Embarking on and Completing a PhD: Insights from Experts
Are you considering pursuing a PhD but uncertain about where to begin? Join us for an engaging and informative afternoon exploring the various stages of the PhD journey.
Our first speaker, Cenae Wilder, will provide guidance on selecting a programme and university, navigating the application process, and taking the first steps in doctoral study. She will share her experiences thus far and discuss the motivation required to complete a PhD. (DPI: Track 1)
Following this, Dr Lindsay Herron will offer insights from the final stages of the PhD process, including her dissertation defence and reflections on sustaining motivation. Both speakers will also discuss their future plans and how they intend to utilise their PhDs. (DPI: Track 1)
The event will conclude with a live Zoom presentation by Stephen Schuit, who will share his experience of transitioning from academia and the labour market in Korea to a new chapter in Europe. He will discuss the challenges and opportunities of relocating after reaching the maximum duration of his university contract and visa. (DPI: Track 2).
About the Presenter
Cenae is currently an assistant professor. Immediately after graduating from university, the opportunity presented itself, and a job teaching in South Korea drew her more out of her comfort zone. After just one year in Korea, her passion for education began to flourish, and a new outlook on life kept her interested in the field of education. She decided that a Master’s degree would help further her career and could possibly help move into other areas of education in the future. She spent time teaching in academies and quickly moved to teach at the university level. As time continued on, Cenae’s passion for education and devotion to her learners sparked a need to go back to school. She received an Education Specialist Degree in Second Language Instruction and is currently working on her EdD.
Abstract
This presentation will allow participants to collaboratively discuss topics surrounding the highest degree in academia. The session will begin with a brief description of the distinction between the specialist degree, EdD, and PhD. The following section will discuss personal decisions and motivation to complete a doctorate. The speaker will then focus on what things to consider when seeking a doctorate, how to stay motivated, tips to get you through the journey, and how to overcome challenges. This session will be collaborative to allow thoughts and perspectives from attendees to gain a deeper understanding of why one should pursue a doctorate.
About the Presenter
Lindsay Herron has been a visiting professor at Gwangju National University of Education in
Korea since 2008 and recently finished an EdD in literacy, culture, and language education
(LCLE) at Indiana University. She also has an MSEd in LCLE; an MA in cinema studies;
bachelor’s degrees in English literature and psychology; a postgraduate certificate in learning
sciences, media, and technology; a CELTA; and the CELTA YL Extension. Her current research
focuses on the critical cosmopolitan literacies of language learners participating in an online
cross-cultural exchange.
Abstract
The final steps of completing a doctorate can be daunting; as a doctoral student finishes their coursework and passes their qualifying exams, their time becomes far less structured, and it’s
easy for a to-do list to shift from comprising manageable, distinct steps to becoming an
overwhelming, monolithic objective: write dissertation. Having completed her own dissertation
over a very long period of time, Lindsay will offer insights into the steps and timeline of her own
doctoral pursuits; discuss ways to build toward a finished product earlier in the doctoral process;
share possible strategies for keeping motivated; and offer some suggestions for how to use the
dissertation-writing process as a stepping stone toward beefing up a CV even before the final
defense.
About the Presenter
Steve Schuit is an international educator and former business consultant with extensive experience across Asia, Europe, and North America. Currently serving as an English Language Fellow with the U.S. Department of State at Daugavpils University in Latvia, he is conducting research on a new pedagogical approach titled “Emotional Values Auctions.” His previous scholarly work includes studies on Self-Access Centres (SACs) in South Korean universities and the development of a professional growth model for university-level ESL instructors, both published in the KOTESOL Journal. Schuit has also delivered global management and leadership training for professionals in the high-tech sector. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and later as an Associate Professor at Yeungnam University in Korea, receiving the “Outstanding Faculty Member Award” in 2016. He holds degrees from Boston University and Texas Tech University. An avid writer, he documents his teaching and travel experiences through several personal blogs.
Abstract
One person’s story after being aged-out in Korea, and still believing he had a lot to offer in the ESL classroom. From Korea to Budapest to Latvia, Steve will describe his journey and discuss the skills and attributes he feels were helpful along the way. He will comment both on his current role as English Language Fellow with the U.S. State Department in Latvia and his last role with an educational organization placing teachers in Hungary. Steve will answer any, and all questions from the KOTESOL audience. His goal? Hopefully to inspire and to be of service to you on your journey.
Location: University of Ulsan / Building 43 / Room 307
Date and Time: Saturday, 14th June | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission: KOTESOL Members – 5,000 won | Non-members – 10,000 won.
You can pay on the day with cash or via bank transfer.
All are welcome!
To register, please email us at bgkotesol@gmail.com.
