Life of an International PhD Student: Balancing Research, Teaching, and Personal Growth with Parsa

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Alex Pang

In this episode of Owl Byte, we dive into the academic journey of Parsa Esmaeilkhani, an international student who recently joined Temple University’s Ph.D. program in Machine Learning. With prior academic experience from a year of study in Germany, Parsa provides a unique perspective on pursuing graduate education in the United States. Parsa shared the thoughtful process behind choosing Temple University for his doctoral studies, discussing the factors that made the program appealing. He also discussed his transition to life in Philadelphia and his experience becoming a Teaching Assistant, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of international student life.

One of the most compelling moments of our discussion was Parsa’s philosophy on learning. He emphasized the critical importance of developing deep intuitive understanding rather than simply memorizing course materials — a perspective that will resonate with students seeking meaningful academic growth. Looking ahead, Parsa expressed his interest in pursuing applied research in the industry after completing his Ph.D., highlighting the practical aspirations driving his educational pursuit.

Parsa’s story offers inspiration for prospective students, especially those considering an international academic journey.
His experience illuminates the path for overseas students interested in Temple’s Ph.D. program, demonstrating the potential
for academic and personal transformation.

Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into graduate studies, international education, and the exciting world of Machine Learning research through Parsa’s unique lens.

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