Internationalising the PhD

A Case Study from the University of Bergen

This article discusses the internationalisation of PhD education, and is based on findings from a case study undertaken at the University of Bergen, Norway, during 2006-2007. The main focus of this survey-based study was the PhD students’ experience of periods of study or research visits abroad. The University of Bergen sought to find out how existing mobility structures function in order to take steps to improve them. The PhD students’ main message is clear: going abroad is very valuable from an academic point of view, but it takes time, requires funding and necessitates a lot of academic and practical preparation. The survey points to the crucial role of a committed supervisor in the academic planning of periods of study abroad. It also highlights the considerable differences between different disciplines and faculties.