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!

本文由昆山杜克大学赞助

未来十年左右，中国和亚洲其他地区对医学物理学家的需求有望飙升，预计将有 12,000 个职位空缺，尤其是在即将到来的质子治疗时代。

医学物理学是物理学和医学的混合体，当涉及到人类疾病的诊断和治疗时，可以说是人类的生命线（请原谅我的双关语）。它提供了广泛的职业机会，从临床活动，到质量保证，辐射安全和研究--包括诊断放射学物理学、放射治疗物理学和核医学物理学内的大数据和人工智能。此外，它还提供了令人印象深刻的平均工资!

有兴趣吗？继续阅读，看看医学物理学是否适合你。

你已经有了科学背景

如果你已经拥有物理学、应用科学、工程学或应用数学的本科学位--或正在获得该学位的过程中，你已经拥有了掌握医学物理学和它如何工作的理想背景。

你想做出真正的改变

值得注意的是，医学物理学家的角色与医生非常不同，但你仍然能够为病人的生活带来改变，这可能是医学物理学家的一大动力，就像对医生一样。然而，这项工作本身并不涉及与病人的日常接触。

不过，医学物理学家也不是拘泥于实验室的内向型人才。无论是在医院、诊所还是研究中心，许多医学物理学家都站在病人护理的最前沿，通过确保用于诊断和治疗病人的高度复杂的医院设备的维护来帮助拯救生命，或为尖端医疗和程序的研究和发展作出贡献。

这是令人难以置信的回报--尽管具有挑战性--的工作。

你渴望与最新的医疗技术一起工作

如果你对与世界上最先进和最复杂的机器一起工作的前景感到着迷，这就是你可以真正把你的物理学专业知识用于测试的地方。

根据你的专业领域，你可以设计专门的技术来计算用于癌症治疗的放射性植入物和光束剂量，与激光技术一起工作以减少回避手术的需要，或者甚至帮助开发图像引导的手术来治疗疾病和诊断病人的疾病。

你有分析的思维方式和顶级的沟通技巧

在医学物理学的职业生涯中，仅仅拥有技术知识是不够的。你每天都会与其他医疗专业人员，包括医生、放射科医生、执业医师和护士紧密合作，所以人际关系和沟通技巧是至关重要的，作为一个团队成员，能够展示良好的领导能力也是如此。

你正在考虑攻读医学物理学的硕士学位

学习医学物理学硕士可以帮助你在这个领域的职业前景得到真正的提升。医学物理学硕士学位，如中国昆山杜克大学提供的学位，向学生教授医学物理学的基本做法和理论。

在第二年，学生可以从中突破，专攻影像诊断物理学、放射治疗物理学、核医学物理学，甚至可以选择学习多方向的课程。

为期两年的医学物理学硕士课程是与美国北卡罗来纳州的杜克大学联合开办的学位，完全用英语授课。学生第一年在中国学习，然后利用暑假和第二年的第一学期在杜克大学校园学习，让学生在一个学位中获得两个国家的最好成绩。

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

本文由法国里昂商学院赞助

所以，您想踏入国际酒店管理行业的大门，但不确定哪份工作适合您？好吧，您会很高兴知道全球酒店业是世界上最大的行业之一 - 如此之多，以至于它必须不断发展以迎合全球旅行者的新趋势和需求，并超越酒店和餐厅经理的传统领域。

继续阅读并了解您在国际酒店管理硕士学位中可能遇到的一些独特和不寻常的工作。

烹饪趋势学家

这听起来像是一种新的社交媒体时尚，但它确实是一份真正的工作，你可以将你对食物的热爱与你的顶级商业头脑结合起来。

您需要及时了解市场研究和数据，以便就顾客想要（和不想要）的食物向餐厅和酒店提供专业建议。你的烹饪雷达应该和你的味蕾一样敏锐，所以在了解世界流行趋势时，观看烹饪节目、阅读烹饪博客和参加美食旅游节目将是必要的，可以让你保持灵感和消息灵通的美食。

首席倾听官

随着社交媒体平台的不断发展，倾听官有责任关注社交媒体和网站，以获取有关业务的评论和反馈，无论是餐厅、酒店还是活动。您的商业头脑和管理技能将确保您在保护公司品牌和声誉方面做好充分准备。

根据 Monster.co.uk 的数据，平均工资为 60,000 英镑（约合 77,262 美元），难怪这个工作角色受到了广泛关注。

宴会礼宾

如果您喜欢在快节奏的环境中工作，时间和对细节的关注绝对是至关重要的，那么宴会礼宾员的工作可能对您来说是完美的。

从企业活动到慈善活动，宴会被认为是世界上最负盛名、最精致的餐饮活动，作为宴会礼宾，您有责任确保活动顺利进行。

在监督、管理、计划和与厨房工作人员和其他团队成员联络时，您将有效地运行节目，同时确保客人在食物和整体体验方面获得一流的服务，并且您的客户的要求也得到最高的满足标准。

酒店活动策划师

酒店是举办各种活动的主要场所，因此，作为酒店活动策划者，您的工作就是确保每个活动都根据其目的量身定制，无论是婚礼、会议还是大会。

与宴会礼宾人员类似，在从头到尾规划活动的整体执行时，您的时间管理、组织和协调能力需要到位。在与外部供应商和其他服务（例如花店和摄影师）联络并最终确定销售时，您还需要财务和物流负责人（取决于活动的类型）。

保持在客户的预算范围内并确保一切按计划进行也是您的首要任务，因为活动的成功（或失败）会对品牌或业务产生巨大影响。幸运的是，国际酒店管理等硕士学位可以让您深入了解一般管理和在该职位上表现出色所必需的技能。

……或者自己创业

正如他们所说——天空是极限！你最好成为自己的老板——无论是开设自己的精品酒店，还是像最近一位里昂商学院的学生所考虑的那样开办自己的巧克力工厂。无论您的抱负是什么，您都将具备学习国际酒店管理硕士学位所需的知识和技能。

从哪里开始……

国际酒店管理硕士课程是您踏上酒店职业阶梯的好方法。 Emlyon 商学院和 Institut Paul Bocuse 携手创建了国际酒店管理理学硕士学位，您将有机会在里昂、巴黎和上海三个地点学习，从而获得对行业的广阔视野和专业知识，专注于新企业创造、品牌设计和创新管理等主题。

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