======= Date Modified 22 Feb 2012 23:07:54 =======
Hi,

I totally understand your feeling as I'm also an Asian student! I'm into my 2nd year and as the research gets more real and expectation becomes bigger, I have come to feel less and less confident. I have thought that it's mainly because of my speed of reading, writing and also thinking, and not of my ability to do a PhD itself, but these days I feel like I'm totally not up to the PhD standard. Luckily my supervisor is very fair but seems not interested in my work and also in doubt of my ability.

I can't really give you a good advice as I am actually in a similar situation as you are. But I just wanted to say that you are not the only one. Also I'm just trying to give 150% of what I can. There are international students who have completed their PhD successfully. It's not impossible. I want to try all my strength before I accept my defeat! This is how I motivate myself these days. If I'm failing, I want to fail after giving everything I have. Otherwise I will regret.

I hope you are feeling little better now, please pm me if you feel like talking to someone in person.

Good luck.

Hi,

I'm in the middle of my PhD in Human Science and I'm applying for a research grant for the first time. I'm writing the application now but not sure if I'm drafting fine.

I have had a bit of rough time in my study for the last few weeks (my SV told me that my research has got to go a long way to reach the PhD standard) and I'm just not confident in doing anything these days. Now this application writing, though it is supposed to be very brief, I don't know if I'm doing right!

Am I supposed to include a reference list (citation also)? The length of supporting statement is about 800 words so I am not including any reference, but is it right thing to do?

I'm basically writing a brief explanation of the background and rationale of my research and main methodology within the 800 words. Would this be sufficient?

I also need to explain my expected expenses. As my research is basically to do with interviews and observations in a oversea site, I just put flight costs and hotel charges, and other local traveling costs. Does this sound fine? Or do I need to consider anything else?

I don't have anyone who could ask around me.. would be really helpful if anyone can give me some advice!!

Thanks a lot.