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Bc. Anna Menčíková, UCT Prague,

ročník 3

Faculty

Faculty of engineering

Field of study

Economics and Management of Chemical and Food Industry

Field of internship

Physical Sciences, Other

Specialization of Internship

- - - - - - - - - -

Internship period (from - to)

2.7.2015 - 17.8.2015

Internship duration (weeks)

Transport (means, price)

airplain, 21500CZK

Insurance/Insurance company

Allianz

Visa/Work permit (yes/no)

yes

Price of Visa

1500CZK

City of Internship

Thailand, Bangkok

Internship reference number

TH-2015-011002-U

About the country

Location of the place

Thailand - paradise on te Earth. :-)

City

As everybody know - Bangkok = big, crowded, hi-tech city.

Surroundings (possible trips, ...)

Going to downtown (cca 40Km, 60mins).
It is possible to reach any place you want from the capital city, just depends on your free time and budget.

Employer

King Mongkut's Institute of Ladkrabang
- worikng in univeristy's laboratory

Work description

Working under the supervisor on a research. Usually everyday Mon-Fri. All the supervisors/teachers were very nice and helpful.

Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)

Not really. Eventhough meals were cheap (40 Baht=32CZK) the portions were small, so one had to eat more portions. Especially guys trainees ate like 3-4 portions, which became expensive. I am talking about prices of meals in suburbs, not in the city! There are 4 to 5 times more expensive!

Also the transporation in the city was pricey. To go from dormitory to the city and around was like 150-170 Baht one round trip.

Not talking about trips out of Bangkok, these expenses go totally out of your pocket. Salary doesn't cover it at all.

Language requirements

Only English. In the "O" form they required level 2 out of 3. Actually their english is very very poor! Most of the students hardly make a sentence. But everybody smiles and waves at you :-)

Accommodation (price, who provided it)

During my internship I stayed at dorms provided by the Uni. The rooms were for two students, but at the time I was the only trainee so I had the room for myself. There was a bathroom and toilet at the room. The furniture was simple - bed, table, locker.

Social life

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

They picked me up at the airport.

During the time I was there local IAESTE threw up only one organised event - going to the floating market.

Meeting other foreign students

I was the only foreign student at the Uni and dormitory, which was kinda hard cuz I felt lonely sometimes. The other students were at different Unis in Bangkok which ment like an hour or two away.

Sport and culture

At the dormitory there was a free running loop and swimming pool for 20Baht/day entrance.

The culture is derived from their religion- Buddhism. Which mean they are very kind and nice people!! They try to be helpful as much as they can and they would share with you anything. The only problem is that they rarely speak english :-(

Food, local specialties

Depends on one's taste. I found it delicious. You must be prepared for spicy food, but I think everyone can handle it, they always ask how spicy the customer wants it.
The only issue I had was the hygiene! Eventually you can get over it and pretend you don't see it :-D But be prepared for different, often nasty, smells coming from the street food :-D
Street food is on every step you take, literally everywhere. It is a great chance to try things you have never had an idea they existed.

Other information

Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic

There was free wi-fi at the dormitory

Recommendations for students who will go to the same place

No special recommendations comes up my mind. Everything goes smooth. Just don´t drink a tap water, always in bottle and don´t flush toilet paper in the toilet - applies to all parts of Thailand!
And be aware that tank top, shorts, short skirts are not polite (at official places - school, offices, temples). Take some clothes which covers shoulders and knees.

What not to forget with you

Before leaving to Thailand I was worried I would forget something important at home. Actually you dont have to be worried at all. In case you forget anything, you can get it there (medicine, sunscreen lotion, mosquito repellent... anything).
Rather take something typical for your culture, some small gifts. You will have a need to give them something to appreciate their kindness.

Benefits of the internship

Seeing the country from different perspective than just as a tourisrt. You get to see the culture from the inner side as you are in touch with local ppl and make friendships. They have a lot to show and teach.