Kategorie: ‘Other’
Doing a Research Internship at the UiT in Norway
- Psychology M.Sc.
- Norway, Tromsø
- University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway
- 04/2024 – 08/2024
Going abroad the second time in my life posed a challenge, yes, but a less intense one than being a volunteer in South Africa after finishing school. Hence, the whole stay (planning included) was easy going and associated with anticipation and the joy of revisiting the most beautiful country in the world.
Starting my master program at RWTH in winter 23/24, I already had everything laid out. As I wanted to go abroad during my second master semester, I started thinking about research internship possibilities when I finished my bachelor’s degree in March 2023. As my bachelor thesis supervisor was on a one-month exchange in Tromsø and spoke very highly of one professor at the UiT (The Arctic University of Norway), I asked her for connecting me to her. She did, and fortunately the professor at the UiT invited me to come to Norway and work as a research intern for her. This turned out to be the start of a fruitful, respectful and somehow deep supervisor-intern relationship. She is a very capable, very humorous and very kind person. Next to living in the far north (with its midnight sun, polar lights and spectacular hikes), she was my highlight during my whole stay.
Norway is an expensive country. Nevertheless, the German inflation made the transition rather easy. Groceries can be affordable if you know which grocery store to visit and which products to buy. My rent was a different story: For a single room in a shared flat (of eight people) in a student housing I paid 410€. This is the same amount I pay in Germany for my student apartment. On the good side, Norwegian flat mates are the most quiet and respectful people I have ever met, hence, living with eight people was pleasant.
I have adapted my lifestyle drastically. While in Germany I used to meet friends at a café or a restaurant, in Norway I never ate out. I did not party at all, as alcohol is luxurious here, and cut back on my shopping expenses. Although it seems bad, it was a refreshing and grounding experience and let me think about what I take for granted in everyday life.
During the internship I was extremely high in autonomy. My supervisor and I met every Monday noon to talk about new tasks and projects. Next to this, I was flexible regarding my working hours, working place (I switched between the institute, the UiT library and the public library in the city center) and working pace. After work, I either hit the gym or went home to play the piano. My piano teacher and I kept doing lessons via FaceTime. Taking my hobbies from Germany with me helped a lot, especially during the first few weeks, to find my rhythm.
The biggest and most meaningful project during the internship was being a co-author in a review paper we submitted to the Journal of Business & Psychology. It took us from May to August to get the data, analyze them and write the manuscript. Hopefully, the manuscript will undergo a brief review process and will be published at some point. Next to the review paper, I got a lot of insights in the publishing process and data analysis. Furthermore, I could get creative while designing a scientific poster and developing new lecture materials.
The best thing to do while in Norway is hiking. It is for free. And please, just look at the photos:
© Charlotte Hopp
If it is raining, I enjoyed reading a lot. And that have been my last five months: Hiking, exercising, reading, baking. My family visited for two weeks, in which we went on a road trip to the Lofoten and Vesteralen islands. This vacation I will remember dearly. Of course, friends of mine visited now and then – this was a welcome disruption from everyday life. But I must admit that nowadays it is easy to stay in touch. Being 3000km away from Aachen, I learnt that deepening friendships and fostering my relationship can sometimes be easier even when apart.
I am writing this report one day prior to leaving Norway. It has been a wonderful time, helping me finding an answer to the one question that made me consider a research internship in the first place: “Do I want to do a PhD?” My answer: “Yes, but not abroad!” Additionally, I would like to say a big thank you to the Erasmus office that made my whole stay possible. Thanks for your support, organizing everything neatlessly and being reliable throughout the whole stay.
Internship at Mercedes Formula One Team in the UK
- Business Administration and Engineering: Mechanical Engineering B.Sc.
- United Kingdom, Brackley
- Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
- 07/2023 – 07/2024
Application/Finding an internship
The application process for the internship was quite lengthy and kicked off around September 2022 for a start in July 2023. In England, it is very common for students to include a year in industry in their studies, so you will find many available internships across various fields. The duration is usually one year because this is the standard period for university students unless it is a pure summer internship. Ultimately, the internship duration will depend on which internship you apply for and what is offered by the companies you are applying to. If it is a bigger, international company, it is very likely that they will help you a lot with the application process for a visa and put you on a company insurance scheme. This can differ significantly between companies. Following people from that company on LinkedIn can help you if internship positions become available as they are often shared there too.
Accomodation & Living expenses
While grocery prices are in a similar range as German grocery prices, the costs for housing and running costs such as electricity, gas, and water will be significantly higher in the UK. For me, they came out at around £80/month per person in a shared house with two other people, which is very high. Rent was over £500/month per person too, which is around what you can expect in this area and is comparable to what other interns living in or near Brackley had to pay as well. Still, this comes as quite a shock when moving to the English countryside from a German university city. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served in the company restaurant, and I usually ate lunch and dinner there for £2.80 per meal. The food was delicious, and the menu changes every week to offer great variety.
As Brackley is a small town, you will have to work through the local letting agencies’ websites, but there is a good network of incoming and leaving interns that provides opportunities to easily take over apartments, which I highly recommend. This also alleviates the pressure to buy furniture as the places either come furnished or you will be able to buy furniture off your predecessors at a low price. To be able to rent an apartment, you will need a valid visa. Many letting agencies will be understanding of these circumstances and offer to wait for your visa approval. After the visa gets confirmed, you can then take the next steps to set up a UK bank account, for which I recommend Revolut. Also, with a registered address, you will be able to apply for an NI (National Insurance) number, which is crucial for the company to pay you a salary.
Everyday life/ the internship
© Nicolas Musiol
Apart from the amazing work atmosphere and interesting projects that the team entrusted me with, you will work alongside a young team and will join the company with a group of around 40 interns/industrial placements (short IPs). Working on projects together, enjoying lunches and dinners in the Hub (the company restaurant), quickly formed a big group of close friends. You’ll find yourself very quickly going to the local pubs or to parties in Banbury or Oxford together. Out of the 40 IPs, there is always a good mix of internationals with Brits. My year had people from Australia, the US, Canada, Luxembourg, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Croatia, Ireland, and England, which made for a very interesting mix of people.
Many other sports clubs give you the opportunity to mingle with locals, as Mercedes has its own cycling club, a football team, and many sports courses. Outside of the company, you will find a tennis club, a rugby club, and a leisure centre with a pool, so there are plenty of activities for you to do in your free time. I would also highly recommend volunteering at the local football club. Every Wednesday around lunchtime, they organize a lunch for the elderly and disabled at the clubhouse, and they are always looking for a helping hand. They have lovely stories to tell, and you will find that many of them can give you great recommendations as they know the area inside out.
