The Academic Brain Drain: Dr. Jonah Otto on Leaving the U.S. for Germany
By Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA | | 7.25.25
In this week’s episode of Passport to Wealth™, host Arielle Tucker sits down with Dr. Jonah Otto, MPA, a U.S.-born academic currently working as an Assistant Professor at the University of Augsburg in Germany. With a career that has spanned Indiana, the U.K., Ghana, and now Germany, Jonah offers an eye-opening look into what it really means to pursue higher education and a global career outside the United States.
“Instead of paying for a doctorate, I had the chance to get paid to pursue one in the field I loved, in an international context. It just made sense.”
From Indiana to Augsburg: Jonah’s Cross-Border Leap
Like many professionals in academia, Jonah found himself at a crossroads. He wanted to pursue a doctorate, but the U.S. path meant juggling full-time work and coursework (likely) over a decade. Meanwhile, through his work at Indiana University, he built a relationship with a partner university in Augsburg, Germany.
One invitation later, he was offered a paid position that allowed him to complete his PhD while continuing administrative work in international education.
“When I compared the options, it all lined up. Financially, professionally, personally it was the challenge I needed to take.”
Today, Jonah is seven and a half years into life in Germany, now on a civil servant contract as an Assistant Professor and a naturalized German citizen.
U.S. vs. German Academia: Key Differences
Jonah breaks down the most significant contrasts between academic life in Germany and the U.S. and why they matter.
In Germany:
Professors manage both academic and administrative functions.
There are fewer full professors, creating intense competition for permanent roles.
Professorships come with civil service status and lifelong job security.
Academic freedom is robust.
As Jonah says, “Only God and your spouse can tell you what to do.”
In the U.S.:
Academic and administrative roles are more separated.
Tenure-track roles are more common, but the pathway is often longer and costlier.
Funding for research and internationalization may be less accessible, depending on your field.
“In Germany, the same professor is often the department head, the administrator, and the academic lead. It’s a different system entirely.”
Why More Academics Are Looking to Europe
The so-called “academic brain drain” from the U.S. is real and growing. While the full wave of faculty moves hasn’t yet crested, Jonah confirms that universities across Europe are positioning themselves to attract top U.S. talent. Special visas, funding programs, and dual citizenship opportunities are making Europe and Germany in particular, more appealing.
“There’s a noticeable shift. Students are already leaving, and academics are putting feelers out.”
Germany’s recent dual citizenship reform opens the door to long-term relocation. For Jonah, it turned a 3–5 year PhD plan into a career and a life abroad.
Why Germany?
Germany and Europe more broadly is becoming increasingly attractive for U.S. academics, and not just for financial reasons.
Paid doctoral programs
Strong academic freedom protections
Generous EU research funding
Clear retirement timelines
Excellent work-life balance
“Germany’s investment in education and research is serious. And with EU funding on top of that, there are real opportunities to pursue meaningful work.”
Advice for Academics Considering the Move
Jonah’s advice is straightforward: Think strategically.
“Look at your field. Where are the opportunities? Will you need to teach in the local language? Is it a research role only? And now—with dual citizenship—Germany can be a stepping stone or a permanent home.”
His takeaway? Whether you want a short-term adventure or a long-term career shift, Germany offers pathways to both.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Jonah Otto, MPA’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when academics think beyond borders. His journey highlights how policy, opportunity, and personal courage intersect to build a life and career rooted in purpose.
“Instead of staying where I was comfortable, I took the leap. Seven years later, I’m still here. It was the right call.”
Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, is the founder of Connected Financial Planning and the host of Passport to Wealth™. Arielle specializes in helping U.S. expats simplify their finances while building intentional, global lives.
With firsthand experience navigating cross-border living, tax complexity, and international relocation, Arielle provides thoughtful, personalized guidance for individuals and families living abroad. Whether you're planning a move, managing multi-country income, or just trying to make sense of your financial future; she’s here to help you do it with clarity and confidence.
If you have questions about your tax or financial situation and would like to book a consultation with Arielle, please do so here.
