Manipal is in the state of Karntaka in the South West coast of India. Manipal is in Udupi region, 8 km far from the centre of Udupi. The nearest railway station is in Udupi and airport in Mangalore.

Manipal is mainly university town with 50 000 inhabitants. It is completely different from other parts of India because it is influenced by western culture. The cleanliness is on very high level. You can find there shopping centre, restaurants and bars.

Close to the Manipal (about 30 minutes by local bus) are beautiful beaches which are worthy to visit (Kaup, Malpe, Hoode...). Even it is not possible to swim during monsoon season you can just chill there and enjoy beautiful sunset. Another places which are possible to reach by train or bus are Murdeshwar, Jogg Falls, Kodachadri, Goa, Humpi, Mysore or Kerala.

Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration - departement of culinary arts

Instead of working on a project it was a course of Indian cuisine. I had many demo cookings from different parts of India with many chefs. It was kind of very fancy cooking with ingredients of very high quality. When there wasn't anything to do, I was in practical classes with students or I had literature about Indian cooking.

Everybody has 6000 INR per month. It is not sufficient when you want to go for trips during weekends.

The requirement was excellent english but good english is enough. You have to get used to on indian accent. Sometimes it is quite difficult so you have to ask many times for repeating :D

The accomodation was provided by IAESTE in the International Hostel for free! The equipment and the standard of the hostel was better than in the Czech Republic. Rooms were quite new and everbody had his own bathroom. If we wanted to clean our room we just ordered a cleaning lady. Everything was for free. The disadvantage was the humidity and it wasn't allowed to open a window so be prepared for moulds everywhere at your stuff. Another disadvatage was that girls have to be until 11 pm in their room and sign their presence in the reception. However we came few times late and it wasn't any trouble.

IAESTE arranged pick-up at the airport and taxi for free from airport to the hostel. In August IAESTE members organised one week called Namaste Manipal. Every day in the week was 1 event like a game, ball, party or representing of cultural events from India. During the stay in Manipal, evebody has his buddy (student member from IAESTE) who can help you to solve some problems or provide you a support.

During August there were about 50 foreign interns from IAESTE. It was perfect because everyday we went together for dinner, made plans for trips... We had a lot of fun together. I was also in touch with indian students which made my intership more unforgettable.

In Manipal is a gym called Marena where you can pay for membership and do there lots of sports (fitness, gym, swimming, runnig...). At the end of September you can try a surfing course in beaches.

Indian food is incredible. It's unique experience just on it's own. If you like spicy food it will be for you like a paradise. You should try local coastal cuisine which include fish and seafood. You can also find typical dishes from other parts of India in amost every restaurant in Manipal. When you are interested in street food I recommend you to go there with someone local who knows a place. Sometimes it is not safe for your stomach :D

I had data on my indian SIM card. I paid 250 INR for 28 days and I had 2 GB of internet per day. In the hostel or in the university the wifi connection was available.

Be brave, patient and smart. Scammers are everywhere. However you will find there the same amount of nice and kind people. Don't make so much specific plans because with always delayed trains it is not possible. Our train had 13 hours delay and we spent a night at the train station but it was so crazy experience which we won't forget. If you are lost, don't afraid to ask people. They are very helpful. Even if they don't know they will try to help you. They won't never tell you "NO". Indian culture is completely different and I've felt like in a different world. Try to not judge, just try to understand and it will be easier for you.

Don't forget to have vaccinations: hepatitis A and B, typhoid

Patience, undestanding and comfortable flipflops/sandals which can get wet.

Benefits of the intership are immeasurable perfect. You can learn something new for you, you can improve/practise english and you can also discover completely different culture. At last but not least you will meet so many foreing students and nice people.

It was without problems. IAESTE members created a big group conversation for every IAESTE intern on the WhatsApp and you are still in touch with your buddy who is almost always available for you and your wishes.