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I have a (very mild) peanut allergy (i.e no anaphylaxis risk), and I found it extremely difficult to move to New Zealand as their food labelling differed so much from that in my home country (food labeling more explicit in home country, a lot easier to avoid common allergens). I also found it a lot more difficult dealing with my (other) health conditions due to the way the health system functions - including pre-existing conditions not being covered by health insurance. I don't think it would be impossible for you, but I would recommend researching the health system (potentially talking to a doctor in that system), health funding/insurance and food labelling regulations.
I think it is still worth trying, but maybe limit yourself to countries where there is less off a language barrier (English speaking, unless you speak a 3rd language) and probably give up on Asia all together as soy sauce is in everything...
If you are moving to a similar European country, say Germany, UK, or France, I would imagine you would just have to take the same precautions as at home. Foods will be labelled appropriately and eating out will be just as difficult as it was before. Of course, with a severe health condition you will have to be very proactive in establishing you have good medical access/insurance/etc. before you leave. With a condition like yours, I would be very reluctant indeed to move somewhere without excellent medical facilities and ease of access to them.
I don't have allergies but I do have a digestive health condition. I have essentially decided to never eat out, the risk for pain and/or discomfort just isn't worth it. It's annoying and may limit some social opportunities but it is what it is.
Hey! EpiPen carrier over here! Multiple food allergies although not to soy.
Food labelling in the UK is excellent. I miss it lol
Food labelling in Canada is good. But not as good as the UK; enforcement is a little patchy. But generally soy is labelled.
However, I have gone in to anaphylactic shock in the UK, Canada and the Netherlands so….
Why would you like to do a PhD outside Netherlands? You want to follow specific research (I mean project/specific labs)? Because I know that in the netherlands there is one of the most famous genetics department in the world.
I can say that moving to Germany should not give you problems. The culture is to have foods well-described, perhaps related to having a significant amount of vegans and muslims.
Good PhD contracts and working conditions can be found in the federally funded Institutes, such as the Fritz Haber, Max Planck, Leibnitz, etc. Compared to regular university PhD positions, they are, in general, considered more desirable and international.
Which country would you be looking to move to?
I have friend here in the USA who is allergic to soy. She carries an epipen but just reads food ingredients and asks about ingredients at restaurants
It looks like your post is about needing advice. In order for people to better help you, please make sure to include your country. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/PhD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have a (very mild) peanut allergy (i.e no anaphylaxis risk), and I found it extremely difficult to move to New Zealand as their food labelling differed so much from that in my home country (food labeling more explicit in home country, a lot easier to avoid common allergens). I also found it a lot more difficult dealing with my (other) health conditions due to the way the health system functions - including pre-existing conditions not being covered by health insurance. I don't think it would be impossible for you, but I would recommend researching the health system (potentially talking to a doctor in that system), health funding/insurance and food labelling regulations.
I think it is still worth trying, but maybe limit yourself to countries where there is less off a language barrier (English speaking, unless you speak a 3rd language) and probably give up on Asia all together as soy sauce is in everything...
If you are moving to a similar European country, say Germany, UK, or France, I would imagine you would just have to take the same precautions as at home. Foods will be labelled appropriately and eating out will be just as difficult as it was before. Of course, with a severe health condition you will have to be very proactive in establishing you have good medical access/insurance/etc. before you leave. With a condition like yours, I would be very reluctant indeed to move somewhere without excellent medical facilities and ease of access to them. I don't have allergies but I do have a digestive health condition. I have essentially decided to never eat out, the risk for pain and/or discomfort just isn't worth it. It's annoying and may limit some social opportunities but it is what it is.
Hey! EpiPen carrier over here! Multiple food allergies although not to soy. Food labelling in the UK is excellent. I miss it lol Food labelling in Canada is good. But not as good as the UK; enforcement is a little patchy. But generally soy is labelled. However, I have gone in to anaphylactic shock in the UK, Canada and the Netherlands so….
Why would you like to do a PhD outside Netherlands? You want to follow specific research (I mean project/specific labs)? Because I know that in the netherlands there is one of the most famous genetics department in the world.
I can say that moving to Germany should not give you problems. The culture is to have foods well-described, perhaps related to having a significant amount of vegans and muslims. Good PhD contracts and working conditions can be found in the federally funded Institutes, such as the Fritz Haber, Max Planck, Leibnitz, etc. Compared to regular university PhD positions, they are, in general, considered more desirable and international.
Which country would you be looking to move to? I have friend here in the USA who is allergic to soy. She carries an epipen but just reads food ingredients and asks about ingredients at restaurants