Dhiraj Krishna is an Indian PhD student at the Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science from the College of Fisheries at the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Mangalore, and a Master’s degree in Microbiology from the Kasturba Medical College in Manipal. Following his master’s study, he was in charge of the microbiology lab in a tertiary care hospital.
Why did you decide to move to the Faroe Islands?
In India it is difficult to get financial support for a PhD programme and most Indians who want to get a PhD programme go abroad. I had applied for many PhD positions around the world and had almost given up when I found this very interesting position at the Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority on the EURAXESS portal.
What is it like to work as a researcher in the Faroe Islands?
It is very ineresting for me to work here. Faroese salmon farmers are the best in the world when it comes to producing large smolt and reusing water which is my field of research. I had not expected that such a small country could be so advanced.
Do you have the same career perspective here as elsewhere?
I hope that I can continue in a postdoc position after finishing my PhD, possibly with financial support from the Marie Sklodowska-Curie programme. It is not important for me where in the world it will be. What is important is that I learn something new which can help my in my career.
Is it difficult to be integrated in the society as a foreigner?
Living in the Faroe Islands is very different from living in India. India is a very large country with a lot of people. But I like it here and it was not difficult for me to move here because people are tolerant and friendly and I also like the weather.
Of course I miss people that I know in India but it is only after work that I think about it. When I work I see a lot of people. Sundays can be a bit boring but it is not a big problem.
Has the language been a problem?
I understand a little Faroese and I want to learn the language but language courses for foreigners start only once a year and they had just started when I arrived here. It is a long time to wait to get the opportunity to learn the language.