Special Session: An International Perspective of Overcoming Difficulties and Challenges in Doctoral and Early Career Years: An Abstract

Doctoral students and young academics face a vast array of challenges, especially during the early years of their career. However, international scholars experience even more difficulties beyond academic challenges, such as cultural ambiguities and uncertainties. A common behavior expressed by these future and young academics is staying within social and cultural zones of comfort shaped by home countries. However, this innate tendency could diminish integration efforts and job market performance due to limited awareness of American cultural and academic norms. This special session addresses international doctoral students and young academics acclimation efforts in the USA by exploring topics such as adaptation to course demands within the doctoral program, cultural differences related to relationship building, research collaboration demands, instructional delivery difficulties, and job-related hurdles. The international perspective fostered in this session allows for a unique opportunity for doctoral students around the global to compare experiences and provide guidance on how to become a successful international scholar within the USA. In addition, junior faculty members are encouraged to share their experiences and concerns related to adjusting to a new institution, work environment, and work requirements such as service and mentoring while adapting to a new cultural surrounding. The ultimate goal of the panel is to leave the audience with insights on how to overcome difficulties and challenges associated with being an international doctoral student, researcher, author, and junior faculty member in the USA.