Learnings from ten years away from “home” as a South American immunologist in Ireland

Abstract

Pursuing an international scientific career is a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth, but it also poses unique challenges, which can be particularly daunting for researchers coming from resource-limited countries. Drawing from personal experience, this article provides insights into navigating the transition to working abroad in academia and developing a sustainable career while integrating into a new culture. From predeparture preparations to achieving career independence, I discuss practical aspects of crafting tailored applications to contact potential advisers, contemplating visa-related challenges, establishing collaborations and emphasizing the value of finding appropriate mentorship to help you adapt to new cultural and professional environments. The article also underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability and redefining career success as a dynamic, nonlinear process. I present an original perspective on career planning, inspired by maritime voyage planning, to address the complexities of balancing personal and professional life, particularly during transitional periods. This approach, which combines four key stages of planning, namely, appraisal, planning, execution and monitoring, serves as a model for early-career researchers to navigate the unpredictable tides of academic work and personal life abroad with the goal of sustaining progress and well-being. These reflections aim to empower scientists preparing for or adapting to international research environments, fostering resilience and adaptability for long-term success abroad.