Schlagwort: ‘Master’
My Internship in Athens
- Engineering Geohazards M.Sc.
- Greece, Athens
- Agricultural University of Athens
- 03/2025 – 06/2025
When I first decided, that I wanted to spend some months during my studies in Greece, I was very overwhelmed with the organisation. Luckily, throughout my academic career I was able to already make some contacts to academic staff at Agricultural University in Athens. These people were very willing to host me as an intern in their department for a few months. Hence, I was lucky in finding an internship place relatively fast.
The next challenge then was to find accommodation. I did not know what I was looking for really. I only knew that I definitely did not want to live on my own but in a shared flat, to be able to make new contacts and friends quickly. Most online resources and friends of mine who had already lived in Greece longerterm, suggested to check Facebook groups to find listings of rooms in shared apartments. Whilst this was a good suggestion and I also contacted some of the listings, I kept being fearful of scams. I had heard a lot about scamming in Greece (which to this day, I have never experienced myself. Probably, this is only a bad stereotype of the Greek). This is why I then opted for renting a room through the platform ‘Housinganywhere’. I was very lucky in finding a room in a shared apartment in a very central location (Exarchia). When I moved in, I was very excited to meet my flatmates because I had no idea who I would be living with for the next three months. However, I was very lucky to be sharing the apartment with a 25 year old German and a 23 year old Romanian. We quickly became friends and explored our new home together.
I had previously been to Greece either for vacation or for work trips several times and always perceived the living expenses to be incredibly low. However, I must withdraw this statement. Now, that I have spent so much time in Athens, I must say that living expenses are nearly equal to those in Germany (Aachen). Whilst some produce like fresh fruit and vegetables or public transport were shockingly cheap, other expenses like rent, groceries, toiletries etc. were just as expensive as they are in Germany. Obviously, Athens as a large town and the capital of Greece, is rather expensive in comparison to other Greek cities. However, this left me wondering, how the typical Greek person can manage to live in Athens with the normal Greek salary.
My everyday-life in Athens was mostly dominated by the 40 hours per week that I spent inside the university working. Whilst I got to know many other Erasmus students and other Internationals, I was mostly surrounded by Greek people at work. I felt this to be a very enriching experience since I was able to learn a lot about the Greek mentality, lifestyle and mindset only through my working hours. Outside my work, I spent most of my time with other international student and/or my flatmates. Together, we tried to navigate life in Athens without getting lost in this busy city. In our free time, we naturally spent most of our time outside, in parks or on the beach. Living so close to the sea and being able to spontaneously decide to go swim in the ocean felt like a huge privilege to me.
Additionally, I tried to explore as much of Greece outside of Athens as I could. Through a thousand different options of transportation – busses, trains, trams, metros, rental cars, … – I was able to explore many remote areas as well as urban areas within Greece. These included Kalamata, Gerolimenas, Methoni, Glyfada, Korinth, Koroni and many more. In addition to that, I also really fell in love with the ancient history of Greece and spent time visiting archaeological sites like the Akrokorinth or the Delphi oracle and also the monasteries of Meteora.
If I could, I would advise everyone who thinks about spending time abroad, to consider choosing Greece. Whilst the language might seem difficult and the life in Greece seems to be busy and chaotic, it is also an incredibly beautiful country full of lovely people, delicious food, rich history, beautiful landscapes – and of course many cute cats. I have felt very welcome wherever I went in Greece, with numerous Greeks being able to even speak some German to me. The Greek people were always happy to include me in their culture and life, introduce me to their local food and traditions and make me feel at home.
Writing my Master’s Thesis in Kraków
- Physics M.Sc.
- Poland, Kraków
- Uniwersytet Jagielloński
- 09/2024 – 06/2025
1. Application/Finding an internship
I became aware of the Erasmus+ internship because I wanted to return to the research group where I had already written my Bachelor’s thesis for my Master’s thesis. Unfortunately, it was not possible to write my Master’s thesis there. The group leader therefore suggested that I ask one of the cooperation groups in Lübeck or Krakow whether they could offer me an internship to write my thesis there. So that’s what I did.
I chose Krakow because I had already studied in Aachen for a few years and wanted to get to know another country. I had also wanted to learn a Slavic language for a long time, so Poland was an obvious choice.
The application process was quite straightforward overall, as I already had contacts in Krakow. The whole thing was quick and easy to organize, especially as the local group was happy to provide support. It was therefore not necessary for my university to help me find an internship; I was supported by my former research group.
2. Accomodation & Living expenses
During my stay in Krakow, I lived in an apartment that I looked for myself. However, it wasn’t easy to find an apartment, as most of the platforms are in Polish. If you only speak English, the choice is much more limited. So I was all the luckier: I found a well-located apartment that was in good condition. My landlord had also grown up in the USA and spoke fluent English, which made things a lot easier.
It is generally more difficult to find a suitable apartment in English. Many offers that are suitable for international students are either very outdated (e.g. apartments with a coal stove in the living room) or simply overpriced.
The cost of living in Krakow is generally lower than in Aachen. As far as food is concerned, I would say that the prices are roughly comparable to Germany. However, eating out is much cheaper and leisure activities are also usually affordable. Public transportation is well developed. However, there is no equivalent to the Deutschland-Ticket for students – instead you get a 51% discount on tickets.
3. Everyday life/ the internship
During the week, I went to university to work on my Master’s thesis. I also took some courses at the Jagiellonian University, which were not directly part of the Erasmus program, but were of great interest to me. The atmosphere at the university was very pleasant, open and collegial. There were only occasional minor problems in the administrative area, as not all staff speak fluent English. In such cases, I had to rely on the support of my supervisor, who helped me a lot.
In terms of content, I worked with neural networks as part of my Master’s thesis. Roughly speaking, the aim of the research group is to develop a detector that can be used in the field of proton therapy, a precise form of radiotherapy for cancer, in order to improve the accuracy of the treatment. In the process, I gained a lot of new knowledge, especially in the areas of machine learning, data structures and the application of ROOT, a widely used data analysis framework in physics.
