Being in academia is a rewarding yet demanding journey. For international grad students and postdoctoral researchers, this path often includes additional hurdles that may not always be apparent to others. One significant challenge can be travelling for academic opportunities, something meant to be exciting and empowering, but that can instead feel stressful and disappointing.
I've frequently seen these situations unfold within my network of international students and researchers. Imagine your research paper is accepted at a prestigious international conference outside Canada. You plan to attend, but your Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) approval takes over a year to process. Normally, it should only take a few weeks. This issue typically arises for students and researchers who extend their study permits or transition to post-graduation work permits. They must secure a new TRV before travelling to ensure they can re-enter Canada after attending the conference. Such delays can result in missed opportunities crucial for networking and career advancement.
Travelling to European countries introduces another set of challenges, as booking timely visa appointments can be difficult, particularly during the busy summer conference season. When co-authors are also unable to travel, and there is the added risk of a visa application being rejected, the burden and disappointment of missing the opportunity often fall disproportionately on international students and early-career researchers.
Travel planning varies greatly among researchers. While some can organize trips quickly, others must start planning months in advance due to complex administrative processes linked to being temporary residents in Canada and their respective nationalities. Recognizing these disparities promotes greater understanding and fosters more inclusive academic planning.
Despite these challenges and uncertainties, constructive strategies can help international researchers remain engaged and positive about their academic journeys:
- Look for Local or Virtual Events: Regional conferences or virtual academic events can provide meaningful engagement without international travel constraints.
- Lean on Your Support Network: Supervisors, departments and can be valuable allies. Reach out proactively for guidance and potential institutional support when navigating travel barriers.
- Build Community: Sharing experiences with fellow international students and scholars offers emotional support, practical advice, and valuable camaraderie.
- Plan B with Coauthors: Establish a clear backup plan with coauthors early on. Identifying alternate presenters or remote presentation options ensures your research reaches its intended audience and minimizes potential disappointment.
These travel challenges, while tough, never diminish the value of your academic contributions or your rightful place in academia. Through continued dialogue, empathy, and thoughtful planning, we can strive for a more equitable environment for all scholars. Remember, you're not alone; together, we can support each other and find meaningful ways to thrive.