I have started a Phd at university in the Netherlands. Unfortunatley my family cannot be with me and am unable to work in my spare time due to language and legal restrictions. as a result, I am despondent and thinking that I should move to another "friendlier"country. I am ready to start fieldwork but am extremely unhappy. Please advise as I am even thinking of quitting the programme

If you feel so unhapy you should try to move in another country, and "take the credentials " with you:) it would be a waste of time , energy and work, otherwise....

You need to talk directly with your PhD supervisor. Ideally you need to continue the same project at a different institution. There are all sorts of problems with funding that will need sorting out (even if you are funding yourself). Your current supervisor will need to help you find an appropriate replacement or supervisor in your new location.


You should also consider seriously whether you are happy with the research project you are doing. If not, changing location may be of no help. If you are not an EU citizen then the work restrictions you faced in the Netherlands will be similar in any other EU country (they will also be difficult in North America).


Finally there will be many other international students at your institution and many of them will have been through the same emotions as you and decided to stay put. If your university has an international students organisation get in touch with them so you can find out how other people dealt with your situation.