The collaboration with my colleagues on site was relaxed and pleasant, which made the work much easier. The main language of communication in the lab and in the office was English, as Polish is quite a demanding language and I couldn’t speak much myself yet. Nevertheless, I took the opportunity to learn a little Polish to help me settle into everyday life.
4. Free time/tips
In my free time in Krakow, I had an incredible number of opportunities to be active and enjoy nature. Right next to the campus is a disused quarry with crystal-clear water, a popular place for swimming and relaxing. You can also climb the surrounding rock faces nearby. In general, the region around Krakow offers many opportunities for climbing, as the so-called “Polish Jura” stretches between Krakow and Częstochowa, a limestone mountain range with an impressive landscape.
In addition to climbing, I also went on several hikes. I found it particularly exciting that there are officially designated places in Poland where you can camp in the countryside. This means you can go on longer hikes at the weekend and spend the night in the forest along the way. There are also a number of caves in the area to explore.
In terms of social life, I was very lucky to meet many international people, some of whom were Erasmus students, but also others who live or study in Krakow independently of the exchange program. As a result, I have built up a broad international network. The students at the university are mostly of Polish origin, but among the doctoral students there are many from South Asia, and I met some very nice people from India and Iran.
5. Conclusion
I take an incredible amount from my time in Krakow, both professionally and personally. On the one hand, I was able to work on exactly the research project I was interested in and gain valuable experience in the field of machine learning and detector physics. On the other hand, I started learning Polish and immersed myself in the culture.
I have not regretted the decision to go to Poland for a second, on the contrary: I am happier here than in any other place I have lived before. So much so that I have decided to stay in Krakow for a while after I graduate.
I can recommend an Erasmus+ internship without reservation, not only to learn something new professionally, but also to step out of your comfort zone, gain new perspectives and make international contacts. You learn a lot in a very short time when you suddenly move to another country with a different language where you hardly know anyone. Especially with regard to your own career, such a stay abroad can be enormously valuable, and this experience definitely looks good on your CV.
Writing my Master’s Thesis at the UCL
- Environmental Engineering M.Sc.
- United Kingdom, London
- University College London
- 09/2024 – 03/2025
Application
In January 2024, I applied to AVT (Aachener Verfahrenstechnik) at RWTH for an external master’s thesis at University College London (UCL). The AVT offers not only Erasmus places for process engineering students, but also external master’s theses at partner universities. I was particularly interested in topics related to fuel cells and water electrolysis, and looking through the partner universities I found out that I could combine research in this field with living in one of my favourite cities in Europe! After my successful application to AVT, I was put in contact with the exchange student coordinator at UCL’s Department of Chemical Engineering to find a topic and a supervisor. From UCL side, I had to apply as an undergraduate exchange student to be part of the official exchange student programme, even though I wouldn’t be taking any courses but would be working full-time in the labs. For this application I had to take an IELTS language test and submit a letter of recommendation, which was provided by the Erasmus team at AVT. After an online interview with one of the Associate Professors of the Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL), I decided on a preliminary topic for the thesis. Once these steps were completed, I was able to apply for my Erasmus+ internship grant and my UK visa.
Accomodation & Cost of Living
As much as I love London, finding affordable accommodation can be challenging. UCL offers accommodation in the university’s halls to first year and exchange students. Accommodation in the halls is much more expensive than renting a room in Aachen, but still a good price for London. As I had already lived in London for an exchange semester during my undergraduate degree, I was not eligible for halls accommodation and spent my first two weeks in London looking for private accommodation. Especially in September a lot of people are on the lookout for a room as the university year is just starting. For my search I used Facebook groups and a website called Spareroom. Often rooms can only be rented on a yearly basis and for council tax reasons it is easiest for students to find accommodation in shared flats with other students. As well as finding rooms to rent, you can also use Spareroom to get in touch with other people who are looking for rooms. I went to a few flat viewings with a group of UCL students I had met through Spareroom. We didn’t end up renting together, but we remained friends for the rest of my time in London. The room I rented in the end was a six-month sublet in Camden and cost £950 a month. The area was great to live in (my favourite spot is Regents Canal) and I was spared many hot, stuffy and expensive tube rides as I could take the bus to UCL ☺️
Not only the rent, but the cost of living in general is a lot higher than in Aachen. Public transport is expensive, especially the tube if you use it regularly at peak times. Food in the UCL cantine costs ~£6 per meal (I always meal prepped as most of the students did). Also, there was a Lidl close to UCL where I usually did my shopping as the food is very reasonably priced there. There is an endless amount of things to do in a city like London. While eating out or going to the pubs will cost you a small fortune there are also things that can be done for free, as for example many of the museums. I can recommend the British museum which is just down the road from UCL, making it possible to visit the Rosetta stone during a lunch break.
Master’s Thesis in the EIL Labs
On a day-to-day basis, I arrived at UCL around 9am and started working in the EIL labs. Mostly PhD students and research fellows work in the EIL labs and from the beginning I was part of the team and shared an office with the group. Compared to my previous research experience in AVT, I worked much more independently with different PhD students helping me where my research overlapped with theirs. I had a lot of freedom in where to go with my Master’s thesis, which was a very valuable experience, but also challenging at times. The labs and the work were sometimes a little less structured than I was used to in Aachen. However, everyone there was very helpful, especially in the first few weeks and when I was collecting my equipment, which was very valuable. Even though I was there for a Master’s thesis, I was treated like a PhD student, with bi-weekly meetings with one of the academic leaders of the group. I was not the only international visiting the EIL labs, there were two PhD students on a six-month visit for the same period as my Master’s thesis. Towards the end of my stay, another Masters student joined the EIL group for a research project. Overall, I felt very welcome in the group and even though I was the only one doing a Master’s thesis, it felt very easy to connect and spend time with the others both inside and outside of the labs.
Life at UCL & in London
Needless to say, living in London is amazing! Over the course of my Master’s thesis I always took the weekends oft to enjoy the city. There is so much to do and even though I have spent 6 months doing all the touristy and not so touristy stuff, I still have things on my list. One of my favourite activities in London is to just walk around the streets or drive around in the red double decker busses as there is always something interesting to see.
