Debbie Hochdoerffer

Program Manager, Senior
Faculty-Directed Programs

Debbie has a master’s degree in International Affairs and has participated in three study abroad programs.  She has spent a good portion of her professional life helping multi-national companies navigate the global trading system. After living and working abroad for many years, Debbie came to the Global Education Office as a Program Manager on the Faculty-Directed program team in hopes of assisting students broaden their world view.

Education

• M.I.A. International Economics; University of California at San Diego
• B.A. Accounting and Spanish; Illinois Wesleyan University

International Experience

• Semester-long undergraduate study abroad in Spain at the Universidad de Granada; month-long faculty-directed undergraduate study abroad in China and Hong Kong; 12 day faculty-directed graduate study abroad in Cuba at the Universidad de la Habana. 
• Traveled to 30 countries (Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Vatican City, Hungary, Austria, New Zealand, Morocco, Seychelles, Dubai, Scotland, Finland, Netherlands, Malta) either for work, study, or personal enjoyment
• Lived and worked in Karlsruhe and Mainz, Germany for 7 years for Robert Bosch GmbH and Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket GmbH & Co. KG
• Volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Costa Rica

Why Debbie works in global education: I enjoy helping others develop a global mindset which will benefit them in this interconnected world, and will perhaps benefit society through an increase in open minded individuals.

Advice for students preparing to go abroad: To get the most out of your experience, mentally prepare yourself to engage with the local community as much as you do with your study abroad community. For example, if you are going to a country where you do not speak the native language, spend your time with locals and speak the local language as much as possible.

One of the most important lessons Debbie learned while studying abroad or traveling: I learned that being out of my comfort zone was more rewarding and enjoyable, than it was nerve-racking.