Embarking on our first international research projects, ‘bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,’ we had no idea what this work had in store for us—an onslaught of challenging, exciting, daunting, and rewarding learning experiences.
Caption: Towels, sandals, and research packs on the beach in Bocas del Toro. Credit: Abigael Kim, 2023.
While we set out with the goal of conducting sound and impactful research (of which we are so very proud), with some reflection time, we’ve found that we’ve come away with so much more. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or about to embark on your very own research journey, we’d love to share some of the trials and triumphs of a couple of first-time field researchers.
Who Are We?
Abigael Kim – Marine Ecotourism and Equity in Bocas del Toro, Panama
My name is Abigael (she/her) and I’m currently a Marine Socioecologist with Ocean Nexus, specializing in equity and the blue economy. However, just 13 months ago, I was an anxiety-ridden Master of Marine Management candidate stepping off a plane, ready to start my research in the beautiful Bocas del Toro Archipelago. My research highlights the culture and resilience of coastal communities in Bocas del Toro as they navigate an era of ecotourism development in the face of environmental emergencies and infrastructural deficiencies.
Aimée Hopton – Indigenizing Marine Research in Aotearoa New Zealand and Beyond
My name is Aimée Hopton (she/her), and I currently work as a Fisheries Network Coordinator with the Ecology Action Center. Before this role, I had the privilege of travelling to Aotearoa New Zealand as a Visiting Researcher at the University of Waikato, supported by Ocean Nexus and the Bailey Lab. With my interest in transdisciplinary research to support healthy marine ecosystems, I explored themes such as integrating Indigenous knowledge and leadership into blue economy research initiatives. My experiences in Aotearoa have deeply informed my current work and continue to inspire my commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive approaches to marine conservation.
Katrina Côté-King – Sustainable fisheries and seafood eco-certifications in the Indian Ocean
Hi, I’m Katrina (she/her), and I currently work as a Marine Scientist in the Bailey Lab where I research harvest strategies in tuna RFMOs. I undertook my first role as a primary researcher during my time in the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University. This incredibly life-changing experience allowed me to research the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of skipjack tuna fisheries in the Indian Ocean, particularly the centuries-old pole-and-line harvest in the Maldives. From attending political negotiations to deep-sea fishing adventures, I was given a unique opportunity which tremendously shaped my current work and world perspectives.
Weather the Culture Shock
Shedding ‘hustle culture’– Abigael
Typically a 'text-book' Type-A personality, acclimatizing to ‘island life’ in Bocas del Toro proved to be a difficult task. However, when I did, I grew insurmountable as a human and was able to better connect with those I met along the way. I learned that shedding some of the habits that made me ‘successful' or 'productive’ in the North American context allowed me the time and space to truly understand what it means to enjoy my work..
I found it helpful to take my cues from those around me—if others weren’t worrying about running late to an event, neither would I. While this is easier said than done, it eventually alleviated the pressure of having to work to ‘fit in’ with a new community, where I could instead reflect on what it means to work, live, and play in a new place. While I'm still an avid list maker and ‘early-bird,’ I often lean on my experience in Bocas del Toro to center myself when I'm feeling burnt out or overwhelmed.
Caption: Taking time to explore before starting my research led to connecting with boat drivers on sustainable tourism and some amazing dolphin sightings. Credit: Abigael Kim, 2023
From solo to supported: All roads lead to connection – Aimée
The idea of spending two months in a country so far from home was nerve-wracking, but my worries began to fade as soon as I settled into that 14-hour flight from Vancouver to Auckland. Sat next to Mo and Reti, both Māori musicians on their way back home from performing at an Indigenous music festival, I quickly realized I would be in good hands.
I had mentally prepared myself for a primarily solo adventure, but contrary to my expectations, letting go of my independent pride proved to be a pivotal decision. Mo and Reti were just as surprised as I was to learn that I would be staying in the same region they call home. After a quick exchange of numbers, and an invitation to one of their shows I found myself with an incredible group of friends. By allowing myself to lean on the support from my newfound friends and my colleagues at Te Kotahi, I opened the door to opportunities and connections that exceeded my wildest expectations. Rather than facing the challenges of a new country alone, I was embraced by a supportive community eager to share their knowledge and hospitality.
