Beyond the Writing Desk: Reflections from a PhD Retreat [22.04.26]
A recent writing retreat in Italy created space for focused academic work, exchange, and conversations beyond everyday research routines.
Recently, our PhD researcher Marisol Galicia Ramirez participated in a writing retreat in Italy designed to provide researchers with a supportive environment for focused writing, reflection and exchange.
The retreat brought together participants working on thesis chapters, research papers and proposal development, while also creating space for discussions on time management, overcoming writing blocks, conceptual frameworks, literature search strategies and the responsible use of AI in research.
Reflecting on the experience, Marisol highlighted the value of having uninterrupted time for writing while being surrounded by others going through similar academic processes. She described the retreat as both productive and motivating, emphasizing the importance of community, shared experiences and informal exchanges throughout the week.
Alongside dedicated writing sessions, participants also took part in walks around the Monasterino area, visits to Siena, volunteering activities and a visit to a local sheep farm. These moments created opportunities for reflection, discussion and connection beyond academic work.
Marisol shared that one of the most meaningful aspects of the retreat was the balance between focused writing time and community-building through everyday conversations, activities and time spent together. The experience offered space not only to advance ongoing writing projects, but also to reflect on academic journeys and exchange perspectives with fellow researchers.
We thank Marisol for sharing her reflections and experiences from the retreat with our department community. Experiences like these remind us how important supportive academic spaces can be throughout the research journey.
