Making the most of international conferences as an ECR

Conferences in academia are unique spaces. They can be enriching and exciting, filled with a sense of opportunity. However, they can also be overwhelming and daunting. This is especially true in international settings, where cultural differences of social codes are subtle yet pervasive. In this article, I share some insights from my first venture abroad as a first-year PhD student. I offer advice to those preparing for a trip away and reflect on the benefits of international travel as an Early Career Researcher.