Student exchange experience enriching on many levels

In those six months he somehow managed to organise a range of experiences that included: participating in research cruises, being an invited guest speaker, staying at an isolated marine station, to way nothing of redwoods, surfing (that is ocean waves, not internet), climbing, seeing whales, bears and sea lions ... Although he was based in Seattle, he travelled to Alaska and explored much of the western coast of the US!

According to Knut, the advantages are numerous:

Network building (connections, contacts, potential for new collaborations)

Experiencing first hand new ways of: seeing another country, experiencing a different culture, learning (improving) another language

However, Knut has some tips for optimising the experience:

• it is an asset if the host has previous exchange experience, especially with regards to immigration paperwork, which can be cumbersome
• begin with contacts that your supervisor has established (ensures support at both ends) (and it helps if your supervisor is enthusiastic)
• define a project that is manageable and small enough that it can be completed during the exchange period
• begin communication before your stay to define expectations, goals, experimental plans etc.
• think about undertaking a project that complements your research, ie takes another perspective
• be open to new ways of thinking (and working)

Knut himself is an example of someone who took full advantage of the opportunities that his exchange experience brought. He worked with his PhD supervisor early enough in his PhD programme to begin the process of contacting possible hosts, discussing possible projects, and selecting the option that fit best. Knut said that he was in dialogue with his prospective host for about six months before travelling, discussing both scientific and practical immigration details relating to his stay. It is these latter details that are the most time-consuming, which is why it is best to have a host who has been through the process before.

Once in Seattle, Knut's open-minded approach resulted in new, unplanned opportunities. He expressed an interest in participating in a research cruise and ended up spending nearly two weeks at sea. While at sea, he made contacts with researchers from other labs and one of these invited him to be a guest speaker. Connections with other researchers and research groups also led to a five-week stay at an isolated island marine station.

Advice to other PhD students - "go for it"!