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Bc. Karina Lahučká, UCT Prague,

ročník 4

Faculty

Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology

Field of study

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

Field of internship

Agriculture and Food Science

Specialization of Internship

Food Science

Internship period (from - to)

August 25 - October 16

Internship duration (weeks)

Transport (means, price)

Plane, Austrian Airlines, 520 EUR

Insurance/Insurance company

Axa

Visa/Work permit (yes/no)

Yes

Price of Visa

35 USD

City of Internship

Kenya, Meru

Internship reference number

KE/2025-FS2-MUST

About the country

Location of the place

The main campus of MUST is located in the area called Nchiru (or Nchiiru) in Meru Town, Meru County, Kenya. Specifically it’s about 15 km from Meru Town, along the Meru-Maua road. The town of Meru lies on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, about 8 km north of the equator, at an elevation of about 1,500 m above sea level.

City

The closest town is called Meru. It has a nice museum, where I even befriended a little monkey. Meru offers many shops, restaurants, and a mall with a large supermarket and a cozy coffee house. It’s a small city located about 225 km from Nairobi, and the trip there takes roughly five hours by car or by matatu (local public transport).

Surroundings (possible trips, ...)

The surrounding nature is beautiful, with lots of banana trees and a forest behind my accommodation where elephants sometimes stay. There are many possible trips to take, but I found traveling around the country a bit challenging. We went on several nice trips using my friend’s motorbike or a rented car. Another option is taking a matatu (minibus), but those are usually overcrowded, and Kenyans are often very curious about foreigners — sometimes they even tried to overcharge us.

Employer

Meru University of Science and Technology is a very nice university, surrounded by plenty of greenery — and even home to a few camels. The campus is quite large but offers everything you might need. Everyone there, from students to professors, was very welcoming and kind to me.

Work description

I worked on the formulation and chemical analysis of plant-based meat made from local plants. The work itself didn’t require too much time, so I was able to finish my tasks quite quickly. That gave me the opportunity to enjoy Kenya and explore the country even more.

Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)

The salary was 15,000 KSh per month. Although it was relatively low, it was enough to cover my basic needs. I also had some savings, which allowed me to enjoy myself and travel around. The salary mostly covered rent and part of my food expenses.

Language requirements

I had no problems with communication, as everyone at the university spoke English well. The only difficulty was the strong accent at first, but I got used to it within the first few days.

Accommodation (price, who provided it)

Accommodation was provided by the university. It cost 8,250 KSh per month, plus some additional expenses for electricity and Wi-Fi.

Social life

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

I was picked up by a university driver in Nairobi. I met all the IAESTE members within the first week. They tried to make me as comfortable as possible, even helping me cook dinner almost every night during my first few days after arrival.

Meeting other foreign students

I was the only foreign student at the time, but that was not an issue.

Sport and culture

The university offers a wide variety of sports clubs that I could have joined. I participated in the softball team’s practice once or twice. Everyone was very welcoming and seemed genuinely happy that I joined them.

Food, local specialties

I tried many traditional Swahili dishes and was even taught how to cook them, preparing some of them myself for the rest of my internship. I tried chapati, samosas, ugali, and many other Swahili specialties.

Other information

Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic

I mostly used social media, such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, to communicate with my friends and family.

Recommendations for students who will go to the same place

For students who will be going to Meru University of Science and Technology, I recommend being open to new experiences and ready to explore the local culture. Bring some comfortable clothing for both warm days and cooler evenings, as the weather can vary. It’s helpful to have a few basic Swahili phrases ready, even though everyone speaks English well. Take the opportunity to try local food, interact with students and staff, and explore the surrounding nature. Finally, be flexible with transport and plan trips in advance, as getting around can sometimes be challenging.

What not to forget with you

Don’t forget comfortable walking or hiking shoes, personal medications, and an adapter for your electronics. It’s also a good idea to learn some basic Swahili phrases. Bringing a few snacks from home can be nice, as Kenyan people love trying new things.

Benefits of the internship

The internship gave me practical experience in plant-based food formulation and chemical analysis, while improving my lab skills and independence. I also enjoyed making friends, exploring Kenyan culture, trying local food, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Overall, it was a valuable professional and personal experience.

Cooperation with IAESTE in the foreign country

Cooperation with IAESTE in Kenya was very smooth. The IAESTE members were friendly and helpful, always ready to assist and solve any problems I encountered. They made my experience easier and more enjoyable from the very beginning.

Overall experience with IAESTE

My overall experience with IAESTE in Kenya was extremely positive. From the very beginning, the team was welcoming, supportive, and attentive to my needs. They helped me settle in, introduced me to local culture, and ensured that any problems I had were quickly resolved. Thanks to their guidance, I was able to focus on my internship while also enjoying my time exploring the country and making friends.