As students near the end of their masters journey, many start thinking about their next move, including pursuing a PhD in a foreign country. While some choose to take on early career opportunities in industry and government, others prefer to continue in the academic and research arena. Interestingly, estimates show that there is an increasingly higher proportion of the students choose to pursue their PhD in a foreign country. According to available data from OECD countries, 14% of students doing a master’s degree, and 24% of doctoral students choose to travel abroad to continue their education compared to only 5% of students studying for a bachelor’s degree.1
While pursuing a postdoctoral or PhD program in a foreign country can be exciting, it also has its challenges. It is important to carefully consider both pros and cons and be aware of what it takes to pursue a PhD in a foreign country before taking the leap. This article will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of taking up a post-doc or a PhD in a foreign country and will help you make a better decision.
Advantages of doing a PhD in a foreign country
Pursuing a post-doc or PhD in a foreign country can be a rewarding experience. It exposes you to new approaches, ideas, and perspectives that may be vastly different from your home country. It can also help you to create valuable networking opportunities with professionals, scholars and peers from around the globe. Here are some of the benefits you can expect.
Broadens your academic and professional network
One of the greatest advantages of pursuing a post doc or PhD in a foreign country is that it helps to forge relationships and contacts with diverse colleagues and professionals. This can prove very useful in the long run, as you can look to them for support and advice on your work.
Exposure to new ideas and cultures
Gaining international exposure will broaden your understanding and expose you to new insights, traditions, and knowledge. When pursuing a PhD in a foreign country it might be useful to learn the local language and understand cultural nuances to gain new perspectives about various pedagogies, research practices, funding mechanisms, and scientific innovations of the host country.
Experiential learning and development
Pursuing a PhD in foreign universities and living in a new country will need you to adjust and find innovative ways of navigating through new academic and research endeavors. This will not only boost your confidence but will also enable you to learn new research skills, develop problem-solving abilities, and become more resilient and adaptable to change. It can also motivate you to move out of an otherwise complacent state of mind and drive you to spot potential opportunities for growth.
Disadvantages of pursuing a PhD in a foreign country
Advantages aside, getting an international PhD degree can often prove to be overwhelming for many students, who may encounter a ‘culture shock’ while trying to adapt to the new culture, language, and way of life. Students and early career researchers can also be faced with financial constraints, potential visa and immigration issues, and other challenges if the move is not planned strategically and well ahead of time. Here are some disadvantages you may need to prepare for when choosing to study abroad.
Feeling lonely, lost, and overwhelmed
Being in a foreign country can sometimes create a feeling of loneliness as you miss being close to family and friends. To address this, it is a good idea to find and become an active participant in an immediate social community, especially if this includes your peers. You should also motivate yourself to get involved in extra-curricular activities to keep yourself engaged beyond your research work.
Encountering language and cultural barriers
This is one of the immediate challenges that many students in foreign countries face. Communicating with colleagues and professors and expressing yourself clearly can be overwhelming. Adapting to the new cultural environment, with accepted traditions and expected behavior, can also throw in some roadblocks along the way. Here having a plan set early enough to learn some of basics of the local language and become familiar with the culture of your host country can really help.
Following different academic systems
The academic system in a foreign country may differ significantly from what you are accustomed to. This may lead to challenges in understanding the expectations and requirements to successfully navigate and achieve your doctoral degree. While choosing a specific institution, it’s important to read about the course as much as possible to help you not only survive but thrive in your academic journey.
Challenges on returning home
Returning to your home country after spending several years abroad pursuing your PhD can present challenges of its own. You may face hurdles in terms of reintegration, especially if the skills and knowledge you gained abroad are not readily applicable or valued in your home context. This will require you to be dedicated, focused, and adaptable when identifying new growth opportunities that can take your career to the next level.
Embarking on a postdoc or PhD journey in a foreign country indeed means immersing yourself in a completely new environment for several years. While adapting to a new academic and cultural setting poses its challenges, it’s crucial to view this as an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth. Being aware of these factors and approaching them with resilience, openness, and enthusiasm can turn these challenges into valuable experiences that contribute not only to your academic and professional development but also to your broader life perspective. The journey may be daunting, but with the right mindset, it becomes an enriching adventure that opens doors to new possibilities and a global network of peers and collaborators.
References:
- OECD (2022), Education at a Glance 2022: OECD Indicators, OECD Publishing, Paris,
https://doi.org/10.1787/3197152b-en
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