How to survive a Marie Curie Fellowship: experiences and hints Timo Lajunen Department of Psychology Middle East Technical University Turkey Marie Curie Fellowship Association

My experience Marie Curie Fellow at Department of Psychology of University of Manchester, UK, Coordinator and project manager in ToK “SAFEAST” project hosting incoming MCF’s, Member of Marie Curie Fellowship Association (

Marie Curie Fellowship can be A dreadful experience only enforcing your negative attitudes about foreign countries A fantastic and unique opportunity to pursue your scientific goals free of extra responsibilities like teaching What your fellowship would be, depends on you and your host – FP6 only gives you the financial opportunity

Academic mobility: special features relatively short stay in a new place Sojourners well educated and motivated home return anticipated and planned –Motivation to adaptation to a new country may be weak Need to operate effectively, academic performance expected –Need for fast adaptation Usually from less-developed to developed countries

General problems Lack of social support - No matter who provides social support as far as it is provided Insufficient linguistic and cultural skills Prejudice and discrimination Loneliness Homesickness Problems related to academic culture Different learning styles Work-related values Individualism-collectivism & power distance - Conflicting expectations

Socio-cultural adaptation in first 12 months Entry4 Months6 Months12 Months

Suggestions for making adaptation easier Before leaving: Financial etc. matters solved well before Cultural training Well defined and reasonable academic aims In the host country: Language course (free & obligatory) Peer-pairing programmes to meet the host Training of the academic advisors Organisations where to meet co-nationals Meetings among non-compatriots who are in the same situation

Conclusions Marie Curie Fellowship period can be a very enjoyable part of your academic career ´which helps you to clarify your aims Marie Curie Fellowship can teach you a new working style What ever it will be, depends on YOU and your host