I am an international Ph.D. student in the Department of Engineering Education at The Ohio State University. I have already completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the US, so I am familiar with the education system and culture here. However, starting my PhD has been a new and challenging experience.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is the transition from being a master’s student in a technical engineering discipline to a doctoral student in the education realm. In an engineering master’s program, you are typically required to take a set of courses and complete a research project. In a doctoral program, you are expected to be more independent and to develop your own research agenda. You are also expected to read more, whether they are related to your courses or your research interest. This has been a challenging transition for me, but I have learned a lot from the process.
Another challenge I have faced is the language barrier. English is not my first language, so I can sometimes have difficulty understanding classes and assigned readings. I have also had to learn new technical terms and concepts in the education realm. However, my professors and classmates have been very supportive, especially my advisor and members of my research group, and they have helped me to overcome these challenges.
Despite the challenges, I have also had many rewards as an international PhD student in engineering education. I have had the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects with world-class professors. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with talented students from diverse backgrounds. I have learned a lot, both academically and personally, from my experience.
Here, I would like to share some tips for incoming international Ph.D. students in engineering education:
- Get involved in the engineering education community. There are many engineering education conferences and events held throughout the year. It can be challenging at the beginning for many reasons. I suggest you start with faculty members in your department. Attending seminars and events held in your department to familiarize yourself with professors and lecturers is a great way to start.
- Find a mentor. A mentor can provide you with guidance and support throughout your PhD program. Your mentor can help you to develop your research agenda, to write papers, and to prepare for your job search. You typically spend lots of time with your advisor, but talking to your cohort and other Ph.D. students in their second or third year is also a great way to learn.
- Take advantage of your university’s resources. Most universities offer a variety of resources for PhD students, such as writing centers, statistical consulting, and career counseling. Take advantage of these resources to help you succeed in your program.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with anything, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your professors, classmates, mentors, or other campus resources. There are many people who are willing to help you succeed.
Engineering education is a challenging but rewarding field of study. As an international Ph.D. student, you may face some additional challenges, but you also have the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of people and gain valuable skills and knowledge. I encourage you to embrace the challenges and to make the most of your experience as an international Ph.D. student in engineering education.
In addition to the tips above, I would also recommend that international Ph.D. students in engineering education reflect on their journey and share their experiences with others. This can help to raise awareness of the challenges and rewards of being an international PhD student, and it can also provide support to other students who are going through the same experience.