I wrote my PhD in my second language. I know what that actually feels like.
English is not my first language. I completed my entire academic journey at the University of Glasgow — BSci, MSci, PhD, and first postdoc — writing every assignment, every chapter, every paper in a language I was still learning to think in.
I know the specific frustration of having clear ideas in your head that come out muddled on the page. I know what it's like when a supervisor sends a chapter back and you don't understand why. I know the fear that examiners will question your science when it's really your language they're unsure about.
I figured it out — and now I want to share what I learned with students who are living that same struggle right now. I've since supported 11 students 1:1 across BSci, MSci and PhD level — including mentoring one PhD student through to successful completion through the University of Glasgow's thesis mentoring programme.
- Full academic career completed in a second language
- Active researcher — I understand your science
- Now based in South Africa, supporting students globally online
- I've been exactly where you are