MIT News breed · Science

MIT's Support for International PhD Student Families

Nicholas Maurer, an Australian PhD student at MIT, found the university's support for families crucial in his decision to study there. He and his wife Andrea moved with their two young children, seeking a supportive environment.

The couple prioritized MIT's commitment to student parents, noting resources like the Grant for Graduate Students with Children, on-campus childcare, and Westgate family housing as key factors.

Their experience at Westgate, MIT's dedicated student family housing, became central to their MIT journey, fostering connections and easing their transition as an international family.

The international community within Westgate provided comfort and facilitated friendships for both Nicholas and Andrea. They became involved as parent resource coordinators.

Andrea also found support through MIT Spouses and Partners Connect (MIT S&PC), which helped her connect with others navigating life at MIT, though the program has since closed.

The family has utilized various MIT community offerings, including student-parent events and discounted activities, to explore Boston and engage with campus life.

Maurer acknowledges the significant challenges of balancing a PhD with parenting, emphasizing the need for strong time management and realistic self-assessment to prioritize research and family.

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