As I write this, I am looking out a library window and watching waves ripple across the Arctic Ocean. At the beginning of my doctoral degree, I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me that I would end up studying in a small city past the Arctic Circle. Yet here I am after having travelled from Halifax through London to Bodø, Norway. I am participating in a phenomenology of practice workshop this week with global experts Drs. Michael and Max van Manen of the University of Alberta. In addition to traveling to multiple conferences throughout Canada, Australia, the United States of America and Europe during my program, I’ve also had the opportunity to study phenomenology in the English countryside at the University of Central Lancashire and in New York City at PACE University.
Throughout my program, I’ve had a number of students write to me to inquire about these aforementioned opportunities, students who are also interested in pursuing unique study opportunities to obtain in-depth skills and knowledge in their content area(s) or research methodology(ies). Exploring unique educational opportunities not only allows students to gain in-depth skills and knowledge pertinent to their studies, but it also helps students to build their global network that can help to expand their possibilities after graduation. I’ve compiled the following five tips for anyone who may be interested in finding and securing international study opportunities:
1. Reach out to experts in the research methodology(ies) that you are employing for your dissertation study(ies)! Find out if they will be offering any upcoming workshops (virtual or in-person). If they are not, they may still be able to point you toward other opportunities.
2. Connect with content area experts! A great way to build relationships with others in your field is through personal connections at conferences and as I mentioned in a previous OpenThink blog, developing a professional network on social media. Find out what continuing education opportunities they have found valuable or are offering themselves.
3. Connect with your university to explore their offerings. At Dalhousie, we are fortunate to have a Global Health Office in our Faculty of Medicine. Among their various resources is funding that students in the Faculties of Health and Medicine can apply for to participate in global health activities at the local, national or international level.
4. Universities have international travel policies for faculty members and students that are important to familiarize yourself with.
5. Explore diverse sources of funding for international experiences. I have been fortunate to have secured funding that was instrumental for the educational offerings I have pursued abroad. Among that funding was an award through the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute’s Cancer Research Training Program’s Skills Acquisition Program.