Something I particularly enjoyed about studying at UCL is the societies. UCL has a very vibrant student community, and everyone can be part of it. When I went to the society fair at the beginning of my stay, I learned that there is a society for every hobby imaginable (ranging from a Taylor Swift Society to the Bubble Tea Society). I decided to join the Dance Society, the Hiking Society and the Photography Society (joining is very easy, you just need to pay ~£10 at the beginning of the semester to become a member). Joining the societies meant my calendar was full of social events from week one, but of course it took a bit longer to actually get to know the people in the societies. The society I enjoyed the most in the end was the Photography Society. How often do you get the chance to meet up with models (students from the modelling society) in a park in the middle of London and do a spring photo shoot as an amateur photographer?
Conclusion
The past six months have been incredibly intense, full of visits from old friends while making new friends. I had a steep learning curve academically through working more independently than I have before but also got the chance to dive into a more creative world through the societies and meet people who study something completely different from me. All of this in the setting of a huge and chaotic, yet also very beautiful city. Even though it took a lot of time to prepare and was an expensive time abroad, I am very glad I spent these six months in London ♡
Master Thesis in Finland in Winter – Is That Something for You?
- Product Development M.Sc.
- Finland, Oulu
- Oulun Yliopisto
- 11/2024 – 05/2025
Hello,
my name is Eileen, and I’d like to tell you a bit about my time here in Finland and hopefully inspire you to come and experience Finnish nature during wintertime.
I wanted to write my Master’s thesis in Oulu because my Finnish boyfriend lives and works there. I had already visited Oulu a few times during different seasons. Typically, the snowy season lasts from around November to May, but of course, this can vary quite a bit from year to year. Winters here are much darker and colder than in Germany, but I guess that doesn’t surprise anyone. It can get extremely cold – temperatures of -20°C are quite common in Oulu, since it’s only about 200 km south of the Arctic Circle. This means that in December, the sun barely rises at all, but on clear days, you can sometimes see a beautiful pink sky in the late afternoon.
I used to think I didn’t like winter, but winter in Oulu is very different compared to North Rhine-Westphalia. There are many fun winter activities like ice skating, skiing, and of course: sauna, which make this season really enjoyable. Most Finnish schools have ice rinks in winter that are free to use – you just need your own skates. Oulu also has many cross-country skiing trails that are maintained by the city. These are free to use and usually run through the forest. One side of the trail is prepared for classic skiing, and the rest can be used for skate skiing. I believe it’s also possible to rent skis, although I haven’t tried that yet. Another good option is to check out Finland’s version of eBay, called Tori, for used equipment. If you’re into downhill skiing, there are several ski centers a few hours away from Oulu that you can reach by car. Having a car in winter can be very useful. Finnish cars usually have studded winter tires, and parking spots often have outlets to plug in car heaters that warm up the engine before you drive. It is possible to bring your own car to Finland, but you should feel confident driving in winter conditions and make sure to get proper Finnish winter tires.
There are a lot of saunas in Finland, and it’s very likely that your apartment building will have a shared sauna that you can book. If not, going to a swimming hall is a good and affordable alternative – the sauna is usually included in the entrance fee. There are also river saunas where you can try ice swimming! If you’re more into indoor activities, Oulu also has climbing gyms and a trampoline hall. And of course, winter is the season to hunt for the Northern Lights, especially from November to March. They can be stunning, but you might have to wait a few weeks for clear skies. You can use a Northern Lights app to track when and where they might appear. Do not be disappointed, they always look brighter in pictures than in real life. Oulu also has an ice hockey team called Kärpät, and going to a game is definitely worth it! There are many beautiful national parks you can visit, such as the Little Bear’s Trail, which is lovely year-round but gets crowded on summer weekends because it’s the most popular trail in Finland. A bit closer to Oulu is Syöte National Park, which is easier to reach by car, though I think buses are available too. Many national parks have free huts where you can sleep, and you can check the maps on the Luontoon website. Depending on your route, it can be helpful to have snowshoes for winter hiking, or you can use skis if you have them.
Public transportation in Oulu is available, but the city also maintains its bike lanes year-round, so if you’re comfortable biking in the snow – as many Finns are – you can do that too. You can even get winter tires for your bike for better grip.
There aren’t many big cities near Oulu, but you can take a train north to Rovaniemi to visit Santa Claus. A few hours south by train is Tampere, a large city by Finnish standards. You can also visit the Ranua Zoo, which has many animals native to Finland.
Oulu itself has only a few sights in the city center, and half a day is enough to see them all (such as the policeman statue, the market hall, the main church, the free city museum, and the harbor). In winter, you can even walk on the frozen Baltic Sea, which connects some of the islands to the mainland. At the moment many sights are under construction, because Oulu is will be the European Capital of Culture of 2026.
Culture
The Finnish people I’ve met so far have been very open and friendly. While people in Nordic countries are often said to be more reserved – which is true to some extent – joining a sports club is a great way to meet locals. I joined the fencing club in Oulu, and they’ve been super friendly and welcoming, they also welcome beginners.
In general, people here are more relaxed than in Germany, and you usually thank the staff when leaving a store, which I really like. Because of the long dark winters, alcohol consumption is more strictly regulated than in Germany and also more expensive. Beer and low-alcohol drinks can be bought in supermarkets before 9 p.m., but for stronger alcohol, you have to go to a special store.
Language
No need to speak Finnish at all – English of course is enough here in Finland!
Living Costs and Organization
I sent my CV and a cover letter to the University of Oulu to find a thesis position in the mechanical engineering department. One of the professors then set up an online interview, and that was all I needed for the application process. After that, I searched for a supervising institute at RWTH, which was very easy and didn’t take much time.
Living in Finland is more expensive than in Germany, especially if you want to eat out. However, the University of Oulu pays you for writing your thesis there. In addition, you can apply for an Erasmus Traineeship Scholarship. You should apply for Erasmus at least six weeks before your internship starts.
