Dealing with a toxic supervisor as an International PhD Student

[AudreyElisa]

Hi all,

I’m an international PhD student currently in strategic marketing, and I’ve been dealing with a pretty difficult supervision experience. I often feel invisible, unsupported, and sometimes actively sidelined by my main supervisor. For example:

- Delayed approval for key milestones (like research proposals) for up to a year
- Ignored emails, including requests for formal letters
- Being denied access to necessary admin processes
- Passive-aggressive or outright negative energy during meetings
- A pattern of students from international backgrounds facing similar issues

I’m reaching out anonymously because I still want to graduate and don’t want to jeopardize that, but it’s been affecting my mental health and motivation badly. I’ve started thinking about how to access research funding without going through this supervisor, and how to navigate a PhD in a toxic environment.

Have any of you gone through something like this? What strategies helped you survive—or even succeed—despite the odds?

Thanks in advance for reading and sharing.

[Goegraphy Tutors]

Hi there,

I’m sorry you’re going through this — it sounds incredibly tough, and unfortunately, not uncommon, especially for international students. You’re definitely not alone.

A few things that may help:

Document everything: Keep records of emails, missed deadlines, and meeting notes. It’s useful if you ever need to escalate formally.

Talk to your second supervisor or PGR coordinator: If you have one, they can often act as a buffer or advocate.

Use support services: Most universities offer counseling, ombudspersons, or graduate advocacy services — don’t hesitate to reach out.

Look for alternative mentorship: Even if unofficial, try building relationships with other faculty who might support your research or career goals.

Funding: If you're thinking of going around your supervisor for funding, check if there are internal grants, travel funds, or external fellowships that don’t require supervisor sign-off.

You’re doing incredibly well to keep pushing forward in such an environment. Please don’t let this experience define your worth or ability. Keep going — you deserve to finish strong. 💪

[fernardwambua]

On 4/22/2025 at 10:17 PM, AudreyElisa said:

Hi all,

I’m an international PhD student currently in strategic marketing, and I’ve been dealing with a pretty difficult supervision experience. I often feel invisible, unsupported, and sometimes actively sidelined by my main supervisor. For example:

- Delayed approval for key milestones (like research proposals) for up to a year
- Ignored emails, including requests for formal letters
- Being denied access to necessary admin processes
- Passive-aggressive or outright negative energy during meetings
- A pattern of students from international backgrounds facing similar issues

I’m reaching out anonymously because I still want to graduate and don’t want to jeopardize that, but it’s been affecting my mental health and motivation badly. I’ve started thinking about how to access research funding without going through this supervisor, and how to navigate a PhD in a toxic environment.

Have any of you gone through something like this? What strategies helped you survive—or even succeed—despite the odds?

Thanks in advance for reading and sharing.

I can help you overcome all this negativity