Doing research abroad is a desirable experience that can significantly benefit any scientist at any professional level. The opportunity to collaborate in person with peers from different countries and cultures can enhance your technical abilities and expand your perspective in your field while allowing for self-reflection. Besides all the positive outcomes that international collaboration could result in, it also comes with specific hardships and responsibilities unique to this type of experience. Before arrival, it is important to identify which steps are critical in your project. Being aware of processes that could jeopardize your collaboration will help you develop strategies to solve and circumvent problems quickly. Hence, time management and a good sense of time are crucial for an effective international collaboration because your stay is limited. Nevertheless, during your project, you will encounter problems you can’t solve but are still not a deterrent for a successful LOREX experience. With effective communication, flexibility, and tolerance, you can: get visa paperwork promptly, delay the project for a better schedule, redesign your project on the go, learn new techniques, and achieve multiple goals, everything while petting the local wildlife. However, the experience out of the lab with your peers and mentor is as important, if not more, as what you want to achieve in the laboratory. If Australia is the destination for your next international collaboration, remember to schedule tea, lunch, coffee break, and barby with your mates.

Primary Presenter: Josué Millán, Indiana State University (josue.g.millan@gmail.com)

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