Deborah Schuler

Ever since freshman year at the University of Missouri, Deborah “Debbie” Schuler dreamed of studying abroad. When junior year came around, she packed up and went to Durham for the entire academic year, intrigued by the opportunity to attend classes at Durham University with local students in a shared language. Meeting new people and finding herself challenged by new ideas, she not only found the experience enjoyable, but she was inspired to pursue a career working overseas. After receiving her MBA, Debbie embarked on a career in international finance. She found that her previous experience abroad, especially as a woman, gave her a leg up, and she was transferred to Singapore with Continental Bank in 1981. Most recently, Debbie worked at Moody’s Corporation where she served as Senior Vice President and Group Credit Officer for the rating of financial intuitions in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Having lived and worked abroad for most of her career, Debbie is now retired and living back in the U.S. She is eager to help other students embark on their own life-changing study abroad adventures and recently made a bequest to establish the Deborah Schuler Scholarship at IES Abroad to support students with financial need. In our interview, Debbie shares her story with us.

IES Abroad: How did you hear about IES Abroad and what motivated you to study in Durham?

Deborah Schuler: I heard about IES Abroad at the Office of International Studies at the University of Missouri. I had dreamed of a junior year abroad for years, so I sought out information my freshman year. I chose Durham because: a) it was a full academic year program, b) IES Abroad students attended regular Durham University classes with local students, and c) the shared language allowed me to study at a higher level than I was capable of in a foreign language.

IES Abroad: What are one or two of your most impactful study abroad memories?

DS: First was just how much history there was all around me, compared with how little history we have in the U.S. And second, how much I enjoyed meeting new people and being challenged by new ideas and ways of doing things – so much so, that I decided I wanted to equip myself to work overseas when I graduated.

IES Abroad: How did you change most during your time in Durham? 

DS: I grew up. I proved to myself that I could handle awkward situations in places I couldn’t even speak the language. That gave me the confidence that I really was as capable as I had told my parents I was.

IES Abroad: Early on in your career, you worked for Continental Bank and were transferred to Singapore. How did studying abroad help prepare you for working internationally?  

DS: Most importantly, it was a key factor in getting me the opportunity. Failed international transfers are expensive and companies try to avoid them. In 1981, women were still often considered too delicate to handle foreign lands. My year abroad removed that obstacle. And once I arrived, I was prepared to be flexible in all the little things – food, date formats, toilet paper, etc. – and I was able to focus on the work and building a new network of friends.

IES Abroad: You went on to work for Moody’s Corporation where you served as Senior Vice President and Group Credit Officer for the rating of financial intuitions in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Were there skills learned while abroad that were particularly useful in order to be successful in your career?

DS: When the Middle East and Africa were added to my responsibilities, one manager mentioned that a consideration had been that I didn’t “freak out in emerging markets.” But seriously, every step I took –and they were sometimes small – added to my ability to do the job, even in the most foreign and more logistically-difficult places. If you keep pushing a step or two beyond your comfort zone, eventually you can be comfortable almost anywhere.

IES Abroad: You recently made a bequest that will establish the Deborah Schuler Scholarship at IES Abroad to provide support to students with financial need. What inspired you to create this fund?  

DS: Having spent most of my working life either overseas or working internationally, I have grown concerned about the small proportion of Americans who spend any time outside the U.S. and how parochial Americans often can be. The U.S. is a global power, and its businesses operate in the global economy. I believe that it is vitally important that both our future leaders and we, members of the U.S. electorate, have material, first-hand experience of other countries. On a more personal level, I think the world is a fascinating place to live and work. My study abroad experience was a key factor in setting the course for my career and life. I would like to give others the chance to share the fun and excitement of discovering how to live and work abroad.

IES Abroad: In 2017, you are planning to attend IES Abroad’s first ever Alumni Weekend in Durham. What are you most looking forward to about this event?

DS: Meeting my fellow classmates and those like-minded souls from all the other Durham classes in that ancient and dearly loved city. My most recent visit to Durham was in 1996. I was working in London from 1994-1996 and introduced my parents and my aunt to Durham in that period.

IES Abroad: What advice do you have for students today who are interested in studying or interning abroad?

DS: Get serious about learning a foreign language, now. Start your planning early and find the longest (in months abroad) program that you can afford and that suits your educational needs. Go for it!