Free time/tips
Weekend trips with my newly found friends took me to Liverpool, Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, and on a ski trip to the French Alps, and many smaller adventures. A fantastic weekend activity is trying to complete all the local parkruns, which is a local run event held every Saturday at 9 am over a distance of 5 km. You can put all your running experience to the test by competing in the annual Silverstone Race in May, where you lap the race circuit two times for a race distance of 10 km. Great views along the way and thousands of participating runners make it a great event.
© Nicolas Musiol
Being located close to Banbury, which has a train station with a direct connection to Birmingham and London, one can hop on a bus to the neighbouring towns and villages to explore those or use them as a transit possibility to explore the country. A day trip or weekend trip to London is always great fun, and I’ve been many times now, as I’ve come to love London for the many different boroughs like Shoreditch, Camden, Kensington, Chelsea, and more. Each of them has a unique vibe, cool cafes, shops, restaurants, and pubs which are worth exploring.
Around Brackley, there are two airfields, both within walking distance. They make for a nice jog around them while small sports planes take off over your head or land on the small runways. For the daring, they even offer tandem parachuting. You can also visit the many golf clubs around and test your swing on the driving range. You only have to pay for balls as they will give you clubs to practice with if you don’t have any.
There are nice cafes all around Brackley as well, my personal favourites being The Old Fire Station in Brackley or the Post Office Café in Evenley. I can also recommend taking the bus to Oxford and visiting museums there, going punting on the canals, or visiting the local colleges.
There is also Stowe School in Buckingham only a few minutes away if you have a bicycle. The Stowe estate has a scenic park with many beautiful temples and arches. It makes for a nice afternoon stroll, especially on nice summer evenings.
Conclusion
All in all, I can only recommend committing to an international internship and immersing oneself in a foreign environment. Even though a full year exceeds the mandatory internship requirements of the RWTH, I can assure everyone it is an amazing experience, and I would do it again without a shadow of a doubt. I’ve greatly benefited from this year in the UK, not only professionally by working my dream job in F1 but also personally by meeting a lot of amazing people.
My experiences at Tsinghua University
- Business Administration and Engineering: Mechanical Engineering M.Sc
- China (VR), Beijing (Peking)
- Tsinghua University
- 09/2023 – 07/2024
Before the stay
Course Planning: It is recommended to get an overview of the selectable courses at Tsinghua University, depending on the respective department, such as Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Energy & Power Engineering, and Automotive Engineering. Additionally, it is strongly advised to clarify which classes are eligible for acknowledgment – both Aachen courses at Tsinghua University and Tsinghua courses at RWTH Aachen. One must be cautious about course acknowledgements between Tsinghua University and RWTH Aachen. Based on past experiences, it is generally more challenging to get Aachen courses acknowledged at Tsinghua University than the reverse. This discrepancy necessitates early communication with both institutions. Students should verify which Tsinghua courses will be recognized for credit upon return.
Visa: After receiving the Tsinghua University acceptance letter confirming your stay abroad, a visa appointment should be made as soon as possible. It is likely that the Tsinghua University acceptance letter may arrive quite late. In the past, it was possible to make appointments at both the Düsseldorf Visa Centre and the Frankfurt/Main Visa Centre. Currently, according to my information, the Düsseldorf Visa Centre is closed. If time before departure to China is short, it is recommended to visit the Frankfurt/Main Visa Centre and pick up the visa personally. This way, it is possible to receive the visa within approximately 3-5 days, based on 2023 information. The visa application process involves filling out a detailed online form prior to the appointment. It is recommended to gather all necessary documents, including the acceptance letter, passport (which is valid for the whole stay plus six months, that is, at least 18 months), possibly recent photographs, before beginning the application. Completing this step efficiently can prevent unnecessary delays.
Health and Vaccinations: According to my GP in Germany, no extra vaccinations were needed. However, depending on your travel destinations in East Asia during the winter break in January and February, it might be recommended to receive vaccinations against typhus, hepatitis B, rabies (3-4 doses), and yellow fever. Students should consult their GP or healthcare provider in advance to ensure they are adequately prepared for any planned travel in the region. Besides, it is recommended to sign up for an international health insurance for the complete year.
Travels: It might be helpful to book a flight to Beijing about three months in advance. Possibly due to low demand for flights between Germany and China, the prices for one-way flights were generally rather low (between 350-500 Euros, depending on the booking time). For those planning a round-trip, one challenge is that flights generally can only be booked up to 365 days in advance. Given that the return flight will likely be in July, longer than a year from the outbound flight, this limitation can be an issue. One solution is to book a relatively inexpensive round-trip ticket and postpone the return flight once the return date is finalized. Some airlines offer flexible options for changing the return flight at a low cost, making this a potentially more economical option than booking two separate one-way flights.
Experience in the host country
Accommodation: Tsinghua University offers various dormitory options on campus for international students. There are three different room types available for internationals: First, single rooms with a private bathroom and a small sink (“Single Rooms”). Second, double rooms with shared bathrooms and separate bedrooms (“AB-rooms”). Third, double rooms that consist of a shared bedroom only (“Double Rooms”). The latter do not include any private bathroom or kitchen, as these are shared by the entire floor. The university is gradually renovating all Single Rooms, converting them into Double Rooms. Consequently, the likelihood of securing a Single Room or AB-room will steadily decrease over time. The 2023/24 Aachen cohort was the first to receive Double Rooms instead of Single Rooms.
Most of the 2023/24 Aachen cohort lived in Zijing Building 23, with a few students placed in Building 19 or Building 6. Buildings 6, 22, and 23 are recommended, if possible, as these are relatively newly renovated buildings.
In general, life in the dormitories is communal, with shared spaces like bathrooms and kitchens (depending on the room type). This setup encourages interaction among students, fostering a sense of community. However, it also requires some adjustment, particularly for those used to more privacy.
Dining and Food: Tsinghua University has a lot of dining halls on campus, offering a great variety of food options with a very high quality. The meals are very affordable (normally between 0,80 Euros – 3,00 Euros) and cater to diverse tastes, with a mix of Chinese cuisine and many international options. For those who prefer cooking, some dormitories have shared kitchens where students can prepare their own meals. The quality of the canteens, however, are outstanding for college food.
Off-campus, the Haidian district offers numerous restaurants and food stalls, where students can explore local Beijing cuisine. Street food is also popular and provides a quick and inexpensive way to enjoy traditional Chinese snacks.
