Internship Feedback

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Martin Skuta, UCT Prague,

ročník 2

About the country

Location of the place

A small village in a relatively cool area. Quiet place with not that many possibilities, the nearby Siruvani waterfall was closed due to the monsoon and the Velliangiri trek was not accessible because of elephants season. There is the Isha yoga centre that offers many things to see and it is held mostly by foreigners.

City

It is a nice place with many street shops and markets however quite distant from the institute (30km). It offers everything you need from restaurants to hospitals. The most important skill you should acquire is negotiating the price. That way you are able to lower it from tourist to local price. My PR is -70% :D. So try as much as you can, you will save a lot of money.

Surroundings (possible trips, ...)

Isha centre, Siruvani Falls, Velliangiri trek, street shops. Travelling to distant places during weekends.

Employer

Karunya institute of science and technology is an average-sized university. The quality of the study was pretty high but there were plenty of restrictions on social life. It offers many courses so you can meet people studying different technical sciences.

Work description

During my internship, I studied microemulsion preparation and stability. I had to present my findings to the university researchers.
My topic was totally different from the one mentioned in the agreement. Not a problem since I learned something in a new area, however, it would be nice if they followed the agreement.

Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)

I was left with 5 000 after the accommodation fee deduction, definitely not enough even for the daily cheapest food. Also, breakfast could be provided.

Language requirements

C1 was required, however, B2 is enough most of the time. To communicate with local people, simple English and nonverbal skills were crucial.

Accommodation (price, who provided it)

Very nice room for 2 with a private bathroom, fridge, AC and fan. Honestly, much better than my expectations.

Social life

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

Few events were organized by IAESTE members, however, they faced plenty of (irrational) restrictions from the university. I was picked up at Coimbatore bus station (other students at the airport-depends on arrival).

Meeting other foreign students

We were travelling together during the weekends. I was there with a Tunisian girl, at the beginning and later on, two new incomers arrived from Austria and Germany. We planned plenty of trips together and spend so much time together.

Sport and culture

Great culture, great people, and great food. India is a beautiful country, definitely worth travelling around and experiencing it. During the week, we could visit courts in the dormitory and play games with local students.

Food, local specialties

Get ready for spicy food. The first week may be difficult but you will get used to it. Be open to unknowns because you never know what can you experience. The milk tea was delicious, however, the best quality tea can be bought in hill places (both drink and tea powder).

Other information

Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic

Not necessary. I didn't have any serious problems and if so, I contacted local students. All forms were carefully prepared so I didn't have to consult much about the internship.

Recommendations for students who will go to the same place

Don't be afraid of anything. Talk to locals since they may invite you for food, show you nice places and tell you about things and events you won't find in any travel guide. Everybody is extremely friendly, inviting and helpful. There are many holidays, so take the opportunity and visit distant places. Check for public holidays because you can get easily 4 free days in a row for travelling.