Staying abroad is a crucial opportunity to enrich Ph.D. candidates' academic and scientific journey. The period of research and study abroad is optional, except for different provisions due, for example, to the type of scholarship. Candidates considering spending a period of study abroad should follow these guidelines.

DESTINATION SELECTION

The destination for the period abroad is identified by the Ph.D. candidates in agreement with their supervisor and the course coordinator. Subsequently, the destination is approved by the entire Academic Board. The choice of destination should be based on the research topic of the doctoral thesis. The Ph.D. candidate, therefore, selects a hosting institution where professors or researchers conduct research related to the doctoral student's area of interest. Candidates are encouraged to consider periods abroad during the 2nd and 3rd years of the Ph.D., or in any case after the doctoral research is sufficiently defined.

DURATION OF STAY

The period abroad is between a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months, although shorter or longer periods may be considered for specific needs.

RESEARCH AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Research and training activities should be agreed upon with the professor or supervisor of the receiving institution and may include, for example, participation in research projects, seminars, conferences, lectures, presentations of the doctoral thesis to students and colleagues, work on publications, and development of the doctoral thesis. Other training activities, not strictly related to academic activities, are related to the opportunity to establish relationships and networks with professors, doctoral students, and researchers from the hosting institution.

REQUEST AND APPROVAL

The request for a stay abroad is formulated in advance in agreement with the supervisor and the coordinator of the doctoral program. The request must be formalized by sending an email to the supervisor and the coordinator, containing a proposal for one or two possible destinations. This will allow the request to be included in the agenda of the Academic Board meeting. Approval from the Academic Board will be necessary to proceed with the planning of the stay and the formalization of bureaucratic aspects.

TIMING AND BUREAUCRATIC ASPECTS

Planning ahead is important, especially for destinations that require visas or involve complex bureaucratic procedures. It is the responsibility of the Ph.D. candidate to ensure they have all the necessary information and documents for the stay abroad in accordance with local laws and regulations of the hosting institution.