Approaching an academic outside your country

[Dal PhDer]

I have had a recent discussion with someone and they suggested that I approach an expert in my area to discuss potential collaboration (as either a co-supervisor or committee member)...this is awesome (and intimidating) because they are really well known in the area I am interested in- and in my mind- super fabulous. However, the issue is they are not at my university, in my town, province, or country. No...they are infact across the Atlantic.

Has anyone ever been in a situation where they worked closely with an academic in another country or so far away? I know technology allows easier communication, but I am reluctant to have them take on a role of a mentor or co-supervisor.

I would love to know opinions and/or experiences!

[abdefghijkl]

I've done this as a supervisor. You just need to find a prof. that is willing to do Skype or talk on the phone with you. That person might be more helpful than someone right down the hall in your department! An academic who is a good supervisor in person can also be a great collaborator by long distance too. When you contact him or her, make sure to phrase your message by emphasizing what a great opportunity it is for him/her to work with you (try to do this subtly) so that he/she sees the whole thing as an opportunity to enrich his/her own work. That's how I choose grad students.

[kaguyahime]

My situation is not the same as yours, as I have not asked an overseas academic to collaborate with me on research.

However, I have been in contact with a number of such professors for both research advice and in order to establish an affiliation for the purposes of fellowship applications.

In my experience and opinion, I would approach such communication with a high level of politeness and humility. If you express a familiarity with their work, an awareness of their elevated position in the field, and present your own work in a way that will pique their interest, they are likely to be willing to help you in some form, even if is not as a long distance mentor.

Unless you have input from someone who has worked with this professor, it is probably dangerous to count on such a professor for a significant role in your research. There are many great academics with good intentions, but who are ultimately so burdened with their own research and responsibilities that they won't be able to give you the support or responsiveness that you probably need (I know some of these!).

Honestly, I can't imagine suggesting to an overseas academic that you are presenting them with a great opportunity to work with you; this seems like an egotistical approach that is likely to turn them off, especially if they are a really well known expert in their field.

If they do agree to work with you, they will be doing you a favor - they probably have many demands on their time.

You are not likely to be the one doing them a favor (no offense!).

I hope you will get a response from someone whose experience more closely mirrors your own...