The location of my internship was in Campinas, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Campinas is a medium-to-large city, with a population of over a million people, making it one of the larger cities in the region but smaller than São Paulo itself. While the overall cost of living in Campinas was a bit higher compared to more tourist-oriented cities in Brazil, the safety and convenience of the campus, along with the nearby amenities, made it a great place to stay during my internship.

Campinas is in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Known as the "Brazilian Silicon Valley," it’s a hub for tech companies and home to Unicamp, one of Latin America’s top universities.
Highlights:
Parque Ecológico Prof. Hermógenes de Freitas Leitão: A peaceful park, ideal for relaxation.
Praça do Coco - Quiosque: A cozy square with great local food.
Mata de Santa Genebra: A preserved forest where I was excited to see many monkeys in their natural habitat.
Embrev: A lively bar and karaoke spot, perfect for a fun evening out.
I enjoyed the city’s green spaces, the warm and welcoming locals, and its balance of urban energy and natural beauty.

Trips and Recommendations.
São Paulo: Just a short trip away, it’s a bustling metropolis full of cultural attractions, events, and a vibrant food scene.
Ouro Preto: A historic town known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and baroque churches, offering a glimpse into Brazil's gold rush era.
Rio de Janeiro: Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, and beautiful beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema.
Ilhabela: A picturesque island with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and great opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and enjoying nature.
Foz do Iguaçu: Home to the stunning Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s largest and most impressive waterfall systems, and a must-visit natural wonder.

UNICAMP - Universidade Estadual de Campinas.

Laboratory Training: hands-on training in microbiological analysis procedures, including sample preparation, inoculation, incubation, and enumeration. Microbiological Analysis of Foods: · practical sessions on performing microbiological analysis of food samples, including enumeration of total viable counts, detection of specific pathogens, and identification of spoilage organisms, · interpretation of microbiological results and understanding their implications for food safety and quality.

Study of the behaviour of Salmonella enterica and Cronobacter sakazakii under stresses commonly encountered in the food industry. Understanding the different behaviour of the different bacteria.

The internship salary was 800 BRL, which approximately covered the cost of one month's accommodation. Additionally, the employer provided free breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the cantina, which made the arrangement manageable in theory. However, since I wanted to experience local specialties and street food, I had to use my own money for those additional expenses.

English was sufficient on campus, as most people there could communicate in it. However, while traveling in the country, it was helpful to know some basic Portuguese or Spanish. In situations where language became a barrier, using a translator app was a reliable backup and worked well in most cases.

The price of the accommodation was 650 BRL, and it was provided by IAESTE Brazil. The living conditions were modest, with limited space and comfort, but for a two-month stay, it was acceptable.

I stayed in a shared family house with other interns, typically 3-4 people per room. The rooms were equipped with bunk beds and wardrobes. The common living room included desks, chairs, and couches, while the kitchen and bathroom were shared and well-equipped with essentials like a stove, microwave, fridge, cooking utensils, and a sink. A highlight of the accommodation was the swimming pool in the backyard, which added a nice touch to the overall experience. I brought my own bed linens for added comfort.

An IAESTE volunteer kindly picked me up from the airport, which was very helpful and made my arrival much smoother. IAESTE Brazil also organized a trip during the internship, but unfortunately, it was quite disappointing. The 3-day trip ended up being messy and confusing, and we only managed to visit one place. Most of the time was spent in supermarkets or restaurants, which felt like a waste of both time and money.

On the other hand, the trips we organized ourselves with other interns were much more enjoyable and well-planned. Exploring the area together allowed us to visit exciting places, make great memories, and truly experience Brazil.

I lived with other interns from countries like Spain, Turkey, and Serbia, while I am from Ukraine. We became close during the internship, traveling together, going to the school together, and sharing many memorable experiences.

While traveling, we often met other interns from different cities, which was a wonderful opportunity to connect with more people from diverse backgrounds. It was an enriching experience, both culturally and socially, that added a lot of value to my time in Brazil.

After work in the lab, I often went for a run in the Parque Ecológico, a beautiful place to relax and stay active. While traveling, I never missed the chance to swim in the ocean, especially at beaches like Copacabana, which were truly unforgettable.
We also spent time with locals in bars like Embrev, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, karaoke, and socializing over traditional Brazilian drinks and food. Spending time with the locals gave me valuable insights into Brazilian culture, their friendliness, and their lively way of life.

During my internship, I had the chance to try several delicious Brazilian dishes and desserts, which were a highlight of my stay.

Desserts:
Brigadeiro: Sweet chocolate truffles, a classic Brazilian treat.
Açaí: A refreshing frozen berry dish, often topped with fruits and granola.
Bolo de Cenoura: A moist carrot cake with a decadent chocolate glaze.
Paçoca: A sweet, crumbly peanut candy that’s incredibly addictive.
Caldo de Caña: Fresh sugarcane juice, perfect for hot days.
Pão de Mel: Honey cakes with a chocolate coating, a delightful snack.

Snacks:
Pão de Queijo: Cheesy bread rolls, a must-try for anyone visiting Brazil.
Pastel: Crispy pastry pockets filled with cheese, meat, or other savory ingredients.
Mortadela: A large sandwich filled with layers of cured meat, a São Paulo favorite.
Tapioca: A versatile dish made from cassava flour, often filled with cheese or sweet toppings.
Palmito: Hearts of palm, often served as a light snack or in salads.

The variety and unique flavors of Brazilian cuisine were unforgettable, and I especially loved exploring local street food and snacks.

Communication with the Czech Republic was easy and convenient. We had access to Wi-Fi both at the university and in the house where we lived. Additionally, we bought SIM cards with mobile internet, which ensured constant connectivity. This made it simple to stay in touch with family and friends using platforms like Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp on a daily basis. There were no major issues with communication during the internship.

Learn basic Portuguese, bring essentials, try local foods, connect with interns and locals, the stipend covers only accommodation, bring extra money. I had extra 800 euro.
Transportation to the place of stay - flight to Sao Paulo / Campinas
Approximate price 400 - 600 EUR one-way ticket.
Tips for buying a ticket or flight: The earlier the cheaper.

Bring your laptop, bed linen, flag, jacket.

Gained hands-on experience in my field, improved adaptability, connected with people from different countries. Explored Brazil’s rich culture, stunning nature, and iconic landmarks.

IAESTE Brazil emailed me the accommodation details and essential information quite late, after I had already started traveling, which made preparation more difficult. However, they picked me up from the airport, helped me purchase a SIM card, and took me to my accommodation, which was very helpful. While the rest of the support was not exceptional, it was satisfactory, and they ensured I had the basics needed for my stay.