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Kateřina Kadlecová, UCT Prague, ročník 2

Faculty Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Field of study Forensic Analysis
Field of internship Chemistry, Material Science, and Chemical Engineering
Specialization of InternshipAny
Internship period (from - to) 1.7.2019 - 25.8.2019
Internship duration (weeks) 8
Transport (means, price) Flight (Prag-Amsterdam-Glasgow) 6000 CZK
Insurance/Insurance company Axa
Visa/Work permit (yes/no) no
Price of Visa -
City of Internship Zobrazit místo na mapě  United Kingdom, Glasgow
Internship reference number UK-2019-301-01

About the country

Location of the place

Glasgow is the most populous city in Scotland. It is located on the banks of the River Clyde, in West Central Scotland. The public transport works there perfectly and it is easy to get almost everywhere. Glasgow is only an hour and half far from Edinburgh, the Capitol of Scotland.

City

Glasgow is maybe the most populous city in Scotland but as city is not huge. It is possible to walk through the whole city centre and more distant places are possible visit by using local subway which is shaped into a circle with 2 lines around the city. People here are known as very friendly and it is true indeed. The whole atmosphere of the city is friendly and peaceful. Most of the tourist are situated in the centre but the city is not as crowded as Edinburgh.

Surroundings (possible trips, ...)

The location of Glasgow is advantageous, with well working public transport it is easy to get everywhere. One of the places which are worthy to visit is definitely Loch Lomond which is not even an hour far from Glasgow. Another places might be Oban (on the west coast), Isle of Skye (good for weekend trip), Isle of Arran, Glencoe, St. Andrews and of course Edinburgh and many other.

Employer

Employer

My internship was situated in School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, which is the fourth oldest university in English speaking countries. The main building of University is definitely worthy to see and might remind Hogwarts from Harry Potter.
My work was in the lab where was working a lot of other PhD. students and few interns students. The group of people was very international, and everyone was friendly and helpful.

Work description

My work was in inorganic lab. My project was about microwave synthesis of metal chalcogenides which might have potential utilization as thermoelectric materials. The work was from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. I got my own place and computer in the office. The aim was to find the right reaction condition for synthesis of searched materials, the samples were analysed by X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope. Before I could start the lab experiments, I had to do literature research about the topic and pass safety test. The results were showed in the month report, in a presentation at the group meeting and in the final report at the end of internsnip.

Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)

The salary was 290 GBP/ week. It was necessary to make UK bank account, which could be done online without any troubles. The salary was received always at the last Friday of the month, so the first month I had to pay from my own money. The accommodation is in Scotland very expensive.
In general, the salary was sufficient for living, food and trips.

Language requirements

The required language was good English and it is expected the knowledge of professional English for Chemistry. Most of the students were international so there was no problem with strong Scottish accent.

Accommodation (price, who provided it)

I was living at Strathclyde University student's hall- Murray hall, which was situated near the centre of the city. It was recommended to us from LC IAESTE-Glasgow but we had to provide it on our own. The price was 108 GBP/ Week. It was single room with floor shared kitchen and bathroom.

Social life

Meeting IAESTE members (pick-up at the airport, organized events...)

LC IAESTE members have prepared for us trips almost for every weekend. They were very friendly and willing to help in case of any troubles.

Meeting other foreign students

On the IAESTE trips was very easy to meet other intern students and make new friends. With these students we could individual meet during week after work. At the University were most of the students from foreign countries and very open to get to know each other.

Sport and culture

In Glasgow is a lot of nice museums which are for free for everyone. In the city center is many nice pubs and it is common to hear someone singing or playing on any instruments (especially pipes).
For people who like to jog, Glasgow has many nice parks. Each University has also their own sport facilities which might be used with student card from the University.

Food, local specialties

Scotland is famous for their whiskies and it is nice to visit any distillery and see the whole process of production. Another typical drink for Scotland is IRN-BRU.
As food speciality is worthy to try Fish and Chips and Haggis. In the city is many places where to go to eat and some of them have even student's discounts.
For lunch they usually eat sandwiches or pastas which might be bought as part of meal deal which is usually around 3 GBP.

Other information

Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic

In the University campus was working Eduroam wi-fi but in most of the places in the city they have their own free wi-fi. A czech SIM card is in UK working normally so there were no problem to communicate with Czech Republic.

Recommendations for students who will go to the same place

Be ready for weather which is changing every 5 minutes during day. Try to make balance between working and travelling, get to know the culture is also part of internship experience.
Make sure you will book your accommodation at least 2 months before your arrival.
Do not worry about how much cash to bring with you, because almost everywhere you can pay via credit card.

What not to forget with you

Definitely not to forget Plug adapter for electricity, hiking shoes and rucksack for trips. Another must have in Scotland should be an umbrella which will became your best friend during your internship.

Benefits of the internship

Going abroad for internship is an invaluable experience. It taught me working independent on my own project and how to correctly present the reached data. It was also a huge improvement for my english and it had a big share on my personal development.

Cooperation with IAESTE in the foreign country

There were no problem in communication with LC IAESTE, everyone was very nice and helpful.

Overall experience with IAESTE

It was very easy to go on internship with IAESTE and I would like to thank them for the opportunity and for the time they are spending on arranging these amazing internships.

Student's website

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Employer's webiste

https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/

Other useful links

Bus tickets: https://www.citylink.co.uk/
Rain tickets: http://www.scotrail.co.uk/
LC IAESTE Glasgow: https://www.facebook.com/iaeste.uk.glasgow/

Other comments

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