Does studying a PhD abroad make a difference? Evidence from a survey in Chile

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1610

Keywords:

Doctorate, Academic trajectories, Scientific productivity, Scholarships, Advanced human capital, Labor market insertion, Comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: Because of its characteristics and symbolism, the doctoral degree is an educational process that generates high expectations, both from society and from those who undertake the studies. However, obtaining a doctorate does not guarantee a successful professional and academic career. Methodology: Based on the results of a Chilean national survey, a study was conducted to compare the evaluation of the training process and the careers of those who completed their doctorate abroad with those who completed their studies in Chile. Results: Significant differences were found in favor of those who graduated abroad with respect to those who did so in Chile with respect to the indexes of the conditions for the development of the doctorate, the evaluation of the quality of the doctorate studied and in part of the indicators of the work trajectory. However, when the data took into account more objective variables, especially those related to academic productivity, these differences became smaller and non-significant. Discussion: The results of this research call for a deeper understanding of how the quality of doctoral training is related to the future trajectories of individuals, but also how it contributes to the societal expectations of this program.

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Author Biography

Luis Felipe de la Vega, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins

Sociologist, master's degree in politics and government, master's degree in educational sciences, doctorate in educational sciences. His research interests are oriented towards the analysis and evaluation of educational policies, school improvement processes, teacher professional development and the study of doctoral programmes. He has worked as a civil servant, researcher, advisor and consultant for state institutions, international organisations, schools and higher education. He is currently director of the doctoral programme in education at the Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins. He has published more than 20 academic articles and 6 books in the field of education.

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Published

2025-02-18

How to Cite

de la Vega, L. F. (2025). Does studying a PhD abroad make a difference? Evidence from a survey in Chile. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1610

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

Education

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Copyright (c) 2025 Luis Felipe de la Vega

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