portable fellowship are very good.^2 In addition
to fellowships, find out whether the institution
provides additional funds for foreign nation-
als. Such funding may include “topping-up
funds” so that all postdocs at the institute are
funded at the same level. Additional funds
may also be available to help support spouses
and/or children. Apply for as many fellow-
ships as possible to increase your chances and
options. Some provide much higher levels of
funding or longer tenures than others.Bringing Along the Family
A European adventure can be enriched by
bringing your family. Find contacts at
your institute for questions on childcare,
schools, work options for your spouse, and
support. Make sure you understand local
school and daycare schedules and holiday
times before you go, as these factors may
affect your decision.
Children learn foreign languages and
assimilate into foreign society quickly. They
can open doors to social interactions within
your host country. If they attend public
schools, this will force you to learn enough of
the local language to help with homework,
host birthday parties, attend parent/teacher
conferences and doctor visits.
Protection of personal time pervades the
society here: spending time with your
kids and not at work is accepted, encour-
aged, and made easy in many ways both
concrete and intangible.^3Make Connections
One of the greatest lifelong benefits of a
Eurodoc is international connections. Use
this experience to develop world contacts
for future jobs, sabbatical experiences and
especially for collaborations. You never
know where you will end up, so it is very
useful to make as many contacts as possible.
You will establish many friendships as well.
Your global understanding will ultimately
make you a better mentor when you start
your own lab. Your international colleagues
will more readily recommend you as mentor
to their own protégés that seek a United
States position. Attend and present at
European meetings as often as possible.
Investigate other European institutes and
present your work. Be vocal and visible
within your own institute so that scientists
get to know you and your strengths. In the
end you will find yourself more self-reliant,
independent, and better connected with
world leaders than your North American-
trained colleagues.Keep the Home Embers Burning
Just as important as developing internation-
al connections is not to let your colleagues in
the United States forget you. Attend the
ASCB Annual Meeting. As you near the time
of your return, also go to smaller meetings
in the United States. Write regularly to your
North American scientific colleagues to keep
them abreast of your training successes or
for advice.170 CAREER ADVICE FOR LIFE SCIENTISTS II
Protection of personal time
pervades the society here: spending
time with your kids and not at
work is accepted, encouraged, and
made easy in many ways both
concrete and intangible.Use this experience to develop
world contacts for future jobs,
sabbatical experiences and
especially for collaborations.