The University of Oulu has a website for foreign workers that explains all the organizational steps you need to take – you can use this even if you’re writing your thesis for a company. However, it might not be possible to write your thesis for a company at all, depending on whether you can find a supervising institute at RWTH.
Flying or Taking the Train?
I usually fly to Finland, because taking the train is very time-consuming, just as expensive as flying, and quite exhausting. But if you have time, it could be a nice experience: you can go by train to Copenhagen from Hamburg, then on to Stockholm, and take a ferry to Finland (from Stockholm or Uppsala). This is a great way to avoid flying and see some cities on the way. There are also night trains you can take in Denmark or Sweden.
When I fly, I usually go to Helsinki, and from there, I either take the train (possibly a night train) or a domestic flight to Oulu. From Oulu airport, you can take a bus or taxi into the city. In winter, flying to Rovaniemi or Kittilä and taking the train from there to Oulu might also be a good option. You can check train schedules on the Finnish railway website [VR].
Final Thoughts
I would definitely recommend Finland as a destination for your Master’s thesis if you enjoy winter sports, hiking, and nature – and if you’re confident that you can make friends here, for example through sports clubs or among Erasmus students at the university. Otherwise, the long and dark winters might be difficult to enjoy.
My experiences at Volvo Technology
- Energy Engineering M.Sc.
- Sweden, Göteborg
- Volvo Technology
- 10/2024 – 05/2025
Hello, my name is Marc. I am a German studying Master Energy Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, Germany, and participated in a research stay funded by the Erasmus+ Internship program during my master’s thesis at Volvo Technology – one of the most Swedish companies imaginable – in the second largest city Göteborg, Sweden. Getting this opportunity, to work on practical research in a company, was very difficult and almost did not work out. I started applying more than a year ahead, but this was way too early for most cases. In Sweden, there are no mandatory internships of up to 6 months; Swedish students gain practical experience during their summer break. Yes, you heard right: all students have a 2-3 month study-free period during the summer, without the need to prepare for exams, since they finish them before Midsommar (the summer solstice). Their internship culture comes from the fact that students do not receive their student funding during vacation, so many rely on summer jobs to survive financially until the next study period. Because internships are limited to these three months, companies don’t know about longer internships, especially not outside this period, as is common in Germany. Another aspect is that thesis work usually starts in January, as Swedish studies are separated into four periods, and are mainly carried out in groups of two—eliminating most chances if you want to start according to the German semester dates and alone. However, you would not be reading this if I hadn’t made it despite the low chances. I applied a lot, sent unsolicited applications to companies, connected with people on LinkedIn, and sent dozens of requests for an internship with the opportunity to follow up with a master’s thesis, which is usually the catch in Germany. The position was acquired via an unsolicited application to an industrial PhD student in cooperation between Chalmers University of Technology and Volvo Group, which led to the position at Volvo Technology. Other research internships would have been possible at Chalmers, but the research topic and work environment at Volvo were the best option.
Finding a suitable accommodation without being registered as a Swedish student brings further problems, since you are not eligible for student accommodations. Some shared living opportunities always exist but are highly requested and not available in sufficient quantity. Some international students even live in hotels or cabins for the first year. In Swedish metropolitan areas, housing agencies require you to be in the queue for several years. Even colleagues at my workplace, who were in the queue for up to three years, were not able to find suitable accommodation (for their living standard) and ended up buying instead. I found mine with a lot of luck on Facebook (which is widely used in Scandinavia and also serves as an online marketplace and for international exchange). The accommodation had two rooms, one bedroom, and one living room/kitchen. The monthly costs were approximately €450 per person, with all additional costs included. I lived there with my girlfriend, who also studied at Göteborg University. For grocery shopping, I highly recommend using “Too Good To Go,” which offers a full bag of vegetables close to expiration for under €5—this saves money since vegetables and fruits are noticeably more expensive compared to Germany. Monthly expenses for groceries were roughly €200 per person, including all food and household costs and eating out every two weeks. Since the canteen at Chalmers was €6 (student) or €8 (visitor), and at Volvo Group €10, I decided to always prepare my own food, which is popular in Sweden. There are always spaces with microwaves and cutlery. For transportation, you can use rental bikes for €30 per year (Nextbike/Sty&Ställ). Since I needed to get to the other side of the harbor to Göteborg Lundby, I bought a tram ticket, which was €60 (student) or €75 (non-student) per month. Even though I was a student, I couldn’t use the student discount for many occasions, since in Sweden your student status is verified by a “Mecenat” app account issued by a Swedish university, which I did not have.
Everyday life during the research stay was a 40-hour workweek, starting at 9:00 and ending at 17:00. It is common to have a one-hour lunch break at 11:00, which I always spent with coworkers. Since I started in October, I was the only student at the company until January, when two other thesis workers joined, as is usual during this time. From Volvo, I received a laptop for my research work, which was mainly self-guided and supervised by weekly meetings with my supervisor. I highly enjoyed short coffee breaks with colleagues around 14:00-15:00, called “fika,” to discuss technical topics or daily life. There was one 30-minute fixed slot per week where the whole department met, and one colleague always brought sweet pastries or cake. The department worked great as a team, and I think this weekly contact, as well as spontaneous meetings on other days, helps with teambuilding. I also enjoyed that Volvo Group is an international environment, and you can get into contact with everyone on a casual basis since in Sweden you always call people by their first name; titles and positions do not mainly define your personality.
During the winter, I came home from work when it was already dark, but there are many options available. Monthly sports membership at “Fysiken” cost €33 per month (3-month period) for students, including gym, courses, team play, and climbing/bouldering. I used to go every second day and made friends during climbing and basketball. It seems much easier to make international friends, as Swedish students usually already have their friend groups. Getting into those groups takes time and is comparable to making friends in Germany. With friends found that way, at the company or through international university programs such as ESN, you will definitely find people to spend time with—though more likely internationals who will leave after six months. However, Göteborg is a city where you can spend your time at many places, such as bars with after-work discounts and pub quizzes, museums, or at the ice hockey arena watching “Frölunda HC.” Around February, you will get home when it is still bright outside and can spend the sunset at famous places such as “Skansen Kronan.” On weekends, I recommend visiting the local historical
amusement park “Liseberg,” the islands in the archipelago near Gothenburg, one of the beaches, or hiking around lakes such as “Delsjön.” Trips around Sweden to Stockholm, Malmö, Helsingborg, or even Oslo in Norway are easy to do on a small budget. ESN also offered a one-week trip to Swedish Lapland, which everyone recommended to me, but I was quite
occupied by research work and also took vacation to visit my family over Christmas.
