Our study reports a phenomenological investigation of ten international PhD students’ and nine supervisors’ first-hand experience of being in doctoral supervisory relationships in a Danish setting. In-depth qualitative data were gathered through face-to-face individual interviews, which explored differences and challenges experienced as a result of diversity with respect to their educational background and practices, particularly the pedagogic variation. In the same way that the literature suggests that educators play a crucial role in mediating such diversity in the teaching and learning contexts, we strongly argue that PhD supervisors also have a significant part to play in facilitating successful transition of their PhD students to a new academic culture. Literature in doctoral education recognises the importance of ‘pastoral care’ in the supervisory bond for nurturing students’ overall learning, e.g. confidence and capacity-building in preparation for independent research (Cotterall, 2013; Wright, 2003). Pastoral care arguably includes supervisors’ efforts to facilitate the transition to the new learning environment. Yet, more in-depth examination of this aspect of the supervisory relationship (that crosses over academic and non-academic concerns) and the distinct role it plays deserves further attention. Cotterall, S. (2013). More than just a brain: emotions and the doctoral experience. Higher Education Research & Development, 1-14. Wright, T. (2003). Postgraduate research students: people in context? British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 31(2), 209-227.