Why U.S. Academics Are Leaving: Dr. Jonah Otto on Life in German Academia

What would make an American academic sell everything and move across the world for a new career? In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Dr. Jonah Otto, MPA, Assistant Professor at the University of Augsburg, to unpack what’s driving more U.S. scholars to consider international academic careers particularly in Germany.

Jonah shares his personal journey from Indiana to Europe, where a partnership between universities turned into a fully funded PhD opportunity, a civil servant academic position, and eventually German citizenship. Together, Arielle and Jonah explore the major differences between U.S. and German university systems, from the way academic roles are structured to the surprising amount of autonomy and research freedom afforded to professors abroad.

We also dive into the concept of “academic brain drain,” the push and pull factors influencing scholars today, and why long-term planning, especially around residency and citizenship, is becoming essential for academics looking to thrive outside the U.S. Whether you’re curious about teaching abroad, interested in earning a PhD overseas, or simply exploring more fulfilling career paths, this conversation offers a refreshingly honest look at what’s possible. 

If you're interested in Jonah's research you can find it here.