranjero” en la Universidad de Heidelberg y se desempeña como docente en Estados Unidos y México. Trabaja desde el 2006 en el DAAD para el área de América Latina Norte, América Central y Caribe y es desde 2014 el Director de las oficinas del DAAD en la Ciudad de México. Sus temas centrales son la internacionalización, cooperaciones de investigación, modelos de estudios cooperativos, gestión de proyectos internacionales y comunicación intercultural.
studying abroad is my biggest dream man i hope after exact 1.5year im in a flight flying to my dream country to achieve everything i want to. i really want to experience everything man im too excited for this
La Oficina Regional del DAAD en México es el contacto directo para responder a todas las preguntas relacionadas al intercambio científico y académico entre México y Alemania. El director regional es desde principios de 2014 el Dr. Alexander Au.
El DAAD permite a jóvenes dentro y fuera de Alemania obtener experiencia internacional mediante estancias de estudio o investigación. La mayoría de los becarios extranjeros del DAAD son estudiantes de Máster y doctorado. La oferta de becas se concentra en los graduados, ya que ellos ya han dado primeras pruebas de su capacidad académica y se pueden beneficiar más de una beca que los estudiantes de primer ciclo. Por lo tanto, el DAAD otorga becas para una primera carrera académica de Bachelor solamente a los mejores egresados de los colegios alemanes en el extranjero. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Higher education’s deeper purpose
University is not only for status or income; it should help you understand a complex world, think critically, and contribute to democracy and society.
Explosion of specialized degrees
He notes that in Germany degree programs grew from about 300 to around 17,000, reflecting how universities now serve very specific labor‑market needs.
Studying abroad as “whipped cream” on cake
He compares international study to adding whipped cream to a strawberry cake: higher education is good by itself, but going abroad adds an extra, transformative layer.
Cultural immersion and “clash”
Living abroad means 24/7 exposure to another culture, where even apparently similar cultures (e.g., Mexico vs Spain) feel surprisingly different once you are there.
Everyday “environmental” challenges
Simple tasks like opening a bank account abroad can become long, confusing adventures, but these experiences enrich your human, not just academic, growth.
Seeing your own culture from outside
By comparing small things—like how people queue for buses in Mexico vs Germany—you realize there are many valid ways of organizing everyday life.
Academic style differences
In places like Germany, students are expected to be self‑responsible and self‑motivated, with less compulsory attendance and homework, which forces them to manage their own learning.
Gains in autonomy and initiative
Many students who return from study abroad become more self‑motivated, proactive, and better at solving problems and communicating in another language.
Understanding different work styles
He illustrates with an experiment: French students quickly picked a leader and started building a sugar‑cube tower, while German students spent time planning together—same task, very different group behavior.
Real‑world cost of cultural miscommunication
He cites a large software project in India that collapsed partly because Indian employees, out of politeness, kept saying things were “fine” instead of admitting problems, while German managers expected direct criticism.
Feeling like a child in a new language
When you study or work abroad, you may think clearly in your head but lack the vocabulary to express yourself, which is uncomfortable yet deeply shapes your character.
Transferable skills from international study
He connects study‑abroad benefits to OECD “employability” skills: transferable skills, critical thinking, communication, international teamwork, second‑language mastery, and systemic thinking across cultures.
Better career profile and open doors
These skills make you more attractive to employers, broaden your career options, and keep more doors open in an interconnected global job market.
Antidote to simplistic politics
Experiencing other countries shows you that there are no simple solutions to complex global problems and that no nation can go it alone without others.
Becoming more accepting, not “better”
Studying abroad does not turn you into a superior person; it tends to make you more open to other opinions and more aware that different paths can lead to the same goal.
Role as a bridge‑builder
He ends by suggesting that internationally educated people can help others understand a fast‑moving, complex world, acting as bridges between cultures and perspectives.
More User Perspectives
Im in my application process to go study abroad, I know thats its going to be a big cultural clash and also a big different life expirience, all my knowledge is going to be use in a place where everything its totally diferent, probabily iam going to force myself to forget everthing that i know so i can live the full expirience. I am exicited to arrive there, off course im also scared, but iam happy that im going to try new things and learn some great learning!
@manuelaaggenstafas8265I'm currently overseas, studying a course I always wanted to when I was a child. Honestly, I'm terrified of being alone, far away from my family, pets and comforts. More than anything, I hope I'm grateful for the experience by the end of it.
@hechacopiThis video was really interesting! I liked how it showed what happens in the brain with different habits and choices. The examples made it clear how small daily actions can really change the way we think. It was easy to understand, and it made me think about how much our brains can adapt over time.
@Halofriend-u3mI never thought I'll be saying this at such a young age but I'm moving japan in fall.... ✨ one of my dream place to study and live .... May you'll get what u want in life and achieve alot of things nd make ur parents proud 🌷💌 love - stranger
@shinoo_06stopped at 5:55
@MHMMO-ArabicJust applied for 2 colleges abroad, can't wait to reach this goal by fall and inform my achievements to you guys❤
@MaralmaalMaybe one day!!
@TobSenghongeStudying abroad in Madrid next semester as a sophomore in university I’m so excited and grateful!
@softxgurl1278I dont know whether to have a semester in Spain or not 😢
@NellyCatlow-m2oI didn't focus on the last half of the video because I kept thinking about the best way to build a tower out of sugar cubes 😢
@XxFayssalxX0:56 wow
@muhammadalipg-nj1hf❤❤❤❤❤
@anaselouraoui1427I'm moving abroad tommorow, after living in the us my whole life.