In conclusion, I liked Swedish culture before, and this trip increased its attraction. Sometimes it was tough to receive the same rights as locals, since you always need digital proof such as Swedish student status (“Mecenat”). For foreigners, it is also impossible to buy at a local food market or farm since “Swish,” the Swedish version of PayPal for payment, requires a Coordination Number for a Swedish ID, a Swedish bank account, and BankID. There are also several special days with traditions such as St. Lucia around Christmas, Valborg/Walpurgis Night and Swedish National Day in spring, and Midsommar in summer. However, my girlfriend and I decided to continue our time in Sweden and enjoy one or more summers at the coast and in nature, where Sweden has much to offer.
Writing my Master Thesis in Trondheim
- Chemistry M. Sc.
- Norway, Trondheim
- Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet
- 07/2024 – 01/2025
Preparations
People often ask for the reason I chose Norway: Initially, I planned to do an internship in Sweden and then return to Germany for my thesis. Unfortunately, I lost contact to my Swedish prof, and as time was running out, I finished all required internships in Germany. However, I struggled to find a suitable thesis topic, so I decided to write it externally, including universities from countries in Ireland and Scandinavia in my search. I wanted to improve my English skills and also experience a place full of nature I have never been to before. As the nature in Ireland, Sweden, Norway, and Finland is beautiful, I ultimately found that Norway was the best fit for me. It offered a fascinating language but still with the comfort to speak English anytime, stunning landscapes, beautiful nature, a vibrant student city, and an exciting thesis topic.
I came across the topic of my thesis by proactively reaching out to professors working in areas I found particularly intriguing. As a chemistry student, I was often dissatisfied with the specializations at my university, so learning that Norway has a strong focus on environmental chemistry caught my attention. After a response from a professor, we had a brief meeting where he introduced me to a project based within the Arctic Circle, combining environmental chemistry with fundamental research. The process of signing the OLA was incredibly slow, but once that was finalized, there was nothing standing between me and my successful thesis – well, except for one thing: accommodation.
Accommodation & Living expenses
Overall, Norway is more expensive in nearly everything, which makes sense given their higher income. Usually, it is possible for exchange students to apply for student dorms (e.g. at Moholt). Those are particularly nice because of the large student communities that make it easy to meet new people. However, since I arrived in the winter semester – when most new local and exchange students come – the dorms were fully booked. As an internship student from Europe, I wasn’t automatically eligible for housing, so I had to request dorm accommodation. Even then, priority is typically given to international students from outside Europe and those attending summer courses at NTNU.
Thus, I ended up looking through the private housing market. Luckily, I found a room in a Norwegian student’s flatshare that was subletting for the exact duration of my stay. The flatshare with 4 people was comparably affordable and with 5300 NOK (everything included) even cheaper than the dorms. My place was located near Solsiden, which wasn’t exactly close to the university, but the area was well-connected by buses. It was also closer to the city center, as Tyholt and Moholt were about a 25-minute bus ride away. Personally, I preferred cycling since it is faster, cheaper, and the terrain was less steep compared to Gløshaugen-Moholt, which was a nice bonus.
As for the general living expenses, being a vegetarian made it a bit challenging to find affordable fresh vegetables, as everything tends to be more expensive and often heavily packaged in plastic. However, you get used to the prices after a while. As someone who loves tofu, I found it difficult to find good, firm Asian-style tofu. Common supermarket chains include Rema1000, Bunnpris, and Coop Mega for cheaper options, while Kiwi and Meny are more expensive. There are also online discounts and QR codes that offer discounts on specific products, and it’s helpful to ask around in ESN groups, as they often share these codes. I also found myself visiting Asian markets, like NM Market for the best deals on rice, soy sauce, and paneer at Melon Midtbyen. In general, products with higher fat, sugar, or imported goods were about twice as expensive as in Germany. However, Norwegians tend to offer larger packaging, which can help reduce the price per unit.
Everyday life/the internship
Since I was doing my master thesis, my workload was higher compared to an average exchange student. I did miss out a bit on some activities since I was less flexible and had less free time. However, Norwegian work culture is much more chill and laid back than back in Germany. Nobody will ask you to come early and nobody cares if you leave early. Therefore, you need even more discipline to stay on track. Typical work hours in Norway are from 8am to 4pm. Afterwards, people head home for dinner. Many shops also close around 4 or 5 pm, so it’s a good idea to check their hours in advance to plan accordingly.
My thesis involved a field trip to Svalbard in mid-August, where I collected samples, spent time in the lab back In Trondheim, and then focused on writing the thesis. The working groups at NTNU are pretty small, so it is easy to get an overview but I rarely met everyone at once. Knowing how close people work together in working groups in Germany, sometimes I felt a bit lonely and disconnected from PhD or master students. However, I also enjoyed the independence I had to plan my own research, discuss it with my professor (who, by the way, dedicated a lot more time to me than the average professor in Germany would for a master’s student), and work closely with my supervisor. I also enjoyed the flexibility in how I structured my daily work and writing process.
In the evenings, I usually took part in various free-time activities including choir, anime screenings, board games, swimming, 3D printing, sewing, knitting, or baking. On weekends, I usually met up with friends, did my chores, or went on hikes and trips around the area. Sometimes, and further. With a bit of planning, you can easily bring your work with you, as many trains offer Wi-Fi! That way, you can explore places like Åndalsnes, Bergen, Finse (!!!), and more.
