Going abroad
Doing (Part of) a PhD Abroad
PhD research can also be carried out partly or entirely abroad. A PhD candidate may also choose to do an internship or fellowship abroad during their PhD trajectory. International experience is valuable and increases future (academic) career opportunities.
Think, for example, of building an international network, gaining new knowledge and experience with methods and techniques not used in the Netherlands, and collaborating and publishing with international colleagues. In addition, international experience is essential for developing social and (inter)cultural skills.
A PhD candidate can first contact the International Office of their own university or get in touch directly with the host institution abroad. Sometimes official internships are available, or existing fellowship programs, but it is often also possible to arrange a stay in consultation with the foreign institution. To do so, it is important to reach out to the relevant department or research group.
There are several important “soft” and “hard” aspects to consider when doing a PhD (partly) abroad:
- Soft aspects
- Be prepared for language and cultural differences, not only in the host country but also within the host institution, for example regarding institutional structures of teaching and research.
- Consider the less pleasant aspects of staying abroad, such as loneliness or safety. For example, it is important to know how access to psychological support is arranged.
- Hard aspects
- Gather information on visas, the contact details of the Dutch embassy in the host country, accommodation, (health) insurance, and funding opportunities.
- PhD candidates can apply for scholarships, and sometimes it is possible to take on a limited number of paid work hours on a student visa.
- Well in advance, gather information on procedures for ethical review and approval of research.
- Consider potential political sensitivities regarding certain research topics—or even the conduct of research itself.
Useful resources
- Nuffic is the Dutch organization for internationalization in education. Nuffic provides information about studying and working abroad. On their website Beursopener, you can find more information about scholarships and funding opportunities.
- Euraxess, part of the European Commission, provides extensive information about working abroad as a researcher. Euraxess has offices in multiple countries. Here you can find an overview of Euraxess country offices, which also provide more details about doing research in those specific countries.
Are you currently experiencing issues during your PhD that you need help with?
Most institutions have a number of contact points for help. This compass is designed to help you find the right support.
In the drop-down menu you can select the institution that you are doing your PhD at. Then the roadmap will show you available contact points. In most cases it makes sense to start by considering contact points in your immediate work environment first and then progress to higher levels (like institutional or national).
At the bottom of the page you can find some examples of problems you can run into and a list of descriptions of each contact point.
Your first contact points
Colleagues: Sometimes it can already help to talk with your colleagues about the issue you are experiencing. This will help you judge the severity of it and can provide you with allies in taking further action.
Daily supervisor*: Naturally, your daily supervisor is the first contact point for all issues. They can help you determine the next steps. Of course, you may not feel comfortable discussing everything with your supervisor, or maybe your daily supervisor is involved in the issue. In these cases have a look at the other available contact points.
Promotor or Co-Supervisor*: Especially, in cases of issues with your daily supervisor, consider reaching out to your promotor or another member on the supervision team and ask for a one-on-one meeting. Maybe they can (temporarily) step-up and help you resolve the issue.If you have a conflict with your supervisor(s), you can also have a look at the PNN PhD supervisor conflict roadmap.
*Note that your annual review talk with your supervisory team is a good opportunity to address issues or suggestions for improvement.
National contact points
Labor unions: Organizations representing the interests of academic staff, offering support on employment-related matters, rights, and fair treatment.
NWO Scientific Integrity Desk: A specialized desk addressing scientific integrity concerns in projects related to or funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Netherlands Board of Research Integrity (LOWI): An independent body handling complaints related to scientific integrity, providing a platform for fair investigation. If you feel like the local scientific integrity committee at your institution did not handle a case correctly, the LOWI can be the next contact point.
Making a police report: In cases involving a criminal offense, please consider contacting local law enforcement to report incidents and seek assistance.