At the beginning of 2019, I received a message from a Japanese friend and researcher who encouraged me to apply at the Travel Grant for Starting Scholars from Overseas for the next annual meeting of the Japan Sociological Society in Tokyo. I was interested in presenting the results of my doctorate, which I obtained in February of the same year.
I prepared the application and I was chosen. It was such an honor to present my study about paternity leave in Quebec and the change that fathers can bring in society. I was also very interested in hearing about other sociologists’ studies. I had the opportunity to discuss with renowned researchers that I met at the meeting.
I studied family policy measures in Canada and Iceland before, but I wanted to extend my understanding. Because of this trip to Japan and my attending to the JSS Annual Meeting, I found a post doctorate director. I received a positive answer for a fellowship (Japan Foundation) and I will go back to Japan in 2021 to talk with fathers and mothers about their perception of their respective roles in the family.
This travel grant and my attending the JSS meeting constituted a major key element for my future as a researcher. I am very grateful to the International Liaison Committee for it.
