PhD at Utrecht University – Baran

Hey this is Baran and I am from Turkey. 5 years ago I immigrated to the Netherlands to do my PhD in Utrecht University Social and Organisational Psychology Department. I love salted peanuts and washing the dishes. Music is a must. I don’t understand why people like broccoli, it is tasteless… No seriously, it just takes the taste of what you put on it. It is just a chewable toy.

AWESOME!!! So many things are different and I find it very exciting to discover and experience these cultural, social, and obviously geographical differences. Some parts (like the cold climate) can be problematic, but other parts (such as friendly and open-minded people, and nature) are so sweet. To sum up, I am very satisfied with my decision to pick the Netherlands as “my new home”.

I redefined my life with my broadened horizon. Now I think I have a more global point of view.What was the worst experience you had there?
Well I had to learn Dutch. It is not a hard language but not a pretty one either…

 

What is your favourite word in Dutch?
Eigenlijk. It means actually. When I put it in my sentences like #SaltBae people think I speak good Dutch. Please it also has the famous Dutch gutter voice.

What is the best food you had there?
Indonesian 🙂Was there a situation that made you step outside of your comfort zone?
Well, people know me know this but my comfort zone is pretty wide. But I had to live with so many international people as flatmates and sometimes it was hard…What is the biggest difference between The Netherlands and Turkey?
Weather, crowdedness, prices…

Where do you live? It it difficult finding/renting a place?
It is very difficult to find an accommodation in Utrecht. Rooms are small, ran down and expensive.

What is the best mean of public transport in Utrecht?
In The Netherlands? Seriously? But I can make a joke about that.
Why can’t bikes stand alone? Because they are 2 tyred.

Can you see yourself moving to The Netherlands?
I do see it. In fact I will apply for citizenship this year.What should a person visiting Utrecht definitely do there, according to you?
Ride a bike, enjoy a boat tour, try stroopwafels, chill at city parks.

Why did you choose Utrecht University?
Because they are the best in my field. And it is English taught.How is the study experience in The Netherlands different from studying in Turkey?
It is very structured and students get more stressed out during exam periodsWhat are the professors like?
Very approachable and having immense knowledge. Good supervision skills, also.Compare the time spent on studying. Do you study more or less than at your home university?
At the uni. Definitely.

Where did you meet most of your new friends?
In library. Kidding. Of course bars 🙂

What is the most important thing you learned from your experience?
Always carry an umbrella in your bag

What is the best way to save money there?
There is no such thing. Insurance, bills and rent will eat everything you have. Maybe go to cheaper supermarkets but it is like trying to push a mountain with your hands.How much money do you spend monthly on:

Before you leave, tell us Goodbye in your native language! 🙂
Hoşçakal!