Extracurricular Activities: Tsinghua University is known for its vibrant campus life. There are numerous clubs and societies catering to various interests, including sports, arts, music, and technology. For international students, joining these clubs is a great way to meet new people, practice language skills, and immerse in Chinese culture.
Sports facilities at Tsinghua are top-notch, with options for basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, and more – all of them quite close to most of the international dorms (Zijing 18-23). The university encourages students to stay active, and many participate in regular sports activities. The high-end on-campus gym and fitness centers are also popular among students.
Cultural activities are abundant, with events such as traditional Chinese festivals and holidays, art exhibitions, and extraordinary performances regularly held on campus. Tsinghua’s proximity to cultural landmarks in Beijing also makes it easy for students to explore the city’s rich history during weekends or holidays.
Transportation: Getting around Tsinghua University is convenient, as the campus is well-connected by public transport. Bicycles (especially Blue Bikes from HelloBike) are a popular mode of transportation among students, as the campus is large, and cycling is often the quickest way to get to classes or dining halls. For longer trips, the Beijing subway system is easily accessible from the university, providing a reliable and efficient way to explore the city.
Challenges and Adaptation: For international students, adapting to life at Tsinghua can be both exciting and challenging. The language barrier and cultural differences may initially pose difficulties, but the university offers support services, including language classes and international student offices, to help ease the transition. The campus community is generally welcoming, and many Chinese students are happy and eager to practice their English and learn about other cultures, which can make integration easier.
Daily life at Tsinghua University is dynamic and diverse, offering a mix of academic rigor, cultural experiences, and social engagement. While the challenges of studying at one of China’s top universities can be demanding, the opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange make it a rewarding experience for both local and international students. Whether through academics, campus life, or exploring Beijing, students at Tsinghua have the chance to engage deeply with both their studies and the rich cultural environment surrounding them.
Experience at the host institution
Academic Life: In our case, classes typically started at 9:00 AM in the first semester. The university offers a wide range of courses across its 21 schools and 59 departments. For international students, classes might vary depending on the department and program, but the workload is generally not too demanding, but quite extensive. Students often attend lectures, participate in group discussions, and engage in research projects. The grading in general is quite fair and benevolent.
Coursework at Tsinghua is challenging, with high expectations from professors. However, the university provides ample resources to support students, including libraries, research facilities, and academic advisors. International students may find the Chinese language barrier challenging at times, though many courses are offered in English, particularly in graduate programs.
Culture at Tsinghua: Tsinghua University provides a rich array of cultural opportunities that allow students to immerse themselves in Chinese history, arts, and traditions. The university regularly hosts cultural events such as Chinese music performances, traditional dance showcases, and art exhibitions that celebrate the country’s heritage. Students can explore Tsinghua’s and Beijing’s renowned museums (Tsinghua has got two of them), participate in traditional arts and crafts workshops, and attend festivals like Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival, or the Dragonboat Festival which are celebrated with great enthusiasm on campus. Tsinghua’s proximity to cultural landmarks, such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace, also offers students a chance to delve deeper into China’s historical treasures. Furthermore, engaging with Chinese students through clubs, sports, music, social events, and collaborative projects provides invaluable insights into contemporary Chinese culture and customs. These interactions foster cross-cultural friendships, where international students can learn directly from their peers about local traditions, cuisine, language, and daily life, enriching their overall experience at Tsinghua.
10 tips for new students at Tsinghua University on how to make the most of a one-year stay:
1. Explore Beijing’s Cultural Heritage: Take advantage of Tsinghua’s location in Beijing by visiting iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. These historical sites offer a deep dive into Chinese culture and history.
2. Participate in Campus Festivals and Events: Engage in traditional Chinese festivals like Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on campus. These events provide a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to bond with fellow students.
3. Attend Cultural Performances: Tsinghua hosts various cultural events, including Chinese opera, (traditional Chinese) music concerts, and dance performances. These are great opportunities to experience traditional and modern Chinese arts firsthand.
4. Visit Local Markets and Try Chinese Cuisine: Explore Beijing’s and other cities’ local markets. In Beijing, the Silk Market and the Pearl Market are highly recommended, if you are interested in bargaining. Also, be adventurous with Chinese cuisine by trying local dishes such as Peking duck, hotpot, and dumplings.
5. Explore China Beyond Beijing: Plan trips to other parts of China during breaks. Visit cities like Shanghai, Xi’an, Qingdao, or Chengdu to experience the diversity of China’s landscapes, history, and culture.
6. Engage with Chinese Students: Building friendships with local students is invaluable. Join language exchange programs, participate in group projects, or simply hang out at campus cafes to foster these connections and gain deeper insights into Chinese culture.
7. Join a Student Club or Organization: Tsinghua has a wide range of student clubs, from sports across arts to technology. Joining a club is a great way to meet new people, develop new skills, and immerse yourself in campus life.
8. Learn Mandarin: While many courses are offered in English, learning some Mandarin will enhance your experience and make daily life easier. The university offers language courses, and practicing with local students will definitely accelerate your learning.
9. Take Advantage of Tsinghua’s Academic Resources: Make use of the university’s libraries, research facilities, and academic lectures. Attend guest lectures by prominent scholars and leaders from various fields to broaden your knowledge.
10. Stay Active and Use Campus Facilities: Tsinghua has excellent sports facilities, including gyms, swimming pools (inside and outside), and sports fields. Regular physical activity can help you stay healthy and relieve stress during your stay.
What added value did the stay have for my studies/career prospects?
A stay at Tsinghua University significantly enhanced my studies and career prospects in several ways.
Academic Excellence: Tsinghua University is renowned for its high academic standards and rigorous programs, especially in fields like engineering, technology, and business. The exposure to cutting-edge research, advanced coursework, a high focus on teamwork, and a global academic environment deepened my knowledge and skills in my field of study. This academic rigor might be highly regarded by employers and can set one apart in competitive job markets.
Language and Cultural Skills: Learning Mandarin and immersing myself in Chinese culture has been a big benefit, especially if one intends to work in industries or companies that have strong ties to China. Proficiency in Mandarin and an understanding of Chinese business practices can make someone a valuable asset to multinational companies or organizations operating in China.
Global Perspective: Studying at one of China’s top universities provides a unique international experience. It allowed me to gain insights into China’s rapidly growing economy, technological advancements, and global influence. This international exposure can make one more adaptable and culturally aware, qualities that might be increasingly valued in today’s globalized world.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Living and studying in a new country requires adaptability and resilience. The challenges I overcame during my time at Tsinghua, whether related to academics, language, or cultural issues, helped me to develop problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in diverse environments. These are qualities that might be valued by employers in any industry.