Free time/tips
Trondheim is a big student city, so you will find all kinds of people. While connecting with international students was quite easy, since everyone is desperate to find friends, I was more interested stepping outside the Erasmus bubble and meeting Norwegians. And the stereotype holds true: While Norwegians are friendly and somehow open to start a conversation, there can still be a sense of distance. Personally, I’ve never been the most social or chatty person, so I always struggled to form deeper connections with anyone. That said, living with Norwegians and joining Norwegian clubs really helped me engage more with locals.
Norway is known for its stunning and beautiful nature (northern lights, midnight sun, mountains, fjords, lush green forests wherever you go!) and almost all Norwegians are big sports enthusiasts. NTNU has a student organization called NTNUI, where you can sign up for various sports clubs. Its very close to what American sports teams are like. People are competitive and passionate about their activities. If you want to try something typical Norwegian: You can join a group that teaches halling, a traditional Norwegian dance, or even take up sword fighting through another separate group.
If you are not into sports, there are still many student groups you can join: As for me, I joined a group called PVV for board games and anime. In general, they have a different focus but they also offer great social activities. I also joined a choir (NTNU motettkor), conducted by one of Norway’s most famous conductors and a group of Norwegian music students. The group was a fun mix of exchange students and locals, and the conductor was incredibly motivating, making it a truly enjoyable experience. Another popular hobby in Norway is knitting, with knitting events often hosted at cafés or yarn shops. It’s a relaxing activity, especially on those cold, rainy days. I also had the chance to learn 3D printing and practice sewing at the MakeNTNU workshop, where you can book time on a machine to create whatever you like (They are getting new printers, finally!!).
Another great place that offers cool events is the student building down the road from the technical university building: Studentersamfundet. It is definitely worth a visit, as they offer concerts, talk shows, discussions, I addition to having restaurants and more.
As for Trondheim, nature is incredibly accessible. You can enjoy small walks along the coast to the fjord in Lademoen, hikes in Estenstadmarka to the southeast, or head to Bymarka to the west. In winter, Bymarka is perfect for cross-country skiing. For bigger adventures, the ESN group organizes trips to Lofoten, Lapland, and other places. Otherwise, it is advisable to form small groups and rent a car to get around, especially in winter. While many people opt for Airbnbs, I highly recommend trying the great network of cabins in Norway! NTNUI Koiene have basic cabins around Trøndelag but personally, I suggest going for the DNT cabins as they are more spacious and comfortable.
Conclusion
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys nature and want to experience a new culture during your internship or your thesis with excellent supervision and a nice work environment, I definitely recommend Norway. Not only did I gain insight into the country and its people, but I also embraced a new way of living my life while staying productive. There are plenty of opportunities and activities that allow you to connect with others. You just have to step out of your comfort zone and start engaging people!
I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did if you choose Norway.
P.S. Yes, it does get pretty dark and depressing from November to February (Average daylight around 5h in Trondheim). But trust me, the experience alone is worth it. Plus, the midnight sun and longer days in summer make up for it!
My Internship at an Architectural Office in Vienna
- Architecture M. Sc.
- Austria, Vienna
- Jadric Architektur ZT GmbH
- 09/2024 – 11/2024
My Erasmus+ internship in Vienna was an unforgettable experience that gave me both professional growth and cultural enrichment. From the very beginning, it was a journey filled with excitement, opportunities and memorable moments.
Finding the internship was relatively straightforward. I applied online to a small architecture firm with five employees and was lucky to receive a direct offer after an online interview. The team was incredibly welcoming and the atmosphere at work was open and familiar. We always took breaks together, which helped me integrate into the group quickly and feel like a valued member of the team. Since the team was international, we spoke exclusively English at work. This not only created a collaborative and inclusive environment but also allowed me to enhance my professional English skills, especially in areas like technical terminology and day-to-day communication.
To find an accommodation in Vienna, however, was more challenging. I searched for a room to sublet via WG-Gesucht.de and found the housing market to be quite competitive, but with persistence and a bit of luck, I managed to find a room in a shared apartment. It was a beautiful old-style building in a central location, which made exploring the city easy and enjoyable. Living with three roommates added to the experience, as we often shared meals and made trips through the city. While rents in Vienna are relatively affordable, everyday living costs were slightly higher than in Germany, though prices in bars for example were similar or even slightly lower.
My everyday life revolved around the internship and exploring the city. At work, I had the opportunity to engage with a variety of tasks and learn from experienced professionals. The close-knit team created a supportive environment that allowed me to grow both creatively and technically. Outside of work, Vienna offered a wealth of cultural activities and countless opportunities for exploration. From visiting museums and historical landmarks to discovering cozy bars and cafes, there was always something to do. One common stereotype about Viennese people is that they can be at times rather unfriendly, but my experience was the opposite. I found people to be open and approachable, especially once you started a conversation. This friendliness made navigating a new city much easier and helped me feel at home.
For anyone considering an internship in Vienna, I recommend making the most of the city’s rich cultural scene. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit exhibitions and historical buildings, enjoy traditional Viennese coffee houses and relax in the many green spaces the city has to offer. Vienna is also well-connected, making it easy to take weekend trips to other parts of Austria or nearby countries.
In conclusion, my internship in Vienna was an enriching experience that I would recommend to anyone considering doing an internship abroad. The combination of professional development, cultural exposure, and personal growth made it a truly unique opportunity. If you embrace the challenges and immerse yourself in everything the city has to offer, Vienna will leave a lasting impression on you.
My Internship at the EHU Bilbao
- Biology M. Sc.
- Spain, Bilbao
- Universidad del País Vasco (UPV)/ Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (EHU)
- 07/2024 – 09/2024
When I reached out to the Cell Communication and Transcription Lab at EHU Bilbao for a placement, I was quickly connected with my future supervisor. We arranged an online Zoom meeting, and from the start, I felt genuinely welcomed. She was incredibly helpful in organizing my stay, handling all the necessary university paperwork, and went out of her way to ensure everything was in place. It was at that moment I knew I would be well-supervised, and that this internship would be a great success.
