how to change PhD supervisor in France

[Roc9999]

Hello everyone,

these days I have a problem. I am a 5 years PhD student. Now I am in second year. I am a self-paying student. Before involving in this PhD, I have limited knowledge about this research field (it is Cross-disciplinary research ). And now I really think that I am not interested in this research field.

So I want to change to another supervisor in another university in Paris. In France, second year of 5 years PhD is the end of Master. And up to now, my main task is concentrating on courses study.

Now i have two choices:

1- Talking to current advisor and telling him that I want to leave him.

2- Talk to new potential advisor in private. Then talk to my supervisor.

My supervisor is the vice dean. So, to some extent, he can control my future.

I must admit that my supervisor is a nice guy. However, the problem is that I don't have passion in the research work.

I want to know, from the point of view of academic ethic, is it a big problem for me change a supervisor. I mean, though he does not fund me, he give a research position to me. And if I leave, one research position would be wasted.

This thing confused me so much.

Looking forward to some constructive suggestions.

Thanks!

Roc

Edited February 15, 2012 by Roc9999