At CIESAS, I attended a specialised research seminar, which allowed me to make significant progress on the theoretical and methodological sections of my thesis. I had the opportunity to exchange ideas with a small cohort of students from various disciplinary backgrounds conducting ethnographic work in Latin America. Peers, scholars and my designated academic supervisor at CIESAS read and commented on two of my thesis’ chapters, offering generous and valuable insights . I also attended CIESAS students’ colloquia—a series of panel discussion of research projects followed by examiners’ feedback— which has been very useful in preparation for my VIVA.