I have not been afraid to dare and explore methods and theories. I have changed my methodological approach several times and have learned from each approach. As I evolved as a researcher, I could decide on what method would give me richer data based on my previous attempts. It is an exploratory journey and as much as it can be enduring it can be enriching, especially in my case with so many breaks and so many moves between countries.
SOLANGE LIMA
There is no one ‘right’ way of doing (doctoral) research. What I would suggest to you is to listen carefully and be response-able to what your research relationships ask of you.
MARIA EJLERTSEN
When it comes to expectations, negotiating what you expect and what your supervisors expect could be a big step towards your success. Be clear in your expectations. Ask yourself, “What do I expect?” Do you expect your supervisors to provide you with regular feedback? What type of feedback do you expect? How do you expect to receive feedback?
SARA HAGHIGHI SIAHGORABI
While you are cautiously taking care of your academic responsibilities, you also need to take care of your physical and mental health. A doctoral degree for some could be a very lonely, tiring, or at times a nerve-wracking journey. Besides, you need to take care of your loved ones who are living with you. Remind yourself of the fact that they also need you in their lives.
MOHAMMAD TARQUE RAHMAN
While writing this chapter, I reflect back and wonder on my doctoral journey and see that it was a journey of personal and social learning. Throughout my journey, my personal, social, cultural, religious, gender, and educational spaces intersected, enabling me to negotiate various frontiers and identities and recode them with new meanings.
UMME SALMA
TRAN LE NGHI TRAN
I had thrived both academically and professionally thanks to all those opportunities I had accepted and learnt heaps more from these opportunities than from my thesis alone. I was transformed by the whole doctoral journey into a better version of myself—an independent researcher, and a practising professional.
Pursuing a doctoral degree in an overseas context entails critical challenges for students. … the doctoral journey provided me with courage, vision, and wisdom. Overall, it is a highly intense and rewarding educational journey.
HUIFANG LUI
Being an international student starting a doctoral degree in a foreign country, which itself is an extremely difficult task, was with considerable disadvantages. Many international students have to study in a foreign language; their study must go on without a period of interruption due to scholarship and visa conditions; and they also need to move to a new environment and assist their and their family’s adjustment to the new life.
DAEUL JEONG
A doctorate can be a lonely experience. Although other people help us along our path, we ultimately must walk vast sections of it alone. It is the people who help us along the way who momentarily ease the heavy burden we elect to carry.
LAUREN THOMASSE
The reality is that research is very isolating and singular, even when you are part of a team. No one else knows your research as well as you do, and increasingly that will also apply to your advisors.
LAURA EMILY CLARK
Know yourself. It is important to play into your strengths. By all means extend yourself, but do not go against what you feel comfortable in doing. … Do not compare yourself to others. You and your research are unique and how you achieve your goals is yours alone. You may need more time or less time to complete a task. … When self-doubt is causing you to feel inadequate or overwhelmed or feel like an impostor, re-evaluate what
MARGARET SCHULSyou are doing, talk with others, listen to how others are feeling about their work. Share your feelings.
As I reflect back on my doctoral journey, I share my interpretation of the acronym PhD—perseverance, hard work, and sheer determination. That is what you need to reach the end of your doctoral journey. While your sense of ability and achievement will fluctuate along the way, and sometimes seem to be all in your imagination, this is all part of the journey and is normal.
ELIZABETH ALLOTTA
The journey as a member of a large collaborative research group is about working with different personalities, having a willingness to volunteer to accept responsibility for tasks, and an acceptance of others’ skills and talents without establishing or defining a hierarchy, and without weighting up contributions or workload. It is about being part of a journey bigger than yourself.
UCNIS