Career Opportunities in China: China’s economy continues to grow, and having experience at a Chinese university like Tsinghua can open up career opportunities within China or with Chinese companies abroad. Being part of the Tsinghua alumni network can also provide valuable career opportunities.
Networking Opportunities: Tsinghua University attracts some of the brightest minds from China and around the world, offering an excellent opportunity to build a global professional network. The connections you make with fellow students, faculty, and industry professionals can open doors to future collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship.
In summary, your stay at Tsinghua University not only enriches your academic background but also equips you with valuable skills, global perspectives, and professional networks that can significantly boost your future life both in China and internationally.
To what extent does my stay abroad have a sustainable character? To what extent could the general public also benefit from my personal experience?
My stay abroad at Tsinghua University has a sustainable character in both environmental and social aspects, with potential benefits that extend beyond my personal experience. By immersing myself in China’s approach to sustainability and environmental practices, particularly in areas like energy, engineering, and electromobility, I have gained valuable insights into how we can implement more sustainable solutions in our own communities. For example, learning about cutting-edge renewable energy technologies and urban sustainability initiatives at Tsinghua and in Beijing, especially regarding electromobility and public transport, allows me to bring back knowledge that can be applied to projects aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting greener practices in my home country. This might contribute to a more sustainable future by helping to develop solutions that minimize resource consumption, lower emissions, and promote long-term environmental health.
On a social and cultural level, the public might benefit from my experiences through the sharing of cultural knowledge and perspectives. By engaging with local communities and sharing my experiences, I can help foster greater cross-cultural understanding and empathy, which is crucial in an increasingly globalized and polarized world. This cultural exchange can also lead to stronger social bonds and collaboration between different communities, promoting peace and mutual respect.
Emotionally, the empathy and cultural sensitivity I have developed through this experience allow me to better relate to people from diverse backgrounds, which can positively influence my interactions with others. This emotional experience can help in creating more inclusive and supportive environments, whether in the workplace or in the community.
Financially, the skills and knowledge I have gained might lead to more effective and innovative approaches in my field, which could translate into economic benefits. For example, by applying sustainable engineering practices learned, I can contribute to cost-saving measures and resource efficiency in projects, which benefits not only companies but also society as a whole by reducing environmental costs and promoting sustainable growth.
In summary, my stay at Tsinghua University allows me to bring back knowledge and practices that contribute to environmental sustainability, while also fostering social and cultural benefits for the public. By sharing my experiences and applying what I have learned, I can help create a more sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected society.
My Erasmus Traineeship in Valladolid
- Medicine
- Spain, Valladolid
- Universidad de Valladolid
- 01/2024 – 06/2024
My name is Felix and I’m a medicine student from Aachen, Germany. This year I spent 6 month of my practical year taking part in a hospital Internship at the University of Valladolid in Spain.
Preparation
As for the preparation I first reached out about a year before my stay to the Erasmus coordinator and the dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the university. Although sometimes hard to reach, he will eventually answer you and help you with whatever request you might have. He recommended me to contact two other doctors to organise the different parts of my internship. Eventually I organized my stays with the respective heads of the different departments and presented my final rotation in internal medicine and surgery to these two doctors to get their confirmation.
Arrival and Organisation
©Jan-Felix Wolters
I arrived 1 week prior to the start of my internship, which gave me time to visit the international office and organize the formalities. Although I could not be matriculated without taking any assignments, they were very helpful and worked out a way to provide me with the student badge. That way I could take part in the university sport and other programs, such as the GUM, which is a group of students and other people that go on hikes every 2nd Sunday throughout the entire year. In order to get set up for the hospital, I had to go to the Dean’s office, where the friendly employees helped me go through the process of registering for my internship, which included receiving my nametag and clothes for the hospital. For this process a “Certificado de los delitos sexuales” is necessary. This was very easy to get at the local state’s office. I got a date within 3 days and it only took them 1-2 days to get the necessary information from Germany and to send me the certificate via email. All in all the people were always very friendly and helpful which made the process easy, even though some things couldn’t be resolved right away.
Accommodation
©Jan-Felix Wolters
Accommodations in Valladolid are surprisingly cheap and easy to find. Rooms in a shared flat generally range between 180 and 350€. Studios aren’t much more expensive either. The main website used is Idealista, but you can also find rooms through facebook (watch out for scammers). I wanted to get to know people which is why I was looking for a flatshare. After only about 3 days of search I found a very nice room in a central apartment right next to the main shopping street. Although not very good equipped and a bit lived through, the apartment was very nice and that way I got to know other international people. It is worth to mention that in Valladolid (and other Spanish cities from what I’ve heard) it’s common for landlords to take away money from your bond, or even the whole bond without indicating a reason. It seems to be a way of making extra money off international students, who usually can’t do much about it. After this happened to some of my roommates as well, I decided to not pay my last months rent and leave the bond to the landlord, which is a common strategy.
The City
©Jan-Felix Wolters
©Jan-Felix Wolters
Valladolid wouldn’t have been the city of my choice if it weren’t for my girlfriend, who is from there. My expectations weren’t very high, and got easily excelled by this mid-sized city in central Spain. It has a beautiful historic centre and even an artificial beach at the riverside. Located about 1 hour from Madrid by train and 2.5 hours from the north coast by car, the city is particularly well located in Spain. It gives you the possibility to regularly visit the capital or to rent a car for a cheap price and spend the weekend at the sea, surfing or enjoying the incredible nature of the north. What is more, it is surrounded by the beautiful and historic cities of Castilla y León, such as Salamanca, Segovia, Burgos and León, which are all worth a visit. Being the capital of its region is what makes Valladolid a very attractive city. While the weekdays are rather calm, on the weekends it attracts plenty of people from all around. This leads to the city offering a large variety of activities, sports, restaurants, bars and results in a high quality of living. The city hosts many events throughout the year, including regular and free public concerts on the Plaza Mayor, theatre and music festivals and the famous San Juan in June, where everyone goes to the beach to enjoy the longest night of the year at a bonfire. Valladolid also offers beautiful parks and an immense amount of terraces, where you can find some of the best and cheapest tapas in all of Spain. Drinks and food are extraordinarily cheap, which allows you to spend a big amount of your time outside, enjoying the Spanish way of living. Personally, I loved that it’s very easy to leave the city by bike or bus and be in the nature in the blink of an eye. It is also worth to mention, that the Spanish in Castilla y León is considered the clearest and easiest to understand in all of Spain.
