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Michal Kocánek, CTU Prague,
ročník 2About the country
Location of the place
Minsk is situated in the centre of the country. Belarus lies to the west of Russia at Eastern Europe. There is a good connection with Poland by bus and an internation airport is also located in the city.
City
Minsk is the capital of Belarus. The city is larger than Praque and has about 1,8 mil inhabitant. However there is not so many monuments or museums compared with other European cities and the city itself is very calm.
Surroundings (possible trips, ...)
Medieval castle Nesvizh is situated near Minsk. You can also visit Dudutki, museum of ancient folk crafts.
Employer
Employer
EPAM Systems Inc. is a software company. The office was very nice and well equipped. I could take free cafe. There were also possibility to use gym, play table tennis or table football. Journey took approximately 30-40 min from my dormitory.
Work description
I was not developing any real software, I only took part in training program focused on Java Spring Framework. I gained a large amount of experience with this framework and in Java language during my stay. I would recommmend it for everyone who wants acquire skills in programming in Java.
I worked 8 hours, but there was not any strict conditions. I could arrive and leave at any time I wanted. Co-workers were also very nice and helpful.
I worked 8 hours, but there was not any strict conditions. I could arrive and leave at any time I wanted. Co-workers were also very nice and helpful.
Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)
4.6 mil BYR per month. It is more than enough for living in Minsk.
Language requirements
Only English was required, but I recommend learn Russian because not many people speak English. Most of my colleges in the company were able to communicate in English.
Accommodation (price, who provided it)
Accommodation was provided by university, but you had to pay it from salary. It cost 600 000 BYR and consisted from two double rooms that shared kitchen and bathroom. Refrigerator was in the kitchen.
I shared my room with another IAESTE student, who left after two weeks and after that I had room for myself.
I shared my room with another IAESTE student, who left after two weeks and after that I had room for myself.
Social life
Meeting IAESTE members (pick-up at the airport, organized events...)
One student picked me up from bus station and helped me on first day. However local IAESTE group is not much active.
Meeting other foreign students
I was able to meet with other foreign students who were in Minsk.
Sport and culture
All cinemas and theatres are in Russian. You could use free gym in the company.
Food, local specialties
Cold borsch and many meals from potatoes are enjoyed in Belarus.
Other information
Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic
Internet connection was available in the company. In the city and at student dormitory there was no connection at all. You could buy local sim card with Internet - it costed only 70 000 BYR.
Recommendations for students who will go to the same place
I would recomment to learn Russian. It will help a lot.
What not to forget with you
Nothing. You can buy almost everything in Minsk.
Benefits of the internship
I have been able to gain experince in programming in Java EE. The training program was at very good level. I can remmomend it for everyone who wants to learn with Spring Framework.
Cooperation with IAESTE in the foreign country
They helped me with everything I needed like getting visa, but they do not have any prepared programme which is which is unfortunate.
Overall experience with IAESTE
I think it is a great experience to work in foreign country and I recommend it to everyone. If you can, use this opportunity.
Student's website
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Employer's webiste
https://www.epam.com/
Other useful links
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Other comments
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