A Doctorate Across Borders

What kind of international experience did you undertake during your doctorate?

During my doctorate, I had the opportunity to work in both Greece and Germany as part of a Cotutelle doctorate between the University of the Aegean and Leuphana University of Lüneburg. I spent time conducting research and experiments in both countries, worked with researchers and colleagues from different countries, attended international conferences and specialized seminars, and had the opportunity to present my research to an international scientific community. This gave me the chance to experience different academic and research environments and build an international network of colleagues and friends, many of whom I still keep in touch with today.

What worked particularly well?

One of the biggest advantages for me was being able to combine the expertise and resources of two different academic environments. I had access to additional facilities and equipment that were important for my research, as well as specialized seminars and training that helped me develop both academically and professionally. I also really valued working with researchers from different backgrounds and learning from their perspectives and approaches.

What challenges did you encounter?

Of course, working within two different academic systems also came with some challenges. I had two supervisors, one at each university, and sometimes they had different approaches or expectations. Finding the right balance between the requirements of both universities required flexibility, good communication and quite a lot of independence. Looking back, however, I see this as a very valuable part of the experience, as it taught me how to adapt to different perspectives and ways of working.

What did you gain from the experience, both personally and academically?

Overall, the experience had a strong impact on me, both academically and personally. It allowed me to look at my research from different perspectives and benefit from facilities, expertise and opportunities that enriched my doctorate. I also developed skills beyond my research through international conferences, specialized training and working in different academic environments. One of the highlights was receiving the ESIS–Elsevier Young Scientists Award at one of the conferences I attended. I see this not only as a personal achievement, but also as a reflection of the teamwork and collaboration behind my research.

Personally, it opened my horizons in ways I had not expected. I met people from many different countries, made friends and built professional relationships that I still maintain today. It also gave me greater confidence to step outside my comfort zone, adapt to new environments and see new possibilities for my future.

What advice would you give to other doctoral researchers considering a similar step?

I would definitely encourage other doctoral researchers to consider a Cotutelle doctorate. It can be challenging at times, especially when you have to balance the requirements of two universities, but the opportunities and experiences it offers are truly worth it. My advice would be to be open to new experiences, not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and make the most of the people, knowledge and opportunities around you. Looking back, I would make the same choice again without hesitation.

A Cotutelle doctorate is a doctoral degree jointly supervised and carried out by two universities in different countries. Doctoral researchers typically conduct research at both institutions and are supervised by faculty members from each university. The specific arrangements—such as supervision, research stays, examination procedures, and degree requirements—are set out in an individual agreement for each doctoral project. Upon successful completion, a jointly conferred binational doctoral degree is awarded.