The Hospital
I spent 2 months of my Internal Medicine internship at the Hospital Río Hortega and my 4 months of surgical internship at the Hospital Clínico. I can recommend both hospitals. While Río Hortega is a very modern and well equipped hospital located outside the city centre (12-15 minutes by bike), Clínico is located right in the heart of Valladolid, next to the Faculty of Medicine and has a nice and familiar touch to it. Generally it is important to say, that Spanish medicine students don’t get to participate in the daily hospital work near as much as German students. The working hours are from 8am to 3pm, but the doctors might leave earlier when the daily ward round and the examination of the patients are done. In Internal Medicine, the tasks are limited to following your assigned doctor and examining the patients. The doctors are generally very open and willing to explain you everything. There is no time pressure which leaves plenty of time to explain diseases and procedures. But the low patient flow also leads to a lower input compared to other countries. The emergency department was the only department where I got to assess my own patients and right down the anamnesis and reports before discussing the procedures with the doctors. In the surgery departments the Spanish students rarely take part in the surgeries. I was lucky to get to know a couple of doctors who would regularly let me take part in surgeries and perform assisting tasks like holding hooks, unscrewing screws or sew a few stitches. Although I definitely learned new things it was probably less compared to spending the same amount of time in a German hospital.
Conclusion
©Jan-Felix Wolters
I had a great time throughout my stay in Valladolid and am very happy to have gotten to know the country, the city and the people. Valladolid is a beautiful city and has much more to offer than one would expect at first glance. It may not be able to compete with Spains major cities when it comes to the cultural offer and nightlife but impresses with a high quality of life, easy access to the nature and a cheap cost of living.
Writing my Master Thesis in Trondheim
- Energy Engineering M. Sc.
- Norway, Trondheim
- Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet
- 01/2024-06/2024
Application / Finding an internship
To make new experiences and broaden my horizon I wanted to finish my academic studies with a stay abroad. So, I decided to do my master thesis in another country. I already had a research topic in mind and knew I wanted to go to another European country, thus I came across the NTNU in Trondheim, Norway – a place which seemed to be popular among engineering students from RWTH Aachen University. I did not apply for an advertised thesis, instead I had to demarcate the topic together with both my Norwegian supervisor and my German supervisor. Yet, the application process was surprisingly straightforward. I wrote an e-mail to the corresponding professor at NTNU, and he replied with a few hours and accepted my proposal. Additionally, I had to register myself as an exchange student at NTNU. The university’s international office was very supportive in that process. A benefit as an exchange student is that you are exempt from paying the semester fee.
Accommodation & living expenses
Since my stay in Trondheim was aligned with the Norwegian spring semester (January – June) I was given the chance to live in the Moholt student village (dorm). I can highly recommend Moholt to any exchange student because it makes your stay in Trondheim so much more enjoyable. First of all, the dorm rooms are very modern and well equipped. I lived in a 4-bedroom-apartment with three other students with shared kitchen and bathroom. The apartment had two big fridges, an oven with induction cooktop and a microwave – so well suited for cooking with friends. One big disadvantage is that the personal (bed)rooms are not equipped with a mattress. You either have to buy a new one (there is a furniture store right across the street) or get one from students who are leaving (there are Facebook and WhatsApp groups to organize buying and selling used stuff). Furthermore, there is a thing called Re:Store at Moholt where you can get used furniture and other household items for free which where donated by other students. In return, you can donate your used stuff when you leave. In case you need outdoor/hiking/sports equipment, you can go to the Bumerang store (also located at Moholt) where you can lend almost everything needed for outdoor activities (backpacks, skis, tents, …) without cost.
However, the best part of Moholt in my opinion is the Loftet. The Loftet is a common room located in the center of the village opened every day. It is equipped with tables where you can work as well as a lot of sofas where you can just relax. You can get a free cup of coffee or tea, pick one of a great variety of board games or play table tennis or video games on a PS5. The Loftet is run by very friendly volunteering students who work for Sit (the welfare organization for students) and can help you with almost anything. There are several recurring events, such as movie nights, quizzes, jam sessions, guided hiking tours etc. So, when you don’t know what to do – just go to the Loftet. The chances you’ll meet new interesting people and be involved in funny activities are quite high. It’s worth mentioning that the community at Moholt is very international.
Regarding the cost of living, the amount of money provided by the ERASMUS+ scholarship (750 €) was sufficient. The rent was approximately 400 euros (costs for internet and electricity are included). A six-months-ticket for the public transport costs about 250 euros. The food prices are extremely high compared to most other European countries. Especially basic groceries (water, milk, butter, cheese, vegetables) cost twice as much as in Germany. What’s also expensive is any close contact service, e.g. eating at a restaurant or going to the barber. Yet, if you are person who basically spends his or her money only (or mainly) on necessary things (groceries, toiletries, stationery, …) you will get along well with 750 € a month. If, on the other hand, you like to get take-away food often, go to clubs, bars, cinemas weekly, enjoy frequent shopping trips or have an expensive hobby, you might exceed the monthly stipend.
Everyday life / the internship
Paying bills in Norway works (almost) completely cashless. I have never held a Norwegian bank note in my hand, credit cards (or NFC-enabled smartphones) are accepted basically everywhere. Therefore, you should get a credit card that doesn’t charge fees for paying in foreign currency. Alternatively, you can link your PayPal account with Google Wallet. By doing that you also avoid those extra fees. Most Norwegians are fluent in English which makes communicating in everyday life very easy.
Since Trondheim is located quite northern on the globe the transition period from winter to summer is quite short. When I arrived in January the temperature was -13°C in the evening. There was a lot of snow until the beginning of April and the sun set very early (before 4:30 pm). Though from mid-April on there was a rapid change and in May temperatures sometimes went beyond 25°C and the sun did not set before 11 pm. So even when you finished working late, you could enjoy some hours of free time outside.
Working on my thesis was difficult in the first few weeks (and months to be honest). Since I had not applied for an advertised thesis a major, time-consuming part of my stay at NTNU was to formulate a research question which was relevant to both ‘sides’ (German and Norwegian). My Norwegian supervisor was actually the professor himself, who obviously has a tighter schedule than research assistants, which is why I did not meet him every week. The NTNU provides open offices at the campus particularly reserved for students. Unfortunately, the university cafeterias are extremely expensive (a meal costs 3-4 times as much as in Germany) which is why I worked from ‘home’ most of the time so that I was able to cook my own lunch.
