Where are you studying in Italy, and what motivated you to pursue a PhD?:
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change in Italy. I chose to study here because of the strong research opportunities and the high quality of academic institutions. My work focuses on flood risk, and institutions like IUSS Pavia provide an excellent environment for studying risk-related topics, especially those linked to climate impacts. Overall, Italy offers a solid combination of expertise, resources, and research focus that aligns well with my academic goals.
Where did you go for your period abroad, how long did you stay, and why did you choose that destination? Please give a short description.:
I completed my period abroad at TU Delft in the Netherlands, where I stayed for six months. I chose this destination because the Netherlands is globally recognized for its expertise in flood risk management, making it an ideal place for my research. Additionally, my supervisor specializes in the impacts of floods on transport networks, which aligned well with my goal of extending my research framework from buildings to road infrastructure.
What were your first impressions of the university, your supervisor, and the research team? Did you feel integrated into the group?:
My first impressions of the university, my supervisor, and the research team were very positive. I received a warm welcome and strong support from the beginning, with all the necessary facilities provided to help me settle in and work effectively. The team was friendly and collaborative, which made it easy to feel integrated into the group and actively involved in the research environment.
Did you face any challenges during your time abroad? If yes, what were they, and how did you address them? What practical advice would you give to future students—especially about administration, funding, or country‑specific opportunities?:
I did face some initial challenges, particularly in finding accommodation, which took some time to sort out. However, the residence permit process was surprisingly straightforward, as the university handled most of the procedure and only required me to attend a final appointment.
For future students, I would strongly recommend carefully checking visa and residence permit requirements well in advance, as this can significantly reduce potential stress. Being proactive about accommodation is also important, as it can be one of the more challenging aspects when moving abroad.
What are your plans after returning to Italy? Did your time abroad enrich your research and personal growth? If yes, how? Do you feel you contributed meaningfully to your host university, and in what ways?:
After returning to Italy, I am now in the final year of my PhD and focusing on consolidating my work. My immediate plans include finalizing my research and working towards publishing a few papers based on my findings.
My time abroad significantly enriched both my research and personal growth. The work I carried out there was highly valuable and will form an important part of my thesis, particularly in expanding my framework to new areas. I also believe I contributed meaningfully to the host university through my research collaboration, sharing my approach and insights, and actively engaging with the team’s work.
What aspects of the local culture stood out to you whether something you loved or found challenging? Did you have a favourite place to spend your time, and how did you make the most of your free time?:
The Netherlands stood out to me as a very beautiful country, with many scenic and well-maintained locations. One of the aspects I really enjoyed was the strong cycling culture, which made it easy and pleasant to explore different places.
In my free time, I often went biking to various locations, especially on sunny days, which was a great way to relax and experience the surroundings. This helped me make the most of my time outside of research while also getting a deeper appreciation of the local lifestyle.