What initially began as a quest for additional credits turned into an unexpected overseas visit to the Netherlands. In 2023, I spent a semester at the University of Groningen completing a module from the master’s course on ‘Religion, Gender, and Sexuality’ at the Faculty of Religion, Culture, and Society. At my home institution, the University of Nottingham in the UK, PhD students are required to complete 20 extra credits alongside their research. I began exploring options abroad, which led me to the University of Groningen.

I had previously encountered Dr. Kim Knibbe’s influential work in the anthropology of religion and ‘lived religion’, so I reached out to find out if I could enrol in her module. There were still spaces available, and Kim warmly invited me to participate and offered to supervise me during my time in Groningen. Thanks to grants from the Midlands Graduate School DTP and the Researcher Academy Conference, Travel and Training Fund, I was able to embark on an overseas visit to the Netherlands. Although I was initially nervous about studying abroad, my time as a visiting scholar ultimately reinvigorated my aspirations for an academic career.

The module, ‘Religion, Gender, and Sexuality’ offered an in-depth exploration into an important intersection that I had already devoted significant time and passion to in my research. It refreshed many of my perspectives by introducing new texts and new social contexts in which to understand lived religion. The module provided us with the space to openly share our thoughts, engage in discussions, and bring together our unique research interests. This involved each of us presenting an empirical study to the class, encouraging us to make connections between different religions and cultures. 

I led a lecture on Foucault as part of this experience, which was a great opportunity for me to develop my teaching skills. I navigated the class through complex ideas surrounding normalizing power and heteronormativity in the context of gender and sexuality. The lecture was interactive and generated a lot of interesting discussions. Dr. Knibbe and I held regular meetings where she shared her mentorship, constructive feedback, and enthusiasm for the study of lived religions. 

During my time at the University of Groningen, I met researchers from all over Europe and the world. I was also able to embed myself within the university’s broader research culture. The week I arrived, the faculty celebrated a significant change in the form of a new name! The occasion was marked by a garden party featuring balloons, speeches, and celebratory drinks. In addition to this, I had multiple opportunities to present my research to the faculty and receive friendly feedback on my approach and findings. I established new collaborations with scholars in my field and deepened my understanding of broader research areas. 

My time at the University of Groningen has been an important chapter in my academic journey. A PhD is a continuous opportunity for learning and growth, and my semester at the University of Groningen has profoundly influenced both my research and future career aspirations. My advice to anyone considering a placement here is to start your preparations early; finding accommodation in the city can be a bit tricky. Spend time in the city of Groningen, too. It has lots of scenic canal walks, charming places to eat, and is a wonderful mix of modern and historic. It’s a really inspiring place to be while you're focused on your research. If you manage to secure funding for your trip, definitely factor in a bike!

Nathan Harrison-Clarke is a PhD Researcher at the University of Nottingham School of Sociology and Social Policy. His focus lies in contemporary lived religion and its intersection with sexuality and gender. His PhD research delves into the lived realities of LGBTQ+ Buddhists in Britain. Are you interested in topics like these? Then you might want to consider studying our MA track Antropology of Religion and Culture.