Growing Through Research: An International Perspective on Doing a PhD in Germany (3/3)
Aini Siti Khodijah from Indonesia studied Electrical Engineering at Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology and later completed her Master’s degree at Kitami Institute of Technology in Japan under the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) scholarship. She is currently pursuing her doctoral research at the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Juelich Systems Analysis (ICE-2) at Forschungszentrum Jülich with support from a DAAD research grant.
In this interview she talks about her personal experiences with the scholarship and doing a PhD at Forschungszentrum Jülich.
My current research focuses on the possibility of transferring electricity between islands, optimizing renewable energy integration, and identifying suitable methods for analyzing interconnected island power systems. What I enjoy most about this field is its direct impact on society, especially in improving energy access and supporting sustainable development.
How did you first hear about the DAAD scholarships? What motivated you to apply?
The DAAD scholarship is widely known in Indonesia, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and offers several funding schemes for doctoral studies. I applied to the Research Grants programme after confirming my eligibility and securing a supervisor.
A key motivation came from my Master’s supervisor in Japan, who encouraged me to continue my research on island energy systems in Germany due to its strong research infrastructure and expertise in this area. Germany also provides an excellent environment for international collaboration. In addition, I was inspired by Indonesia’s third president, Prof. Dr.-Ing. B.J. Habibie, who studied at RWTH Aachen University. His academic journey motivated me to pursue higher education in Germany. Considering the strong research facilities, international exposure, and academic reputation, Germany became my preferred destination.
How did you experience the application process?
The application process varies by country. In Indonesia, it consists of two main stages, which is relatively straightforward compared to other scholarship programmes. The most challenging part was securing a supervisor, as it required a clear and well-developed research proposal as well as direct communication with potential supervisors. Once this was achieved, the administrative process was manageable for me due to my prior experience with scholarship applications.
The interview stage was a memorable experience. I attended the interview in 2023, when it was conducted in person for the first time. Although I was initially nervous - especially since the panel included representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region - it turned out to be a valuable experience. The interview lasted about 60 minutes and required a solid understanding of my research proposal. The final results were announced several months later, around May 2024.
Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at Forschungszentrum Jülich?
My original plan was to begin my PhD at TUM (Technische Universität München). However, life took an unexpected turn when I became pregnant. Since there is no maternity leave in the first year, I had to postpone my plans. Later, due to changes in the project, my prospective supervisor was no longer available. At that point, I had to start over and search for new opportunities. That journey eventually led me to Forschungszentrum Jülich. What stood out to me was not only its excellent facilities, but also its strong and structured research environment. In the end, what began as an unexpected change turned into the right place for me to continue my research.
How would you describe your experience as a doctoral researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich so far?
At the beginning, adapting to a new work culture was challenging, especially since it differs from my previous experience in Japan. One of the main differences is the communication style, which is more direct and straightforward in Germany. Over time, I have come to appreciate the professional and well-organized research environment. The institution maintains high standards, including strict security systems that require proper access authorization.
Another positive aspect is the flexible working arrangement. Although remote work is possible, secure access through a VPN is required, which allows me to continue my research while managing family responsibilities. In addition, the support from the international advisory team has been very helpful, particularly in handling administrative processes such as registration and residence permits. Overall, the experience has been both challenging and rewarding.
What was your experience of relocating to and settling in Jülich?
The relocation process was quite complex, particularly the visa application. Many documents required official certification through an apostille, which was a new experience for me. The process became more complicated when applying for my child’s visa. In addition to the birth certificate, I was required to prepare a notarized custody letter, have it translated into German, and then obtain an apostille. This added several administrative steps. Although part of the application system is digital, a significant amount of paperwork is still required, and the processing time remains relatively long. Overall, the process required careful preparation and patience.
What surprised you the most about living and working in Germany or specifically in Jülich?
What surprised me most at work is how much independence and clarity are expected. Communication is very direct, which can feel challenging at first, but it makes collaboration more efficient once you adapt.
Living in Germany has been a smooth experience overall, although I needed time to adjust to daily life, especially the public transportation system. Small moments, like taking the wrong bus, became part of the learning process. In Jülich, life is comfortable, but finding housing and daycare was a real challenge. I spent my first months in temporary accommodation with my family, which was not easy. Still, these experiences made me more adaptable. In the end, every challenge became part of the story that shaped my journey here.
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