All aboard! Overcoming cultural barriers on deck – Katrina
As a French-Canadian researcher, I have grown accustomed to the boundaries presented by language barriers. This hindered communication, genuine conversations, and relationship building. However, language is also a vital aspect of identity and culture. Although the younger generation of Maldivians are fluent in English, the crew aboard the pole and line fishing vessel mainly spoke a dialect of Dhivehi, unique to the Southern Addu Atoll. Initially, despite no direct indication of this, I thought the crew was avoiding chatting with me seeing as I was a woman.
However, by the end of 24 hours at sea, I understood that it was language that was the main hindrance. Realizing and overcoming this allowed the fishing trip to be an exceptional experience. From eating each meal with the crew to standing among them to fish a school of skipjack, I was astounded by Maldivian hospitality and how happy these fishermen were to share their life’s work with me. As a North American researcher travelling abroad, recognizing and accepting limitations can be imperative in overcoming them!
Caption: Helping the crew fill the in-deck freezers with recently landed skipjack. Despite being sprayed by fish, blood, and water, big smiles were had all around for such a bountiful catch! Credit: Katrina Côté-King, 2023.
Confronting Your Privilege
Bring Your Whole Self to Your Work – Abigael
As an Korean-Canadian woman, I’m used to navigating the power dynamics and barriers that come with a life and career in North America; where my last name seemingly 'enters the room' before I do. However, I saw this flipped on its head in the field. In Bocas, while I was still a visual minority, I quickly realized that I had far more privilege than those of the visual majority. Confronting this brought up important questions of what it means to understand where we stand in the socio-geographic contexts we come into.
I learned that, rather than trying to 'check my identity at the door', embracing my identity and confronting my privilege affords me a unique opportunity to meet others with empathy. While I will never fully understand what it means to navigate life as a local in Bocas del Toro, I found that being an Asian-presenting woman put folks at ease, where they felt they could open up about their experiences, more so than with a "white American", as one participant put it. Bringing my whole self to my work provided a new pathway to connect with people and mobilize my privilege in a productive way, one that better serves the communities I work with.
Embracing humility to navigate nervousness – Aimée
As a non-Indigenous researcher preparing to enter an Indigenous research setting, the anticipation leading up to my first day was filled with apprehension about how my presence would be received. I was deeply aware of the importance of approaching my time there with respect and reciprocity. However, by fixating too much on these concerns, I risked losing sight of what truly mattered: focusing on building genuine, meaningful collaborations by maintaining a sense of humility. Ultimately, it was this approach that would enable me to forge strong relationships and earn trust among my colleagues.
It would also create opportunities for me to immerse myself in learning at the University of Waikato about the history of Māori. From the Waikato Experience Morning Tea, campus tours and cultural information sessions. Notably, I attended the Kanohi ki te Kanohi (Making Knowledge Connections) introductory session, with a small group of other newcomers from various departments within the university. From the welcoming ceremonies to daily interactions, there was a sense of unity and respect for diverse perspectives that fostered a conducive environment for everyone to learn and collaborate.
Caption: The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Waikato, home "Te Kāhui a Kiwa—Advancing Indigenous Self-Determination and Wellbeing Through Trade: Can the CPTPP Help?" Credit: Aimée Hopton, 2023
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover– Katrina
One of the biggest lessons I learned during my travels is how my privilege has shaped my perspectives. As a Canadian travelling through island countries in Asia and Africa, realizing that things were not always as they seemed was pivotal. Often, knee-jerk reactions are misinformed or misinterpreted. When I first experienced the tremendous plastic waste and garbage entering the ocean in the Maldives, I was mortified. I quickly came to realize that the lack of national and international support to develop a waste management system is what created this situation for the country—especially in SIDS, who receive tremendous waste from other nations and have minimal capacity or land mass to manage it.
What I initially judged to be a local issue is in fact a struggle faced by many island nations, mainly due to the tremendous waste of developed countries such as my own. Travelling, both for personal and professional reasons, will unravel and re-construct your perspective on countless topics. I was glad to have this reality shift and recognize the true depth of my privilege, as it is critical to understanding foreign realities and doing one’s due diligence as a researcher abroad.
