Struggles you don’t know: studying PhD as an international student

Introduction

What will occur to you when you hear the term PhD? In response, many people say: “being a PhD candidate must be a tough job.” Sure, it is not an easy job. Then, how about pursuing a doctoral degree as an international student? Actually, it is quite another story. Culture shock comes along when attitudes, habits, ethnic character, climate, food, and even opening hours of stores are different. Also, you will have to handle issues such as writing in your second language, adapting to different accents of the lecturers, getting involved in networking, mental health, and financial support. Each of these situations you will encounter will be elaborated here.

Climate difference

I come from Taiwan, which is a small island in Asia. The weather in Taiwan is hotter than in the UK.In Taiwan, the temperature during summer ranges from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius; sometimes it even reaches 37 degrees. On the other hand, the temperature during winter in the UK ranges from 2 to 10 degrees. What’s more, in Manchester, where I am studying for a PhD, it is quite windy in the autumn and winter. In the beginning, it was hard for me to adapt to the climate, and I would catch a cold every two to three months.

Different closing times

In the major cities of Taiwan, convenience stores are a common sight. People can find one almost every two blocks. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consequently, if you are awake and hungry even at midnight, you can go and grab something to eat. That is not the case in the UK. After working hard in the office until midnight, if I walk out and try to find something to eat, no store will be open.

Writing the dissertation in your second language

Writing a lengthy dissertation in English is not as easy as I thought. Since my major is literature, a higher standard is demanded. That is, I am expected to finish it with poetic usage and beautiful rhetoric. However, there is a massive language barrier between English and Chinese; the logic behind the two languages is so different that the problem of “Chinese English” seems inevitable. The structure of an essay is also different. In Chinese writing, the conclusion tends to appear in the last couple of sentences. However, in English writing, the most crucial point is often stated in the first sentence. It took me quite a long time to adjust to the differences in logic and become a more fluent writer in English.

Academic networking is far more difficult

I remember when I participated in a conference in Europe for the first time. I was full of joy, thinking that I could finally get acquainted with several professionals in my academic field. I met many professors and PhD candidates who were also conducting Chinese studies. Unexpectedly, it turned out that although in general we are from one academic field, the studies we engage in are enormously diverse, meaning that we might not be able to quite understand each other’s research.

Mental health is not a myth; it’s a reality

Those who intend to start their PhD journey or are already on it are very likely to hear of the mental health issue. According to many surveys, PhD candidates are vulnerable to mental health problems. As an international student, the condition is more serious. International students living abroad and alone are unable to get prompt emotional support when they are depressed or desperate for help. Take the flight back to Taiwan, for example. Normally the journey takes about 22 hours, including the waiting time for transfer.

Financial support is essential

International students have to pay a much higher tuition fee than their UK or EU counterparts. For an international student, the tuition fee will range from 20,000 to 25,000 GBP per year or even more. Many of the scholarships are provided for UK or EU students, especially in my academic field.

The great thing about studying PhD as an international student

There are many difficulties facing an international student during the PhD journey. In spite of that, there is always a solution, and as a whole it is undeniably an unforgettable time. Many of my personal experiences support this argument. For example, when the weather got colder, I bought myself a quality coat. I deal with the windy climate by wearing a hat, which I find not only protects me against the wind, but also looks good on me. I started to look forward to Christmas, a snowy time. When the city is covered in snow, it looks so beautiful and tranquil.

Although it seems inconvenient that the stores close early, I have learnt to prepare my meals at home. I purchase the needed ingredients in Tesco or Sainsbury, which both provide a wide range of healthy and cheap items. I cook a lot, almost every day, which makes me proficient in cooking. Cooking has become one of the most essential and relaxing affairs in my daily life.

It has been demanding and taken much effort to write a dissertation in my second language, English. However, doing a lot of English writing every day has made my English improve a lot in a short time. I have become more confident in my writing, which simultaneously leads to progress in my speaking, listening and reading skills. Besides, as the language barrier becomes less of a problem, it becomes easier for me to get involved in this new culture. Once I got involved, I found so many interesting and fascinating things to probe into.

Normally an introverted person, I at first found it difficult to engage in networking, and my attempts often ended in failure. Without giving up, I tried to figure out the concept of networking and find motivation. Then I realized that networking involves not only discussing research and exchanging views on that, but also how people from diverse backgrounds look at the world. I became more comfortable with networking, since how others perceive a certain concept, a theory, or the world always gives me food for thought.

A mental health problem can sometimes be devastating. However, there is no need for panic and desperation. Chances are you will be able to get over it if you consult the right person, try to get assistance from a proper source, and treat yourself better. For example: stop doing things you don’t like but others expect you to do. Doing things you really like can make you truly happy. Stop convincing others to agree with your values by putting lots of efforts into proving you are right. Stop asking yourself to be a perfectionist, because it is impossible to achieve. Be yourself instead of becoming the person you are not. I had been in low spirits for a period of time, but fortunately I overcome the problem. This is one of the most valuable things I learnt when studying for my PhD.

I am lucky to have the chance to work as a teaching assistant in University of Manchester. More important is that I gain a lot of teaching experience from getting to know the students and how they go through their university life. Also, their bold and clever ideas are always a source of inspiration for me.

Short biography

Yi-Chi Chiu is a Ph.D candidate in the University of Manchester. Her favourite thing is writing; she will feel ill at ease if she stops writing for a day.