Over Here, Over There Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler

Having something for long a time one could start thinking, rightly or wrongly, that it is yours. The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are Greek sculptures that have been housed in the British Museum for more than 200 years. As Claudia explains, the Marbles were taken controversially from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. It is believed they were forcibly removed and sold to the British government, sparking a debate that continues to this day. This is a classic 'Over Here, Over There' issue about how the Greek and British governments each view this intractable matter. But let's leave it to Claudia to offer a solution and tell us why it is important not only to these two countries but to world heritage. 

Travel broadens the mind, they say. Combined with study, it provides an incredible opportunity for personal development and forms a powerful differentiator in one's career and life, including the benefits to one's own country and the international community. However, to many students, studying abroad may seem like an unobtainable goal because of the perceived cost and challenges. In this episode, hosts Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris discuss the benefits and the 'how to's' of studying abroad with Dr. Jonah Otto, International Relations Director, Research and Teaching Fellow,  and Director of Internationalization Development and Incoming Exchange at the University of Augsburg in Germany. They discuss many of the questions that weigh on students' minds when considering making the seemingly big decision to go abroad.  Dr. Otto dispels the view that studying abroad is only for the affluent and high achievers and that any student in good standing has the opportunity to study abroad with only marginal additional cost, if any. As Dr. Otto explains, there is more financial and educational support available than students may realize to make studying overseas a reality. This episode is packed with useful information, both practical and inspirational, on the value international education brings to both students and society, which is not to be missed. Enjoy!

Dr. Jonah Otto's profile:
LinkedIn
ResearchGate
University of Augsburg
University's International office
Faculty's international office


Study Abroad Programs:
Study in Germany
Erasmus
Fulbright
State University of New York at Brockport, Center for Global Education & Engagement
London School of Economics and Political Science

The rise of extremist movements throughout the world is nothing new. However, their power and influence in Western democracies is particularly startling, especially in the bastion of such a stable democracy as Germany, whose political and economic strength so many throughout Europe rely on. This is why it is hard to fathom, Claudia Koestler states, why a critical mass of her fellow countrymen and women are turning to right-wing parties like the AfD (Alternative für Deutschland ). It's easy to be dismissive of such movements, but the rise of extremism has been building over the years and has now gained power and influence, becoming a fixture on the political landscape at the local, regional, and national levels. The alarm bells are now ringing and millions have taken to the streets to support their democratic way of life.  

But are the recent protests against the AfD throughout Germany going to be effective in turning back the tide of right-wing extremism? Hear how Claudia questions the motives and efficacy of these demonstrations and who they're aimed at. While it may not change the minds of many die-hard AfD supporters, Claudia argues that it will send an important signal across Germany and the world that values, freedom, and democracy are the core of Western society and worth standing up for.

Tune in to hear how different Monday mornings are from your town or city as Claudia makes her way to work in her Alpine splendor in Bavaria. Some things may be familiar, but the breathtaking landscape certainly helps distract her from the Monday morning blues. So, if you're listening to this on your way to work in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, New York City,  Berlin, or Sydney, just imagine - with Claudia's help - what it would be like to be among the snow-capped mountains, frosty air, and pristine lakes of this beautiful Alpine region. But remember to keep your eyes on the road! Enjoy.

The death of Russian political activist and freedom rights campaigner Alexei Navalny stunned the world for its open brazenness at the hands of Vladimir Putin and his government. There is little doubt that Putin was responsible for Navalny's death, although a Russian court of law will no doubt never adjudicate on the manner.  Navalny's death leaves Russia without a significant opposition leader, but how much of an impact will it have on Putin's regime and Russia's relationship, if there is still one that can be called that, with the US and its Western allies? It is not only a great tragedy for his immediate family, friends and supporters but also serves as an inflexion point at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West, with the prospects of victory for either side in Russia's war with Ukraine still in the balance. 

Over Here, Over There is honoured to discuss the impact of Navalny's death on Russia and the West with Dr Neil MacFarlane, former Head of Politics and International Relations at Oxford University and an expert on Russian foreign policy and the regional dynamics of the former Soviet Union.  Dr. MacFarlane's academic career included positions in the United States and Canada. Beyond Oxford, among many other posts, he was a Faculty Associate of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy and held a visiting appointment at the College of Europe in Bruges. 

Please join us for an engaging and informative conversation with Dr MacFarlane and insight into what lies ahead for Putin and his regime's relationship with the West. 

'Life is too short to learn German', said Oscar Wilde. And even for a native German speaker, it does have its challenges. Over Here, Over There podcast co-host Claudia Koestler takes you through the quirky nuances and daunting tongue-twisters that give credence to Wilde's perspective. Still, it can be rather amusing to hear a German word that is as long as a football pitch or another that captures the tone and feeling that only the preciseness that the German language can do. Enjoy (Genießen)!

Here are some of the German words that Claudia mentions that are particularly challenging for non-native and, in some cases, native speakers alike.

Ulpe(germanised Icelandic for jacket)
Zwanzig (which means twenty)
Brötchen (bread roll)
Schleswig Holstein (a federal state in Germany)
Quietscheente (rubber duck, Squeaky duck)
Quietscheentchen (its diminutive form)
Streichholzschächtelchen (little matchbox, but literally translated as draw wood along a little box)
Warmduscher (literally "warm or hot showerer"; figuratively, it refers to those who don't want to extend themselves beyond their comfort zone; also, 'wimp')
Schattenparker (similar to Warmduscher, literally 'Shadow Parker')
Weichei (similar to Warmduscher, literally 'soft egg')
Hüftgold (meaning hip gold. A word to describe excess fat in the hip area.
Verschlimmbesserung (an intended improvement that only make things worse)
Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (Federal Training Assistance Act)
Personenkraftwagenhaftpflichtversicherung: (passenger car liability insurance)
Grundstücksverkehrsgenehmigungszuständigkeitsübertragungsverordnung (real estate transfer authorization ordinance)
Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeit (food intolerance)
Fremdschämen (a feeling of embarrassment for another person)
Auspuffrohr (exhaust pipe)
Donaudampfschifffahrtselektrizitätenhauptbetriebswerkbauunterbeamtengesellschaft (Danube steamship electricity main works construction sub-civil servant company)
Eichhörnchen (squirrel)
Oachkatzlschwoaf (Bavarian dialect version of a specific part of the squirrel recently voted the most unpronounceable word in the world, which translates to tail of a squirrel)

English words that Claudia and other Germans find hard to pronounce (and English speakers to spell!):
Spontaneity
Phenomenon
Worcester
Worcestershire (as in the England county and sauce)