Whether I would pursue graduate education was never a question for me, it was always more of a question of what subject I would pursue and why. Part of that was due to my fortunate circumstances of living in a country with easy pathways for education, and part of it was driven by my curiosity about the world. Perhaps for those reasons, I was a little naïve, and I really struggled at times in my pursuit of graduate study as an international student. So here, I’d like to describe a little of my experience (perhaps some of it may resonate with you) and finish with some general encouragement for those pursuing graduate study as well as those whose journey in philosophy continues onward.
I was a young starry-eyed psychology student, just about to finish my studies but aware that I didn’t want to continue in psychology, and I was looking to take on a new challenge. I had all of these big questions about myself, my faith, and the kind of world I found myself in. I wanted the time, space, and intellectual community to dive into those questions. So at 23, I found myself moving from my comfortable, idyllic lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast (aptly named, I’ll have you know) in Australia to my significantly less comfortable (but still idyllic) life starting graduate school at Biola University in California.
The first few months in the States were really tough. I missed home and struggled to integrate. Being constantly misunderstood was a little frustrating at times. It took quite a bit of time and consistent effort to start building a community and a life, and I didn’t always feel up to the task. Yet over time, friendships solidified, I got used to my new surroundings, and I started to enjoy my experience. I found my favorite local cafés for studying, and I discovered some Australian-owned bakeries and coffee shops where I could go for a nostalgic bite.
Gaining momentum in my social life and becoming more comfortable didn’t always mean it was smooth sailing. There were weeks when I just barely scraped by with enough to eat, and times when the distance and separation from my family and friends felt almost unbearable. International students are only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week and only at an on-campus job, so options for additional funds were limited. My aunt passed away back in Australia, and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make the trip for the funeral. Grief and grad school are already not a great combination, but when compounded by distance and a lack of my normal support network, it made life really difficult. It was at these moments that the effort I put into developing a community paid off, and some of my closest friends in the States took the time to be there for me and provide a safe space to process in. For this, I’m eternally grateful.
One of the kindnesses I wasn’t expecting while in the States was the generosity of so many. Somewhere beneath the “wow you have an accent” and the general excitement you receive as an international student, I found a kind, generous community of people that were more than willing to invite me into their lives, their families, their homes, their Christmases, their Thanksgivings, and everything else. I never had to endure a lonely Thanksgiving, and Friendsgiving options abounded. I realize that this isn’t every international student’s experience, however, and so I really encourage anyone reading this to look out for the international students in your midst. It made such a difference in my time in the US.
Somewhere in the muddling flow of these experiences, I found myself really growing to love the people of the US. Those years in the States were such formative times for me that even if I never ‘made it’ in academic philosophy, I’d never regret my big move to the US for graduate study.
I’ve wrestled with the decision over whether to pursue philosophy, and I still don’t feel I’ve come to any concrete answers. It’s been a big time of taking stock, counting the cost of moving around to pursue doctoral studies, and of potentially having to move again after that. There’s good to be found in comfort, and one of the things I both love and dislike about Australia is how easy it is to be comfortable.
One thing I’ve deeply missed since moving back to Australia has been the community of students in which I found myself. The opportunity to form deep friendships with like-minded people that weren’t just smart, but also such fun to be around. Friends that pushed me to be the best version of myself, to dive even deeper into the questions I had and the topics I was interested in, and who were equally down to have a games night, go climbing, or sit in a café studying for hours at a time.
A little time has passed since I graduated school in the States and I’ve had the right amount of distance to internalize and reflect on my experiences. If I can conclude with any advice or general encouragement to those making their way through graduate study in philosophy, it would be this:
- Be kind to the international students in your midst! There is so much to learn from cultural diversity, but more importantly, you might make some lifelong friends.
- Appreciate and invest in the intellectual community you find yourself in as it may not always be there. Take time outside of studying to see friends, do social activities, and develop a fully-orbed life.
- Have a hobby outside of philosophy. If you don’t have one, get one!
Kendall Brewer
Kendall Brewer has an MA in Philosophy from Biola University. He’s interested in the methodology of philosophy, metaphysics, and the philosophy of religion. In his spare time he often finds himself on top of a mountain, triple stepping to some jazz, running, cycling, cheering Liverpool on, or reading whatever new Sanderson novel is out.