Free time / tips
© Nils Baur
When you stay in Norway for a longer period, it is definitely worth experiencing the beautiful nature of the country. A great way to do that is going on a hike and staying overnight in one of the many cabins which NTNU owns. The cabins are neither equipped with electricity nor running water, to keep it warm you chop some wood and put it into the oven that is present in every cabin. Anything else – food, drinks, sleeping bags etc. – you must bring yourself. Although this may sound a little scary at the beginning, it really offers a cool and unique experience. Some cabins are located on a lake, some come with a sauna and above all you get a great view of the landscape.
From my experience, one might feel a little overwhelmed at first by all the opportunities to spend your free time. A good strategy is to start by joining the trips guided by the Sit students (starting at Loftet) to find out what kind of trip or activity suits you.
With the regard to writing a master thesis abroad, I’d recommend the following:
1) Align your stay in Norway with the semester cycle. That allows you to get a place in one of the student villages with all the benefits mentioned above.
2) If possible, find an advertised thesis with a (more or less) predefined research question. That will reduce the amount of required communication and coordination between your internal (your home university) and external (Norwegian) supervisor.
3) Draft a schedule for the different tasks of your thesis together with your supervisors. Think about what input you need from which supervisor (internal or external).
4) If you’re stuck at some point, don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor for help.
Conclusion
Trondheim is a great place to study. The people I have met there were extremely friendly without exception. The student welfare organization Sit provides a very comfortable living environment. It is important to take care of administrative stuff early enough (finding a topic and a supervisor, register as an exchange student, find housing, apply for ERASMUS funding, get adequate insurance). Yet, if you are facing problems during your stay there are many people and institutions who can help you. Personally, I would do some things differently in retrospect, nevertheless, I am very grateful for having made the experience.
Internship in the Republic of Northmacedonia
- Practical Year in Medicine
- Republic of Northmacedonia, Skopje
- University Clinic for Dermatovenerology
- 01/2023 – 03/2023
My experiences:
Preparation: To organize this internship was fairly easy. The person responsible at the university is very responsive and very organized. Within two days, I had the acceptance from the department of dermatology. Once you are accepted, start preparing for the visa. It’s nearly impossible to reach the embassy in Berlin via phone and I recommend to prepare all documents and then go there directly. They will then tell you if something is missing. Just a hint here: The criminal record needs to have an apostille and you will need to translate all documents into Macedonian. If you translate it from English, you can reach out to official translators in Macedonia. They are very reliable and work quickly.
To bring: You should bring scrubs, a coat and a stethoscope, etc. As a nice gesture, do not forget to bring some souvenirs from your city.
Language: I was amazed by the advanced level of English the general population has. As they do not dub their movies, nearly everybody understands English and speaks it. However, I recommend making an effort to learn Macedonian. A great book to learn it is ‘Macedonian: A Course for Beginning and Intermediate Students’ by Christina E. Kramer and Liljana Mitkovska.
Health: While technically the European insurance card is valid, I recommend getting a private health insurance. Prices for consultancies are affordable and you will not wait longer than a few days to see a specialist. I went to the dentist here and I got an appointment within one day. The quality of care in the private sector is very good.
Safety: Macedonia and Skopje are very safe. Even when walking through the city at night alone, I never felt unsafe.
Money: In most places you can pay cash or by card. It’s good to always have some additional cash with you as some places – especially in the rural areas – do not accept card payment. If you have an apobank credit card, use the atms from Hallbank. They do not charge any fee.
Shopping: The cost of food in the supermarkets is comparable to Germany. However, going out to eat is considerably cheaper and activities such as going to the ballet/opera cost around 5€.
Transportation: Skopje has very cute double decker busses which are well connected. However, as I lived close to the hospital, I walked there. As the city center is quite small, most of the major sights and places are in walking distance. If you plan to travel within Macedonia, check out the bus companies at the bus station. At very reasonable prices you can go nearly everywhere. Biserprom is a bus company that offers weekend or single day travels. Check out their Facebook page. I went to Mavrovo (a great ski resort) and back for 5€.
Communication: As Northern Macedonia is not part of the EU-roaming packages, you will need to buy a separate SIM card. I recommend choosing A1, which has monthly packages for 300MKD (approx. 5€) 20GB. The internet connection with the mobile phone is super stable and coverage is great. Even when hiking, I never lost network.
Accommodation: To find a flat, have a look at AirBnB, Facebook (group: Skopje expats) and reklama5. In general, prices for a flat should be around 200-300€ – you can of course find cheaper rooms in the outskirts. I lived in Kisela Voda, which was a great and quiet neighbourhood.
Travel and arrival: There are numerous air- and buslines that go to Skopje. I travelled with bus (32h drive) for approximately 100€. While they do take breaks every 1-2hours, it is not the most comfortable way to travel. If you decide to go by plane, you can take a taxi or a bus which runs every 3-4h to the city.
Work routine: The mornings start with a short round of patient visits and then a morning meeting with all staff at 08:00. Afterwards, you continue to see the patients together with the specialists. On Wednesdays, all staff does a round together to see all patients. After the morning round, you can choose which specialist you want to join. Most doctors are happy to explain everything to you while they treat the patients, which is very helpful to understand the conditions of each patient.
Free time: Skopje is a great place to be in the nature and hike. In walking distance from Skopje center, there is Vodno mountain which offers a great view of the city. Near Skopje, there is the Matka canyon which features underwater caves whose depths haven’t yet been explored fully. The Vrelo cave is with its explored 240m already one of the deepest caves in Europe and the world. Another place worth an excursion is Ohrid, a beautiful city three hours south of Skopje. It is bordering the lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world. In Ohrid, there were 365 churches/chapels – one for each day of the year. While not all still exist, there is a significant amount of them one can explore. If you are less into nature, have a look at the numerous great coffee bars Skopje offers. At nearly any time, you can see people chatting and drinking coffee there. The old bazar is also a must see.
My practical year in St. Johann in Tirol, Austria
- Medicine
- Austria, St. Johann in Tirol
- Bezirkskrankenhaus St. Johann in Tirol, department of “Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie”
- 11/2022 – 01/2023
© Angela Kurz
Preparation
I applied around ten months before the start of the Practical Year (called Praktisches Jahr (PJ) in Germany or Klinisch Praktisches Jahr (KPJ) in Austria). However, most places at the hospital “Bezirkskrankenhaus St. Johann in Tirol” are already taken one and a half to two years in advance, so it makes sense to call first and ask if there are still places available. The contact person is the “Sekretariat Ärztliche Direktion”, whose contact details can be found on the hospital’s website. They will also tell you which documents you need for the application. The hospital is a teaching hospital of the Universities of Innsbruck and Vienna. I would recommend contacting Ms. Lemos, the coordinator for study abroad of the medical faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, in time for necessary formalities.
