Hi Sascha,

Thank you for your reply...So far everything seems to be fine for me. I've managed to have two papers under review (one as a main author and the second one as a co-author) while I have one under preparation as a main author, plus two conference abstracts with one winning the best paper at a particular conference. I do hope I can start writting up once I've progressed to a certain point in my experiments and finish on time. My supervisor so far is very very very supportive and understands that I need to finish on time. However, just crunching abit about the future and when to start knocking on PI's across the world :)

Otherwise, thank you for the reply (up)

All,

When do you think one should start approaching potential PI's for post-doc opportunities. I am progressing to 2nd year of my PhD in Sept and I've been toying with the idea of starting to approach PI's across the world who are working in my areas of interest and letting them know that I will be available for a Post-doc sometimes in 2012...Do you guys think that's a good idea or when should I start?

Hi Nagumse,

You are not alone! Same situation here but that isn't stopping me from working and moving the stuff on....the going is tough but we just need to get tougher! ?....(up). Have you tried to apply for the Overseas studentship (coverts EU/Home - International difference). I tried the first year and didn't get it and have tried again this year to see if I will get it...whatever the outcome, I've vowed life has to move on and I have to finish the degree and possibly with a number of publications under my arm! (up)

Sasa Songo,

Well, my advise is, look elsewhere other than the UK! Firstly, you will be charged a hefty international fees (3 times higher than a local/EU student) and you still need a roof under yourself and food! My advice would be the Schengen space (France, germany, spain, denmark, Norwar, sweden etc) since they do not charge international fees (all research students are treated equally) and rather more support from the institutions.

Regards:-)

Alpacalover,

Thank you for your post! However, I am unapologetic! That was my opinion and should be respected that way. I've respected yours and by realising that some societies are more imperialistic than others doesn't make me any less clever! No one has ever sat in an exam room or held my hand in my endeavours before and no one will...meaning I am capable.

I finally seal the discussion!

All the best to you guys- Those paying less be at peace and those paying many times higher-soldier on!

Adios!

Stressed,

:p you sound very bitter! Unfortunately, you are not able to stand criticism! It's the same feeling that you are always right! I honestly respect some of the chaps here who've tried to drive very important points rather than show anger!(down)

Sylvester, Do we still have the prestigious "Made in England"...Well times have changed! It's now "Made in China" or atleast made in India. So i bet the exports are as few! and watch this space, they gona get fewer! No offence though.

PhDbug,

You are right...and by the way I never mentioned racism anywhere! I do respect the chaps within the academia very much and i believe most of them do have the voice of reason. Well the issue is, this who International/home ,I was born here you were born there etc is a mess!

Sneaks,

Excellent :-) thanks for bringing in some humour in all this! Oooh I forgot...the Sterling now has lost against the Euro (A possible research project?).Any reason not to join the Euro zone now? It comes back to my point! Imperialism!... Whether anyone likes it or not the truth hurts :p:p

Stressed,

You sound like a British politician.... :-) Could you be Cameron? As long as you are happy you've got no reason to worry. After all, the benefits fall on your side! THEY pay 10 times higher, I pay less! Isn't that your argument? Untill you eat something bitter, you can't know how bitter it is! Isn't it?:p

The Sneaks,

Thank you! I am not a grammar research student! My language skills are pretty much enough for me to do a decent research paper. (up)

TheAce, Excellent! You've summed it well..Let's milk the international cashcow and forget about the quality! Forget about that student who can't write anything tangible in english. Another question was asked, why don't international students go to other Euro nations? simply, for them they don't look at "how much are you willing to pay?" They look at how much can you deliver and offcourse they are disadvantaged by the language- well English is more popular (quite sad!). You may rejoice now but the truth is, this imperialism (it actually never ended!). However, the politicians like dancing to those kind of tunes since they divide people and offcourse give them power!

JXR,

I've got no problem with that at all! If a student is coming to pursue a bachelor's degree and as soon as go back to their country thats okay. But my main issue is with research students who actually are working on research projects that will later help the local populations! and yet all over the years they've paid 3 times higher the local rate! There's no way that can be fair enough....

Sylvester, thank you for your reply. I know this post rubs many the wrong way! but, it is important for you and others know that imperialism isn't as good as those who benefit from it see/view it. I am sure if you were the victim you would view it differently. (up)

Guys,
I am sorry to hear that you are in the same school of thought as your politicians! Well I've been to France, Spain and the nordic countries and students are all treated as students and equally no matter their origin. What happens here is that you are not judged on merit but on where you come from and possibly colour. That's the naked truth! and by the way, their education programmes are more superior than the British!