Testimonial Rupankar Dey

Coming to Groningen for my PhD feels, in many ways, like a call from destiny. My journey in the Netherlands began in 2022, when I came from India to pursue a Master’s in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies, part of Erasmus University Rotterdam. During my master’s, I had the opportunity to work on an international development project in Uganda, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by the Dutch NGO Liliane Fonds. That experience sparked my interest in sexual and reproductive rights of people with disabilities, particularly in island districts of Uganda, and eventually shaped the direction of my PhD research.

I first encountered my current supervisor, Billie de Haas, at a conference where I presented my master’s thesis. We connected through that academic exchange, and I later reached out to express my interest in pursuing a PhD. She kindly welcomed my proposal and supported me throughout the process. Looking back, it was one of those moments that seemed coincidental at the time but turned out to have a profound impact on my journey.

Although I did not initially come to the Netherlands specifically with the intention of building my future here, the country has gradually become a second home. I particularly appreciate the work-life balance, openness, freedom of choice, and the opportunity to constantly discover and redefine yourself. There is also something deeply comforting about travelling through Schiphol and seeing the familiar world of the Netherlands unfold again. It has become a place that connects me to both my past and the life I am building here.

Before moving to Groningen, I spent a long time in The Hague. Groningen felt very different: a little cocooned, peaceful, and close to nature. For me, it has been a place of solace alongside the demands of a PhD. The university and faculty have also played an important role in making this experience positive. I have found the people extremely helpful and kind, always willing to support and think along with me. Beyond the academic support, I have also built close friendships and meaningful connections here - people who have become an important part of my life in Groningen and for whom I am deeply grateful.

My PhD experience has been rewarding in ways I expected and in many ways I did not. Of course, there are challenges: research rarely follows a perfectly straight path, and a PhD requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to rethink your assumptions. But beyond the academic journey, what I find most rewarding is the opportunity to encounter different cultures, perspectives, and people through my work. These experiences have changed not only how I think as a researcher but also how I understand myself.

For anyone considering a PhD abroad, my advice would be to remain curious and open-minded. Choose a place where you feel you can grow, not only academically but also personally. A PhD is much more than a degree - it is a journey of discovering your research, your community, and, perhaps most importantly, yourself. My journey to Groningen may have started with a chance encounter, but I am deeply grateful for where that encounter has taken me.