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“My PhD felt surprisingly collaborative”
On the day of her graduation from the School of Advanced Study, Monja Stahlberger reflected on what drew her to pursue a PhD in central London and how she found her doctorate experience here.
Monja Stahlberger came from Germany to pursue a PhD at the Institute of Languages, Cultures, and Societies, focusing on negotiating belonging in the diaries of Kindertransport refugees – German-Jewish children who fled Nazi Germany.
Why choose the Institute of Languages, Cultures, and Societies?
The Institute has the Research centre for German and Austrian exile studies (EXILE), which was the perfect place for conducting this research. I was able to build on things I had already discovered during my master’s and also have access to the incredible resources and archives around here – at the University itself, but also in Bloomsbury and in the wider London area.
A close-knit academic community
The most surprising thing about the Institution was how collaborative this PhD felt here. It was incredible to see the community because everyone always told me that doing a PhD is so isolating and solitary, but it really wasn't.
Plans after PhD
My plans now are to continue my research, building on what I have found out during my PhD. I am currently a Bithell fellow here at the Institute of Languages, Cultures, and Societies, and turning my PhD into a book. I will also start a fellowship at the Leo Baeck Institute just around the corner by Russell Square, building on my research topic on transnational and transgenerational German-Jewish identity.
Advice for prospective students
My advice to students would be to enjoy studying something that you're passionate about, but also take every opportunity that you get at this incredible institution: from going to conferences to attending seminars across the different institutes. Get engaged, get involved, not just academically, but also in the community. And don't be afraid to try new things and broaden your horizons.
The most surprising thing about the Institution was just how collaborative this PhD felt here.
Studying at the School of Advanced Study has been amazing. We have a really tight-knit family here. You have great opportunities to develop yourself academically but also engage in actively shaping your student experience, from getting involved as a student representative to participating in different societies.
Find out more about the Institute of Languages, Cultures, and Societies or explore the range of degrees offered by the School of Advanced Study.
This page was last updated on 31 March 2025
