International Research Conferences in UK & USA
International Research Conferences in UK & USA
As we know that culture and conduct vary in different parts of the world; so if you are intended to heading to conferences at the top world destinations as London, Oxford, Cambridge (UK), Boston (U.S.A), there are certain point you should keep in mind so making your experience worthwhile through plentiful interaction and successful networking. Here are some ways to meet people at a conference in UK & USA.
Bang Bang ! Do not think so, you will come across just Britishers or Americans; NO, NOT At ALL… it’s an international research conference so there are researchers all around the globe; Yes! including ‘UK & USA’. Our tips must be particularly useful for those who are shy or who are just going to attend an international research conference …
You might be wondering why do focus more on UK & USA? True, you are thinking absolutely correct; the answer of this why is the ratio of international researchers intended to attend conferences in the UK and USA is much higher as compare to other destinations. Hence, gear up to meet researchers from all most all the parts of the world; coming across tens of cultures under one roof, and believe you me it is damn interesting!!
There are few significant tips for you:
- If someone gave a talk, then introduce yourself and ask a thoughtful question about their travel and experience at UK or USA; also share your experience or plans to visit places after the conference.
- Often just listening can help you learn. Do share what attracts you to this vary conference; discuss about your prior international research conference experiences.
- Discuss about the tourist destinations in UK or USA (the conference destination). Hold on! Did you research before travelling regarding the tourist attractions for UK and USA; specially if you are travelling to beautiful Oxford or Cambridge then don’t forget river punting and cycling tours; or if it is London then it must be the world history museums, Madam Tussaud, Thames fairy tour etc. Similarly, if you are in Boston then it must be New England Aquarium/Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Historic North End, USS Constitution/Charlestown Navy Yard, North Station/TD Bank north Garden, Downtown Crossing/Historic District etc.
Thus, mates we have established a very concrete point to interact among your new international research fraternity. Remember, more knowledge you would be having about the tourist destinations, more people would like to interact with you
- It is not at all recommended to hang out just with other people from your own institution. It is your responsibility to talk with people from other institutions, from other countries with varied backgrounds and cultures.
- A good rule of thumb is not to join a group if that would make it half or close colleagues of yours. Another rule of thumb is that it’s fine to travel in pairs — have a buddy to help you meet others — but not to hunt in larger packs. It’s fine to check in with people from your group once in a while — to take a break from being social, to learn about someone you really ought to meet, etc. But use such time to recharge, not as your standard mode at the conference.
- You will also find natives. Something important to know is that natives in the UK love to talk about ‘weather’- their favorite foremost topic to interact. Therefore, browse about the weather updates in Oxford, Cambridge or London (UK)- wherever you are planning to attend the international research conference…..
it might sound funny to you but it is the established truth and you will experience it once you start a chat, with a native researcher, about weather. Similarly, in USA, people are more friendly and like small talks with novices. Addressing someone by the first name, of course they are strangers, serves a preamble of a ‘good chat’. American, no matter they are the part of an international research conference, love to hear small stories- life incidents, so share your small decent research related experiences. - Talk with people at meals. Show up early to get breakfast and specially to schmooze. Going out for dinners is good, too. At lunch, meet everyone at your table, find out what they are doing, and tell them what you are doing. At conference lunches, I often sit at a random table with people I don’t know, which has led to valuable new contacts.
- You may find talking with other researchers less intimidating than talking with more senior people. Feel free to approach research students to learn what they are doing and to spread the word about your own research. This is an easy way to expand your circle of acquaintances and eventually meet the more well-known researchers.
Such international research conferences are the best places to seek future research projects, for instance working on a paper jointly, writing a chapter for a book might be published in UK and USA- definitely a boost to your research career.