Meet Rafique Ahmad, originally from Pakistan who is staying on research mobility in Slovakia for 10 months during his PhD studies through the National Scholarship Programme (NSP).

Could you tell us where you’re from, what your field of research is, and how long you
have been (or were) in Slovakia?

I am Rafique Ahmad from Pakistan. I am doing my PhD in earth Sciences from Faculty
of Natural Sciences, Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Economic Geology, Comenius
University in Bratislava. I am here since September 2024 and will be here till July 2025 (10
months).

How has your time in Slovakia supported your research?
It’s very nice time here so far as I am getting much more time for research with faculty
and my other PhD and post Docs colleagues. I am mostly discussing my research with professors and my Slovak colleagues and I am also presenting my work here in departmental seminars. Research team in Slovakia welcomed me fantastic. My research advisor, senior professors and also Head of the Department gave me warm welcome and I am in connection with all of them to discuss my research at tea. I am in connection with a PhD researcher from University of Vienna, Austria and also with a professor from Agricultural University of Athens, Greece. Further, I am Looking to make strong connections for our future projects.

Has your experience in Slovakia influenced your career plans for the future?
It’s giving me more courage to work in my field with researchers in different  countries of Europe especially in Slovakia for my future projects.

What are the main differences between research in Slovakia and in your home
country?
There are so many research facilitates which are not available in Pakistan like monazite dating, mineral chemistry and I am lucky here that I am doing these analyses here without any hesitation.

How do you find the amount of your scholarship? Does it cover your monthly
expenses?
Yes, it’s enough and covers my all expenses.

What motivated you to choose Slovakia for your research stay? 
Mainly they are the smooth and easy way to apply for National Scholarship  Program, research facilities available in university or affiliated labs, discussion and collaboration with professors in research and publications.

Do you have any advice for future international researchers considering a stay in  Slovakia?
Yes, if a researcher come full time PhD studies, it will be much more better for him/her.

What differences have you noticed between Slovakia and your home country?     
Almost same but in our country the rate of inflation is very high and in some conditions  we are lack of basic facilities as almost here it is normal.

What surprised you the most about Slovakia? Did you experience any culture shock?
Unlike UK, there is a strong family connections here I am looking for. Really this very amazing and I love it.

Have you found any similarities between Slovakia and your home country?
Yes, the people of both countries are hard working.

What advice would you give to other international researchers for adapting to life in
Slovakia?
I strongly recommend the international researchers to come and stay here for study without any hesitation as anyone can enjoy a lot