The Beauty of Community
Curiosity Breeds Connection – Abigael
It can be quite scary to leave behind your social and professional community when in the field. We are often so accustomed to navigating our own networks that, when in a completely foreign sociological system, we forget how to build new relationships. Because my work can deal with sensitive and emotionally charged issues, I found myself afraid to say the wrong thing or ask a potentially upsetting or offensive question. However, I learned that genuine curiosity that leads with interest and empathy can build connections that lead to richer research and a new community of colleagues.
One of my favourite interactions came from simply asking a local artisan how he crafted the wooden turtles that lined the shelves of his store. What resulted was an utterly interesting conversation and a connection that would later prove helpful in my research. Sometimes practicing humility and courage in asking questions and being interested in the answers can be the most rewarding way to build a network in a new place.
Caption: Connecting with Laura (who I now call my close friend) was one of the highlights of my trip. She even became one of the interpreters on the project. Credit: Abigael Kim, 2023
Whānau means family – Aimée
On my very first day in the office, I was welcomed with a whakatau ceremony, a traditional Māori ritual rooted in cultural protocol and hospitality. This heartfelt gesture of inclusion and respect deeply moved me. As I participated, I was embraced by the Te Kotahi team as a valued member of their whanau (family). Unlike many meet-and-greets I have previously been to, where you merely state your name, job title, and background, the whakatau ceremony offered a meaningful opportunity for my colleagues and me to share our stories and backgrounds.
During my time at Te Kotahi, I learned the value of nurturing genuine connections both professionally and personally. Some of my favourite memories were spent with Natalie Kusabs, the office manager and now a close friend. We explored Raglan, watching surfers go by while walking along the beach, and took an overnight trip to Rotorua, where I gained firsthand insights into Aotearoa's rich agricultural industry. These experiences highlighted that building relationships is more than just pleasantries; it’s about fostering connections that lead to collaboration, learning, and mutual growth.
Caption: Some of the members of the Te Kotahi Research Institute and myself after two very long yet successful days hosting a conference at the University of Waikato. Credit: Aimée Hopton
The Travel Bug Bites Hard – Katrina
Leaving familiar turf can be daunting, especially for something as important (and expensive) as research. Fear of failure–be it failing yourself, the people whose experiences you are looking to convey, your professors or peers etc. –is a scary obstacle to overcome. What I learned in both Mauritius and the Maldives is how incredible the bonds that you make through field research are. Folks were overjoyed that I came from across the world to share their world with readers. On top of forming lifelong friendships and having incredible experiences, these connections and conversations have shifted my reality far beyond research. At the end of my two months abroad, I was genuinely upset to leave. While getting back to complete my studies was important, the physical distance this would create between myself and the wonderful people and places I had experienced was difficult to accept.
A year later, I continue to feel the after-effects of this travel bug bite. Overall, having the privilege of being accepted into and embraced by another community is one of the most memorable aspects of my time as a field researcher with Dalhousie. The pre-departure anxiety feels like a figment of my imagination compared to the authentic memories I will forever cherish!
Caption: Friends and community members I met during my time at Horizon Fisheries. This picture was taken after spending an evening on the water catching reef fish. Credit: Katrina Côté-King, 2023.
Quick Tips
Be open to experiences – things won’t be perfect, but it’s all a learning process.
Ask all the questions – you would rather know and look silly than not know, answers may come in many forms and at different times.
It's okay to enjoy the experience – you're there to grow as well.
Remember, research is about learning – you need not have all the answers right now.
S**t happens – learn to embrace spontaneity, sometimes the best research happens when you least expect it.
Our journey from eager novices to developing researchers has taught us that the path to impactful research is filled with unexpected lessons and growth. Embracing openness, learning from mistakes, asking questions, and enjoying the process is key to transforming challenges into valuable experiences. Remember, the essence of research lies in the continuous journey of discovery, and sometimes the most profound insights emerge from the spontaneity of the moment. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to reflect on your own experiences, we hope you take what you need from these tips and cherish the learning process.
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