Hi All,

I'm currently studying for a PhD in the UK, started in January so it's all quite new, fun and scarily overwhelming :-)
I'm just commencing a 3 month stint on the west coast of USA to attend a particular course and do some collaborative research (it's a USA funded project) and was wondering if anyone's had some experience of having (or just wanting) to either transfer their PhD to another institution/country or just relocate and study/research remotely with some travel back and forth.

Is it even possible? Maybe dependent on the institution?

Actually this has come up as I am in a bit of a pickle. I've been in a long distance relationship for some time (years) and have to consider moving in together in the USofA if it's going to continue, but really don't want to give up the PhD as it's a great project.

So, if anyone has some info on this topic I would be very grateful.

T.

Hi timeless
Normally you can't transfer your phd, as all the work you do on it belongs to the university and you have to complete the duration at that institute in order to be eligible for the viva. That said, if you project is a collaborative one with a partner in the USA anyway, there may be some flexibility.
If you stay registered with your UK group but your research requires you to study abroad (ie - you need individuals of a specific ethnicity or resources that aren't available at your own institute) then arrangements for being present on your original campus are just something that you'd arrange with your supervisor and/or dean. Whether this works may depend on what other courses/responsibilities you're expected to commit to. The only way to know would be to speak with your supervisor.
If it's not possible to square things then at 2-3 months in you wouldn't be losing much if you started over. Be warned though, phds (certainly in science) often take twice as long in the USA as in the UK.

Yes, the time is one of the reasons I didn't want to pursue the PhD in the states. At 33 I'd rather not spend another 5-6 years in destitution. I guess the reality is I need to be in the UK - lab facilities, supervision and so on. Giving up and starting over in the USA isn't a realistic option, although finding work may be a possibility.

Guess you can't have everything - especially when the timing just isn't in your favour.

Thanks for the reply Teek.