@mukakatreally enjoyed this video, Alexander! you brought up some great points about the transformative power of studying abroad. but honestly, I think not everyone needs to travel internationally to have a meaningful life experience. some people find just as much growth in their own communities. what do you all think?
@McdonHanse-v8gi really enjoyed this video, Alexander! your insights about studying abroad are inspiring. that said, i sometimes wonder if the focus on international experiences overshadows the value of local education. not everyone has the option to study abroad, and there are so many great opportunities right here at home. what do you think?
@BahrFuzzy-n2lI think I will achieve it....
I'll come back....
8 May 2025
I’m from the United States. Only reason I’d study abroad is getting a National Academic Hero Award out of it.
@chrispalmby4708Next semester I’m going for exchange studies in Norway, so excited and scared at the same time. But I keep reminding myself that even bad experience will still be an experience.
@Amai__I do love watching this video and visiting this page.
I already have a bachelor degree, and have worked for a year.
But I would like to be an intl student not exchange, and try to live in an other country.
I really don’t have any friend who has same goal so here is the only place to meet someone who has same one.
I have always dreamed of studying abroad since I was little, but due to lack of funds and not knowing what my talents are, I will probably keep this dream to myself forever. 😞😞
@dltaaely12Nonsense. I studied abroad and it is totally useless.
@qingcai7776♻️🌏🕵🏻☯️📇👣🌌👤
@EarthLovePractitionerOne of my biggest dreams is to study abroad. Having my own experiences is something I desire so much. One day I will definitely see my dream come true. Wish me luck, guys!
@rafaelsenhor2750Hello, sir.. can i get the full slide?
@les_speaking_murahI plan to study abroad in three years, and I’m really scared about whether I can handle its challenges or not.I hope I can:)
@user-ie3wf3ic1vHere iam! One day i will be write about my study abroad journey in the future amiin❤
@hasriyahfadhilahForeign students who came to my country Russia spoke Russian very poorly. This prevented them studying well, and some of them were expelled . If you want to study abroad, you should learn the language of the country you are going to move to.
@ЯрославКривич-ч4эHaving international exposure in one's academic life is beautiful, I know so because of the opportunity Tübingen University has given me via the VIP program of the school. Hope to study fully abroad in the future.
@Uzy38I was studying abroad in Nordkorea. It was great. Thank to our leader ❤
@benny-CGIStudying abroad and change my life are the most insane, exciting and the most precious dream for me. I'm not so sure in my English skills but I'm sure that I want to learn more and more and be better every day. This is my dream and hope that someday i will be able to talk with people all around the world and I really want to learn other languages too. I believe that I will be success if do something and spend the time for my dream.
@Аои-ю7х2023 fall semester study abroad student here that studied art history in Rome Italy. Never will I regret it. I hated the idea of college and was in a low income family and lost my last parent at 18. After an inspiring talk and decided to try college it out… I found out that I wanted to do college, but my way. If you have a dream to travel but saving it for school this is for you. For those in low income… depending on age, and family situation, and your own work, financial aid will help you pay for half or almost the whole trip. Although, it is hard work getting there but NOT impossible. I Graduated high school with a 2.5 GPA and ended up being the top of the class that semester in Italy for the first time ever because it is what I dreamt about. And you find yourself turning dreams in goals into realities.
You will look at the world in a different way, and will have you like me watching these videos again doing research on what program I will do next. Dream a dream, turn it into a goal, and make it into a reality. Good luck !
Yo au roeve qui écoute ça en premier 🤙
@judicael1306For the love of God, don't go abroad if you have anxiety/depression problems. I am abroad for 7 month and feel like I am deteriorating rapidly - emotionally, psychologically and even physically. I hope to finish this year and go home for good, if I manage to finish it.
@Anya-PruittI hope all will work out for me, and I'll be able to achieve my dream and get a PHD. 🤞🏽🤞🏽
@zoerv177i hopefully in the future could to studying in abroad ❤
@GilangRamadhan05I would like depart to abroad especially to US or UK, but i don't wanna leave my parents in a difficult financial situation and i want achieve all my dreams myself
@moun1a1n4:22 add some icing, not just study but also find a part time job
@hyderabadildarshiv174I want to study aboard.I want universities give places to live. I'm scared of my security.
@htethtethtun2385I hope one day I can come back here and write a comment that I able to achive my big desire to live abroad, it tough to think but I just want to make sure that at least I tried.
@cnphmnIt is my endless dream
@lighthope907mmm. what bank did to attend to in México?...that sounds like a unique and personal experience. On the contrary, to me as a Mexican and having studied and worked abroad... it has been a nightmare dealing with banks in other countries...
@claudiamora4855I’m interested
@dariusmongrue1587I've already been accepted into an elite school but I'm not sure if money will allow it
@cliveguoI am about to turn 25 and will be transferring to uni soon (hopefully). I am a first gen., and this has always been a dream. Most people have told me not to because I'm way passed the age to travel as a new uni student, but I don't care if it feels right when I'm thinking about it, then I should do it.
@vanessalotr1998I have no money to study abroad, I'm crying rn...
@olgaolga8422But let´s not forget that studying abroad is still a privilage that very few can afford :(, so let´s start discussing how we can remedy that too.
@teddykohn532Is it possible for higher education to be free for student that meet a certain qualification ? How can students around the world learn about scholarships ?
@notagain3732