Supervisor Relationships and Academic Communication Norms Abroad

Working with a PI abroad involves more than navigating research expectations. Differences in academic culture can shape how feedback is delivered, how expectations are communicated, and how silence, criticism, and directness are interpreted.

For Israeli researchers working internationally, these differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings with supervisors—with potential implications for publications, authorship, professional relationships, and future references.

In this practical 60-minute online session, Robert (Robby) Cserni, PhD, Founder and Coach at The Global Academic Studio, will explore how supervisor communication works across academic cultures and offer practical tools for navigating these relationships effectively.

We’ll cover:

• Why Israeli researchers may misread a PI’s feedback—or their silence
• How norms around directness differ across academic cultures
• How expectations are set, and why important expectations often remain unspoken
• How to respond to criticism without damaging the supervisor relationship
• How to initiate difficult but necessary conversations
• How to protect your publication record and maintain strong professional references for your next career move

The session is grounded in the realities of international academic work, particularly when a PI has significant influence over your funding, authorship, publications, and references.

Participants will leave with practical approaches they can use immediately to communicate more effectively, clarify expectations, and manage supervisor relationships with greater confidence.

Companion Resource

Participants will also receive The Supervisor Communication Toolkit for International Postdocs, a practical resource designed to support the strategies discussed during the session.

About the Speaker

Robert (Robby) Cserni, PhD
Founder and Coach | The Global Academic Studio

Robert supports academics navigating international careers and the communication, cultural, and professional challenges that come with working across academic systems.

The Global Academic Studio | LinkedIn

הפעילות ממומנת ע”י חטיבת עלייה, משרד העלייה והקליטה