Verônica Bem dos Santos is a PhD student specializing in Psychology, who received a scholarship through the National Scholarship Programme (NSP) for their research stay at Slovak Academy of Sciences in Slovakia.

Could you tell us where you’re from and about your field of research?

Meeting new international friendsI'm a Brazilian PhD student in Psychology at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. I research violence against women and feminicide from an interdisciplinary perspective. Specifically, my doctoral thesis seeks to understand the production of the category ‘victim’ in the criminal investigation of femicide, through the study of police procedures and interviews with police chiefs in Brazil. In Slovakia, my work plan includes visits to institutions that provide assistance to women victims of violence and criminal investigations, in order to understand the journey these women take in their search for protection. I'm also studying laws and other public documents on the subject, as well as making contact with researchers in the field.

 How has your stay in Slovakia supported your research?

Thanks to my stay in Slovakia, I have the opportunity to broaden my academic and interventionist perspective on the issue of violence against women. The information gathered here allows me to interpret the differences and similarities between the two countries and thus enrich the creation of research strategies.

What has your experience been like with your research team here in Slovakia?

From the initial stages prior to my application, the team at the Institute of Social Sciences at the Slovak Academy of Sciences has been very present and collaborative. And now, thanks to their support, I've been able to make important contacts for my research, overcoming the language barrier - as I don't speak Slovak yet - and institutional difficulties. What's more, as it's a united and collaborative team, I have the freedom to ask the researchers for academic advice and guidance, and they have responded satisfactorily to my needs.

How did you first learn about the National Scholarship Programme (NSP)?

I found out about the programme through the website www.partiuintercambio.org, which advertises international study opportunities. From then on, I studied the public notice and started preparing for the application.

What motivated you to choose Slovakia for your research stay?

When I made contact with some Slovak research institutions, I realised that they were receptive to my project and that ISS SAS was particularly open to it. For me, this was the main reason for my choice, as a collaborative working environment was an important criterion for my international mobility.

What has this scholarship stay given you, both professionally and personally?Exploring autumn in Slovakia

Living abroad is an enriching experience because, as a foreigner, you can open yourself up to what is previously unknown and learn from it. The internship in Slovakia has brought me important benefits, both professionally and personally. Professionally, it allows me to expand my academic networks and learn about research and intervention techniques. Personally, it represents an opportunity to learn about a new culture, to have contact with a new language and even to develop the English with which I have been communicating during my activities.

Would you recommend the National Scholarship Programme to other researchers?

Yes, I've been recommending it to Brazilian friends and to people who come to me via the list of awarded students. I see it as an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Brazil-Slovakia network, which expands every time a new student decides to take up mobility here.

Do you have any advice for future international researchers considering a stay in Slovakia through NSP?

First of all, I would recommend studying up on the country before coming and, if possible, learning something about the language in order to recognise phonemes and sentence structure, which helps a lot when using public transport and being served in shops. I would also strongly recommend that you find out about the complexities of the visa and residence aspects, so that your first month isn't marked by anguish and uncertainty.

Research in a real worldWhat differences have you noticed between Slovakia and your home country?

So far, I'd say the main difference is the climate, which is colder in Slovakia and the winter days are shorter. I think I'll miss the hours of sunshine during the winter. As for the people, I can say that they are just as friendly as in my country, although they follow different socialisation codes. For example, in Brazil it is usual to greet each other with hugs or handshakes as a show of warmth and affection, while in Slovakia physical contact is not usual, except in more intimate relationships.

Are there any activities or places in Slovakia that you would recommend to others? Do you have a favorite spot here?

I particularly like to get to know places through the habits of their inhabitants, so my main recommendation is to find out what interesting places are near your destination city and find out how Slovaks get there. For example, from Kosice, where I live, I often go for walks in the countryside and watch the landscape change with the seasons. I also go by train to the nearest towns and see their architectural peculiarities. I strongly recommend that new scholars try to join local groups, such as trekking groups or even people from their work team. At the same time, try to meet other international students and immigrants, not only from their own country, but also from neighbouring countries. I'm sure there will be someone among them who also wants to go on trips and see places. Of course, I can't fail to mention the famous Slovak mountain range, the High Tatras, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Even without company, it's worth planning a trip there.

Do you think you’ll return to Slovakia someday?Budatín Castle in Žilina

I think so, since an important academic partnership is being initiated between my home research group and the ISS. I believe that new collaborations will be developed in the future after my return to Brazil.

How have you found Slovak people? Were they welcoming and helpful to you as an international researcher, or did you face any challenges?

Since I arrived, I've tried to take part in local and integration events, such as the weekly Language Meeting at Caffè Tabačka, where I meet Slovak people interested in international exchange. Also, through the Latin community in Kosice, I met some Slovaks with whom I keep in touch. Last but not least, I would like to highlight my positive relationship with the ISS SAS work team, with whom I share moments of interaction beyond the strictly work-related ones. I haven't encountered any difficulties with the help and hospitality of the Slovaks so far. Everyone has been kind and welcoming to me.