Chapter 11
Exploring Peer Relationships in Online Doctoral Programs
In: Curating the Self and Embracing the CommunitySearch for other papers by Olya Perevalova in
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Abstract
The purpose of this duoethnography was to explore disconnections that arise in relationships among international peers in online doctoral programs. Using duoethnography, we explored the messy aspects of online interpersonal relationships based on the experiences of two doctoral students in online U.S. programs who were also observers of international astronaut training. To collect data, we used recollections, authors’ journal entries, and text-based artifacts of peer communication. Publicly available astronaut diaries, observations, and other relevant publications constituted materials for comparing experiences. We drew parallels between behavioral markers identified for the behavioral training of space explorers and intercultural communication strategies employed by international students in online programs. RCT formed the theoretical foundation for this study. Findings showed unexpected similarities between some of the conditions experienced by space explorers and online doctoral students. The contribution of this study is a candid evaluation of the more problematic aspects of interpersonal relationships that are an integral part of authentic connections. We provide recommendations for building online relationships across cultural and geographical differences based on astronaut competencies.