Accommodation
There is a house right next to the hospital where students who are interns at the hospital can stay for free. Each student has their own room and bathroom. The kitchen is shared and is a great meeting place for communal meals and game nights. You also get free breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the hospital. However, the number of rooms is limited, so you should register for this in time. Since there wasn’t a room available at first, I lived in an apartment in the neighbouring town for the first two weeks. Then I was able to move into the student house for the remaining time. I would recommend checking regularly with the secretary’s office, as there are often vacancies in the house at short notice. I found support in finding a private apartment at the secretary of the hospital and the tourism association (Tourismusverband St. Johann in Tirol), each of which sent me a list of contact details of private landlords via e-mail.
Traineeship
On the first day of my internship, I had some organisational tasks to do: I reported to the secretary’s office, received work clothes, a staff ID card, and keys. Then I introduced myself to the surgical department. The working day began daily at 7.15 a.m. with the morning meeting. Afterwards, we medical students took some blood samples on the ward or assisted in the operating theatre. The rest of the time we accompanied the doctors in the surgical outpatient department. The day ended around 4 pm after the X-ray discussion and the ward rounds – on Fridays, usually a little earlier. As a medical student at the hospital in St. Johann, you do two night shifts a month, one during the week from 4 pm until the next morning and one on the weekend. The tasks include taking blood samples, setting up intravenous lines and assisting in the operating theatre if necessary or helping in the emergency room. I would recommend rotating also to orthopaedics/trauma surgery as part of the surgical tertial if possible.
© Angela Kurz
Free time
The region around St. Johann in Tirol is situated in the middle of the mountains and offers many great leisure opportunities. There are many ski resorts nearby, e.g. St. Johann itself, Kitzbühel, Saalbach/Hinterglemm or Ellmau/Scheffau. In some of them you even get a discount with your employee ID card! In other seasons, of course, there are also wonderful hikes to be done. The cities of Kitzbühel, Innsbruck and Salzburg are also not far away. In December, the Kitzbühel Christmas Market is definitely worth a visit!
Conclusion
I really enjoyed my time in St. Johann in Tirol and can recommend a PJ tertial in this great area. I made many new friends, and we made great memories together in the hospital and during our weekends in the mountains.
Getting to know a different culture
- Mechanical Engineering B.Sc.
- France, Signy L’Abbaye
- Beuret Sarl
- 09/22 – 12/22
My internship in France
The company I worked for produces agricultural equipment and steel structures for buildings. Since the company moved to a new location recently, they needed new custom equipment like tool cart for storing and moving heavy tools. I spent the majority of my time developing, designing in the office and manufacturing this equipment in the factory. Having the responsibility for those projects and completing them was a truly rewarding experience.
Even though I did not work on the division of the company that was responsible for the buildings they let me go on the respective construction sites a few times during my stay. Although this was not at all part of my internship, I still enjoyed discovering the big machines and assembly techniques they used to join the massive components that were previously prepared in the factory.
Working in a small company (about 10 persons in total) helped me to get to know all the people very quickly. I had a great relationship with both the employees and the supervisors from the beginning on which made my time in the company really enjoyable.
I worked a total of 40 hours a week which is not necessarily typical in France. Many people only work 35 hours. This makes room for other activities after work. Also, the meals have a much greater importance than in other European countries. Lots of companies have 60 to 90-minute lunch breaks and it is common for grocery stores and other shops to close during midday. But many stores make up for this by opening their doors on Sunday morning.
© Dimitri Robert
Luckily, on Fridays I only worked till 12 pm which made it possible to plan longer activities for the weekend. I tried to discover as much as possible of the “Champagne” region. It’s especially known for its production of champagne and its vineyards.
On another occasion I had the opportunity to travel to the beaches of the Normandy and admire the breath-taking landscape. These places are not only beautiful but also have an undeniably interesting historic relevance.
Travelling to these different destinations by train is difficult and takes a lot of time. In addition, the company I worked for was situated in a very rural area. So, having a car was a necessity in this region of the country.
© Dimitri Robert
Something you need to get used to when you live in France are long and late dinners. Most of the time, they start with the well-known “apéro” where you have a few drinks and snacks before beginning to eat your meal. I really enjoyed those convivial evenings. I also observed that drinking wine at dinner was a lot more common than in Germany. Even a lot of young people enjoy drinking a glass of wine instead of beer. In general, the locals are proud of their local wine and especially champagne.
Helpful information
Good news is my phone worked without any issue thanks to EU-Roaming. On the other hand, German mobile network operators have put in place a limit of months that you can spend abroad. Exceeding this time limit will result in them charging you extra roaming fees. Luckily, many French carriers provide very generous offers for the first year of contract. Combined with a pricing that is generally much lower than in Germany, getting a mobile plan with a lot or even unlimited data becomes very affordable. Your mobile plan can even replace Wi-Fi. So, if you plan on staying more than a few months in France, I would definitely recommend getting a French mobile plan.
Same thing goes for your bank account and credit card. You should check with your bank if the card you plan on using works abroad. Opening a bank account was not necessary for me but it made withdrawing money free of charge and receiving my salary was also easier this way.
Keeping in mind that finding a fitting internship and going through the application process would take a bit longer than in my home country, I started to plan my stay more than 6 months ahead. This gave me enough time to prepare everything properly and I would recommend this to anyone who wants to go abroad. All in all, my internship abroad was a great experience for me. Getting to know a different culture and improving my language skills while completing a mandatory part of my curriculum was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to do so.
My internship in Bilbao
- Business Administration and Engineering M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering
- Spain, Bilbao
- FEV Iberia SI
- 10.10.2022-15.01.2023
Preparation:
When it comes to preparing for a stay in Bilbao, the most important thing is housing. In general, finding a place to live in Bilbao is not as stressful as in other cities. The best place to look for housing is “idealista”, a Spanish online real-estate marketplace. Prices obviously differ, but finding adequate housing for around 500 Euro/month is possible. Especially, when you can communicate in Spanish and also stay for at least half a year. Also, there are Erasmus Telegram and Whatsapp groups (you can find them on Instagram or in the Internet) where rooms are offered as well. Besides to look for housing, this is also a great way to make first contacts in the city. Another important preparation would be to look for health insurance. I had the luck that it was organized by the company.