Although the university is located far outside the city, I was advised to find accommodation in the city center for better social connections and public transportation. I found my room on Idealista, a popular platform for finding apartments in Spain. For me, finding a reasonably priced room in a shared apartment near the river was relatively easy, but knowing at least some Spanish greatly helps in communicating with landlords, who often speak only Spanish. I ended up living with a girl from Catalunya, a girl from Peru, and one from France. Two of them were students, and the other was working. We got along really well, and they made every effort to make me feel welcome and comfortable in the flat. While we didn’t spend much time together in the end, it was still nice getting to know them!
My first impression of the city was different from what I expected of a typical Spanish city. This is because Bilbao is not quite Spain—it’s the Basque Country, something I later learned is very important to acknowledge. The architecture reminded me more of Central Europe, with modern and stylish buildings. The Nervión River flowing through the city provides a contrast to the otherwise dense urban landscape, creating a special atmosphere, especially at night when the lanterns reflect off the water. I really enjoyed taking walks by the river towards the old town, chatting with friends or responding to voice messages, as there are parks and green spaces along the way. The old town (Casco Viejo) is beautiful to explore and becomes even more vibrant at night. Every day of the week, you can find people enjoying drinks and Pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. My favorite Pintxos were the mini burgers and slices of baguette topped with various salads.
Nature in Bilbao is lush and green, thanks to the high humidity and frequent rain. The surrounding hills and mountains offer excellent hiking routes with stunning scenery, such as the trails around Trapagaran. About 40 minutes from the city center by public transport, you’ll find large, beautiful beaches with breathtaking cliffs and sunsets. My favorite was Sopelana Beach, which I highly recommend for a spectacular sunset.
Because my stay coincided with exam season and the university’s semester break, there weren’t many students on campus, and the Erasmus students left a week after I arrived. However, I was part of the Happy Erasmus WhatsApp group for Bilbao, which allowed me to join their last gathering. Not knowing anyone in the city, I simply asked in the group chat if anyone was going out that night and if I could join them. A really nice Czech girl replied, and we met up with her group for a pre-party. We clicked instantly and had a fantastic night, which ended with a spontaneous swim in the sea. We went to a techno club called Sonora, which was a nice change from the usual bachata and salsa music. In general, Bilbao doesn’t have many clubs; it’s more common to go to small bars, particularly in Casco Viejo, where you can dance to loud music. If you’re looking for an experience full of partying and socializing with Erasmus students, I recommend coming during the semester when there are more activities and it’s easier to meet people. I also attended some language exchange meetings that I found on the Meetup app (which I highly recommend for meeting new people in a new city!) and created a Bumble BFF account specifically to find friends.
During my stay in Bilbao, I was eager to follow the Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany, especially in the company of others. I heard about a German bar that always showed football matches, so I went there for the Germany games. I struck up a conversation with a group of young Germans, and we immediately hit it off. They were taking a language course in Bilbao, and from then on, we watched all the games together. The bar is also worth visiting—the owner is very friendly, and you can speak German with him! While I didn’t try the food, I heard great things about it. We watched the final at a public viewing event in Parque de Doña Casilda, which culminated in Spain’s victory. I also attended the popular BBK Bilbao festival, held on a hill just outside the city. It was easy to get there by bus, and we walked back afterward. I asked in the Erasmus WhatsApp chat who was going and if I could join, as I didn’t want to go alone. Fortunately, a German guy replied, inviting me to join him and his friends. We had an amazing evening, with the highlight being dancing to Jungle’s live performance. Bilbao and the surrounding towns have a lot to offer young music lovers, with numerous street fiestas and concerts during this time of year.
I highly recommend exploring the various towns around Bilbao, such as Portugalete, Santurtzi, Getxo, and Muskiz, which offer beautiful nature and charming towns. A day trip to the stunning city of San Sebastián is also well worth it, and the bus tickets are quite affordable! You can also easily travel to Madrid, Santander, Zaragoza, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Burgos, and other cities by bus or train, and if you prefer to fly, there are plenty of low-cost options to explore all of Spain.
My academic experience was also incredibly valuable. I learned a lot of methods and concepts related to working with mammalian cells and maintaining them in culture. The atmosphere in the lab was everything I could have hoped for, helping me realize what aspects are important to me in a working environment. I made many friends and colleagues who enriched my network, and I plan to stay in touch with them. This experience made me more open to meeting new people, finding ways to connect, and getting along with them right away. I’m certain it shaped my character in ways that only an experience abroad can.
My Internship in Paris
- Applied Geophysics M. Sc.
- France, Paris/ Clamart
- SLB Ribout Product Center
- 03/2024 – 08/2024
Application & Finding an internship
The Joint MSc Applied Geophysics is a two-year, joint degree masters offered by TU Delft in the Netherlands, ETH Zurich in Switerland and RWTH Aachen in Germany. Being a student in this unique programme, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a semester in each of the three countries to experience their diverse, yet suprisingly resembling cultures. As part of the graduation requirements, we are required to conduct full-time research in the final semester, with a list of topics provided by the three universities to choose from.
Interestingly enough, there are also external opportunities outside of the three aforementioned universities. In collaboration with one of the programme‘s universities, previous students have worked at research institutes in Norway, companies in Canada, and more. For our cohort this year (2024), there is an internship position from SLB (formerly Schlumberger) in Paris, France. However, we have to compete with students from other universities outside of the programme for this position.
To apply for the internship, I was required to submitted my CV, MSc transcript, and a motivation letter by November 2023. Fortunately, after just one round of interview, I was selected among more than four applicants to work at this prestigious oil and gas company starting from March 2024 for half a year! I must admit, I do feel slightly privileged to have received this internship opportunity, partly thanks to my MSc programme. Therefore I highly recommend that you start your search for an internship early—9 to 12 months before the start date should give you enough time for any administrative and visa applications that might follow. All the best!
Accomodation & Living expenses
Just like finding an internship, it’s best to start early when searching for a room or studio in Île-de-France once your internship is confirmed. Besides the influx of tourists, this bustling metropolis is home to numerous universities, making student housing short in supply.
