School Psychologist earns online degree while living abroad

World Wide Learn:

Tell us about your travels. What has inspired you to live and work in so many different locales across the globe?

Jeff Devens:

While an undergrad, I was afforded an opportunity to work in Japan for a summer teaching children of American service personnel (military). It was during this time that I realized that there were several schools that catered to expatriate children. I wanted to become a teacher and also wanted to live overseas, which soon appeared to be a distinct possibility. Upon completing my undergrad degree in psychology and social studies education, I taught in the U.S. for two years before heading to Beijing, China.

World Wide Learn:

You earned your master’s and PhD while living abroad. What was that like?

Jeff Devens:

In a word…fantastic!

Capella courses offered a non-synchronous platform that meant I could go online while many of fellow learners back in the U.S. were in bed. As long as I had access to the Internet, I could connect with Capella from any location in the world (China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka…all places I have made postings from at some point along my Capella journey.)

As of summer of 2006, I have officially graduated from Capella (Ph.D. - School Psychology)!

World Wide Learn:

What initial thoughts did you have about earning a degree online, and why did you choose Capella?

Jeff Devens:

Wanting to continue my education and work abroad presented unique challenges back in 1998 (when I began). Capella was the only school that offered degrees in school psychology (MS / PhD) that was also accredited by NCA. There were several online programs that offered psychology programs but did not have any accreditation attached to them. Without this, the degree would not be recognized as legitimate by my employer, or for that matter fellow psychologists. NCA accreditation is the same accrediting body that accredited my undergrad degree (Northwestern College, MN). I knew that with this in place I could count of a quality educational experience, and I was not disappointed.

World Wide Learn:

You grew up in a single-parent home, received government assistance, and were the only one of five children to graduate from high school. How did that experience play into your decision to further your education?

Jeff Devens:

I learned early on that life wasn't always fair. Having said this, If one was willing to work opportunities would present themselves. I was fortunate to have some great teachers, coaches, and mentors who provided me with the proverbial kick in the shorts and hugs when needed. This has made all the difference. Having lived in several different countries I can confidently state that I am grateful to be an American. Regardless of background or circumstances, growing up in America means having opportunities to improve one’s lot in life. Over the years I have had folks who told me that a person with my background could not accomplish what I was setting out to do. I used this as fuel to carry me on to accomplish my goals. I look back on my time as a child growing up in the inner-city as a refining process.

In considering furthering my education via Capella, one of the most appealing aspects was that Capella viewed my past accomplishments as a benchmark for success. This is a paradigm shift from traditional brick and mortar institutions that look heavily at GRE results. I also appreciate the flexibility that Capella offered for me in designing my program (to some degree) based on what I considered valuable and applicable to the population of students I would be working with.

World Wide Learn:

What surprised you about the program at Capella? What are some things you didn’t expect?

Jeff Devens:

Certainly the faculties that I have worked with have been excellent. They are well aware of the demands that are placed on learners (work, family, etc) and offer support and encouragement along the way. This being said, I think it is also important to keep in mind that Capella has rigorous academic expectations in place and expects learners to adhere to these. Those who graduate from Capella can be assured that the skills they acquire can be applied to real-life settings.

I didn’t expect that this process would take me so long, but it has opened several doors along the way professionally.

World Wide Learn:

How have your degrees from Capella prepared you for your current work?

Jeff Devens:

I am currently working as a school psychologist. All of my training at Capella has brought me to this point in my career. Completing my dissertation, internship, passing comp exams all were avenues to better prepare me for the real-life challenges of working among a diverse student population (students from over 40 different countries). This gives multi-cultural education a whole new meaning.

World Wide Learn:

What are some challenges you faced with respect to your degree coursework?

Jeff Devens:

Certainly the distance was difficult to deal with. Having only eight weeks back in the U.S. a year presented challenges for on-sight class work that was required, but on the whole, this was manageable and refreshing. I was able to connect with fellow learners who were working towards the same goals I was. It was also encouraging to meet with my profs face-to-face.

And access to resources was not a problem. I was able to gather information for postings and papers via online journals.

World Wide Learn:

What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing a degree online?

Jeff Devens:

Don’t let geographic / social / economic boundaries preclude you from considering furthering your education. The challenges in life are golden opportunities to refine oneself. Education is the medium to open doors to a world of possibilities. Capella offers a unique opportunity to continue your education from anywhere in the world. This, coupled with its accreditation status, makes Capella an excellent choice.

World Wide Learn:

What are your future career goals?

Jeff Devens:

Having lived overseas for the past 11 years, at some point, we will return to the U.S. I am considering working at (or for) universities helping a new group of students achieve their academic aspirations.

World Wide Learn:

Finally, any idea where you’ll be unpacking your bags next?

Jeff Devens:

“There’s no place like home…there’s no place like home.”