Why You Should Complete Your PhD Abroad
Have you thought of doing your PhD abroad? The decision to pursue a doctorate abroad has a number of significant advantages.
More Opportunities
As your research interests become more focused, you might discover that there aren’t many colleges in your nation that offer PhD programs in your area of study or faculty members that specialize in it. Applying internationally will increase your selection of programs and possible supervisors. Additionally, studying abroad can make it easier for you to get access if your research calls for you to visit specific museums, locations, libraries, archives, or pieces of equipment.
Better Funding
Your PhD may be much more affordable if you complete it abroad. The cost of tuition varies greatly around the world, particularly for doctoral degrees. In Germany and Sweden, for instance, there are no tuition costs for PhD students. If you study abroad, you’ll not only save money on tuition but you might even get paid to complete your PhD. PhD students are treated more like employees than students in many European nations, including France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway, and as such, they get a monthly stipend. Compared to the US or the UK, where tuition waivers and stipends are not guaranteed and are frequently reserved for top students or at selective universities, this is noticeably different. Additionally, you might be eligible for particular scholarships that are offered by your home country or the nation where you want to study abroad.
Shorter Time to Degree or Better Structure
While a PhD degree’s fundamental components are the same around the world, each nation has a slightly unique program structure. The legal system of your place of origin might not be the ideal one for you.
Time to degree: Many PhDs in Europe are earned in three years, as opposed to five years or longer in North America.
Teaching: While PhD candidates in certain nations are compelled to accrue a particular number of teaching hours, in others, they are solely focused on their research projects.
Coursework: While most PhD candidates simply take one or two courses to earn their degree, in the US and Canada, candidates must first complete two to three years of coursework before beginning their dissertation research. This lengthens the doctoral program while providing students with a deeper understanding of the subject.
Lab rotations: It is common for first-year PhD students in some countries to spend their first year rotating through two to three labs before deciding which lab they want to complete their dissertation research in. Students who already have a research topic in mind might choose to get started on it, in which case they might search for PhD opportunities that are project-specific. A method where students rotate through various labs in their first year may be beneficial for students who are unsure of what they would like to research.
Broaden Your Network
The opportunity to expand your network by establishing contacts in a new country is one of the benefits of pursuing an international PhD. You will have the opportunity to get to know people and make acquaintances from all around the world personally. If you wish to work abroad after receiving your degree, enrolling in a PhD program outside of your home country can be beneficial.
Embrace a New Culture
You can develop a worldview by enrolling in an international program of study. You will encounter novel concepts, pedagogical approaches, and academic cultures. You might even get the chance to pick up a new language. Even if English is the language of research, it could not be the native tongue. Not only will knowing the local language make it easier for you to get around in your new country, but it may also be beneficial for your future job search. For doctorate students, many universities provide free or greatly reduced language classes.