Finding an internship:
In my case, I was a working student in the Aachen Office of the company I then worked for in Bilbao. Generally, going for an international company is the easiest way to find an internship abroad and that’s also how most people I talked to did it. Especially, when you are not fluent in Spanish, a regular local company will be tough to convince to take you.
Culture:
Most people have been to parts of Spain before, so I guess a Culture shock is not to be expected in
© Lukas Tacke Genannt Unterberg
that case. However, Bilbao is part of the former Basque-county. Even if it is technically Spain, the people are often quite proud of their heritage. Some might take it as an insult, if you call them Spaniards. Additionally, the Basque language is very prominent. You will hear it on the streets and read it a lot on signs. It is very different from Spanish, so don’t be fooled thinking it is just some form of dialect you might be able to understand! All in all I must say, people were very welcoming and most of the time happy to help and communicate, even if there isn’t actually a common language between you. The level of English capabilities is very low in that area, so basics in Spanish or Basque can be very helpful.
Day to day life:
Coming from the culture, food plays a very significant role there. Pintxos (A slice of bread with ANY savory toping you can think of) might be the most prominent one. You can take them for lunch or in the evening with some drinks. Since the city is next to the ocean, fish and other seafoods are integrated in a lot of dishes. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, it might be hard for you. In more traditional restaurants the vegetarian dish is just a salad or something along that line, so you might want to go to more modern places.
When it comes to going out in the night, Bilbao has a lot to offer. Especially in the casco Viejo (old town) the bar density is very high. But also throughout other parts of the city, you will always find a nice place to grab a beer or a Kalimotxo (popular Basque drink, red wine with cola) and some Pintxos. The club landscape is definitely more restricted. For most clubs, you have to love reggeaton, since it will be played the whole night. But there are also some clubs, where the music choices are more diverse (strong recommend for “Sala Sonora” for Saturdays).
© Lukas Tacke Genannt Unterberg
Public transport is ridiculously cheap and easy in Bilbao. You go to any bigger metro station and buy a “Barik Card”, on which you then can load money. From then on, you just touch-and-go for trains, buses and the metro for prices mostly below 50 cents per ride. The metro also goes all the way to the ocean. Plentzia and Sopella are the beaches reachable by metro I recommend the most. If you want to explore the area, for hikes or to visit other towns nearby, going by bus (Asta or bizkaibus) is a very good option. Most beautiful places I have seen are: San Sebastian, Gangekogorta and the Urdaibai area.
When it comes to work life, in my case it was very similar to my experiences in German companies. Similar working hours, with maybe a longer lunch break and in my case an amazing office climate. My co-workers were always happy to help with tasks or problems at work, but also with recommendations what to do in the area on weekends or which restaurant to go to.
My experiences in the Netherlands
- Biomedical Engineering M.Sc.
- Netherlands, Utrecht
- UMC Utrecht
- 01.06.2022 – 16.11.2022
Preparation:
To give myself some headroom to deal with the difficult housing market, I started looking for positions about nine months before the planned starting date. By the time I had found a position it was just four months to the starting date so that also had some implications on the available options in the housing market. A lot of general information pages about going abroad in the Netherlands recommend housing agencies like SSH to find student or some form of affordable housing. However, some of these agencies rely on a long waiting list, where it is more likely to get a housing offer the longer you are on the list. So, if you are running low on time, you can probably skip these options and look for alternatives, which saves you money in the process. This is another peculiarity of the Dutch housing market. While the German housing market is fairly accessible through online portals where you can see most of the available housing for free, the Dutch housing market is essentially locked behind a paywall, where most services require a subscription to contact any of the landlords. I found housing through the university hospital, which was by far the cheapest option compared to the private market. I was also required to make an appointment with the municipality for the registration purpose well in advance. I was able to get an appointment about four weeks away from the date I was looking on.
Commuting:
The Dutch system called OV-chipkaart makes commuting easy. It is essentially a prepaid (or bank account linked) public transport ticket which allows you to take every bus or train by simply checking in at the station or in the bus when you get on and checking out when you leave. It may be a little intimidating at first because you are always second guessing yourself if you have checked out correctly, but you can also register your chipkaart in the NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) App where you can check your latest chipcard activities. You can either order a personalized (bank account linked) card online, which takes about two weeks, or get a prepaid one at your local supermarket like Albert Heijn or Jumbo. I took the prepaid option which was still very comfortable because recharging stations are readily available at all train or bus stations and even some other locations like supermarkets. However, commuting by bus may become a noticeable financial burden because every trip you take has a flat base fee plus a per kilometre fee. Especially the base fee becomes very noticeable on short distances common inside the city.
With all of that said though, the obvious choice for commuting in the Netherlands is naturally the bike. Especially in Utrecht the bike infrastructure is exceptional. There are well maintained bike paths and bike storage everywhere which makes commuting by bike a treat. I took my bike from Aachen to Utrecht by train which is easy via the NS intercities.
Every-day life/internship:
Life in the Netherlands isn’t really all that different from life in Germany. Supermarket prices are a bit more expensive in some categories but are generally comparable to the ones you would fine here. This also applies to your average take out service, where a decent portion of fries will set you back about 3 € and a high-quality pizza is about 10 €. Payment services are also a non-issue in the Netherlands if you have a German debit card. There are very few places, if any, where you will encounter the need for cash because everything is paid by card, and I haven’t had any issues with my debit card (no extra fees or anything).
The Dutch working culture is also kind of similar but one thing I have encountered during my stay is that they put less emphasize on the lunch break. The lunch breaks were generally quite short (often just shy of 30 minutes) and primarily focused on food consumption. However, this may be attributed to the group I was working in. My internship was in the neuro engineering department of the Medical Centre Utrecht, which was a very international and highly goal oriented, so I spent a lot of time working.
Utrecht as a city also offers great recreational opportunities in forms of parks and proximity to farms around the campus. I regularly took strolls along the fields after work. If you take a bike, there are also a lot of historical landmarks within reach, including a lot of different forts and castles.
Conclusion:
While the housing situation and cost of living may be a little overwhelming in the beginning, the Dutch culture is very approachable and welcoming. The country offers a great experience in terms of travel, be it by bike or by public transport, which was a welcome change from the car centrist life in Germany. The university hospital in Utrecht is very well equipped and offers knowledge in a wide range of topics.