This position paper is written at the very start of a SNF funded project on research education in the social sciences. We present a preliminary model for an international learning and teaching environment for PhD students in education. Based on a conceptual framework drawing on research and open education, virtual and scientific mobility, articulated to the broader concept of the knowledge economy, the model is fivefold. It addresses pedagogical and technological issues, suggests a dual tutoring system to accompany PhD students, promotes virtual scientific mobility and is connected to viable and fair economic and institutional surroundings. The paper interprets SDG 4 widely, suggesting early integration of young researchers into international scientific networks can contribute to address contextual and global educational challenges intelligently.