> I think in the US you do courses for years before you start actually researching, which is what you're there to do in the first place. This varies a lot by p

> I think in the US you do courses for years before you start actually researching, which is what you're there to do in the first place. This varies a lot by program in the US. Some schools want you to take 10 classes in the first two years. You can, of course, do research but your mind will be elsewhere. Others don't care as long as you pass your quals and take the required number of courses by the end of your PhD.