When choosing a place to live, it’s wise to pick a location with night transport (Noctilien), ideally within Zone 3 of the IDFM transport network. Trust me, you don’t want to end up like me—trying to save money by living in a remote area for 575€/mo (17m2) with no late-night buses, only to find yourself increasingly relying on Uber to get home as your local social life takes off and the parties become more frequent…
To start with, Cite Universitaire (not a university, but a student housing cluster) is a great option for finding a room. Located at the edge of the city of Paris, it offers excellent all-day transport links and, best of all, an exciting student life if you’ve chosen to be an extrovert:: https://www.ciup.fr/en/
Another option is Twenty Campus, a private housing company geared towards university students, with SOME and only SOME of their residences conveniently located for all-day access to Paris: https://www.twenty-campus.com/en/map/
Remember to check reviews on Google or other platforms before selecting a residence!
Besides, the French government offers housing assistance to students living in France through the CAF scheme, which you can apply for after your first month of residence. You can learn more about it here: https://www.feelfrancais.com/apply-for-the-caf/
As for transport, you’re in luck! The IDFM network offers a student annual pass called the “ImagineR,” which costs €375 a year and is valid throughout Île-de-France, covering Zones 1 to 5 all year round. You’ll need your RWTH enrollment certificate and your internship certificate to apply. Learn more about the scheme and save a LOT of money here: https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/imagine-r
(Best of all, since you are working as an intern in France, your company is required to reimburse a portion of your transport ticket cost. This means you might end up paying less than half the price of the pass!)
Other expenses in France are quite comparable to that of Germany. Eating out might cost a bit more (at around €20), but trust me, the quality of French cuisine and their hospitality is absolutely worth the extra penny. And if you’re a young museum enthusiast, there’s even better news—most French museums are free for students from EU universities. If you have some free time off work, don’t miss the chance to enrich your cultural knowledge and catch up with the Frenchies!
Digital payment is very common in France, so you can definitely get by without cash for long – unlike in Germany. Here’s a breakdown of my average monthly expenses in Euros:
- Accommodation 575 €
- Food (and groceries) 250 €
- Insurance 70 €
- Travelling/ Misc. 230 €
…bringing my total to around 1150 € per month for everything. Pas mal !
Everyday life/ the internship
While I can’t share the technical details of my internship, a typical workday generally goes like this if I’m not teleworking: It takes me 45 minutes to get from my residence to the office (thanks to my less-than-ideal location), arriving around 10:30 am. I code for a bit, then enjoy lunchtime with my fellow interns from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. After that, there’s more coding and occasionally some meetings in the afternoon. I usually leave the office by 5:30 pm at the latest. Although I work 35 hours a week, I’m allowed to telework about two days a week on average. So, the work is pretty flexible, as my supervisor put it: “Just finish the work on time, and you’ll be fine. Don’t let me know where you work.”
Are the French chill at work? I guess it depends on the workplace. Since SLB is a global company, some colleagues do end up having to be available at 3:00 am for meetings with American and East Asian headquarters. While my colleagues aren’t too surprised to receive Teams messages outside of official work hours, I have to admit, this did shatter my fantasy of the laid-back French workplace… Hierarchies were flat, though, so there is nothing to worry in this regard.
Don’t take my everyday life in Île-de-France as a reference, though, since the city was in full swing preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games (Jeux Olympiques) while I was enjoying the higher-than-normal living standards in the metropolitan area. Transport was smooth, stations didn’t smell like human excrement, and everyone was surprisingly willing to (try to) speak English rather than French. There was abundant security and police patrolling the streets… All my friends who have lived in Paris for a long time say this was just a dream, and I’ll definitely experience the renowned Paris syndrome the next time I visit.
Anyway, whenever the weather is nice, I like to head into the city, stroll around, visit some museums, take pictures for memories, and indulge in some of the best pastries in the world. I also meet up (or party) with my friends every week or two, eventually causing myself to order an Uber more and more, though it’s definitely worth it.
And if you want to add a touch of romance to your time in Paris, play some songs by Laufey, or any bossa nova in your earphones – it’s an absolute sensation.
Free time/ tips
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” ― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
C’est vrai.
But what did Hemingway mean by ‚movable feast‘, though? I suppose it differs from one to another person. It can be your romantic life, a galore of museums, endless pub crawls, or just simply the scrumptious food that Paris has to offer. I can’t personalize any solid advice to you reading this now, but do make the most of your time in Paris. Don‘t just stay at home working – that you have done plenty already in Aachen.
I hope the tips and links I’ve written above are practical and helpful. If not, here are some additional general tips that I‘ve brainstormed:
- Moving from A to B within Paris (zone 1 – 2) usually takes 30 minutes, while travelling to/from outside Paris can take about an hour. (Again, try to find a place to live within zone 3!)
- Purchasing pastries from supermarkets, especially baguettes, is a crime.
- There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
- Tap water is LEGALLY free in Parisian restaurants.
- Always be a bit more cautious of your valuables.
- Generally, districts south of the Seine and to the (south-)west of the city are safer.
- Learn some French from Duolingo or any similar apps before you arrive. Definitely useful when you take an Uber or venturing outside of Paris…
- Use both IDFM app AND Citymapper to traverse around the metropolitan.
And as a final tip: travel more! You can earn your expenses back when you start working, but you might well only be in Paris/ France once in your lifetime. France has so much to offer – from the snowy Alpine resorts to the relaxing French riverera, from the historic Normadie to the unique Basque country, you’ll need to visit France 1000 times to truly grasp what the hexagon is all about. The same goes for Paris, that she is both modern and historical, elegant and filthy, refreshing and gothic.
Conclusion
Do I have Paris syndrome?
Perhaps I caught the opposite syndrome – I didn’t think I’d enjoy Paris, only to find her seductive allure lingering in my mind now that I’m writing this.
Paris is a horrible place. It’s dangerous, it‘s dirty, everyone is rude as hell and don’t speak English, everything is expensive, and it’s not romantic at all.
With that, you are all set to explore the city. Enjoy 🙂
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:
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.
