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Bc. Heda Jakubův, UCT Prague, ročník 4

Faculty Faculty of Chemical Technology
Field of study Drug Synthesis
Field of internship Physical Sciences, Other
Specialization of InternshipOrganic Chemistry
Internship period (from - to) 3.7.2017 - 25.8.2017
Internship duration (weeks) 8
Transport (means, price) flight Cathay Pacific (PRG - LHR - HKG) 535€ + ferry Cotai Water Jet (HKG - Macao) 28€
Insurance/Insurance company AXA
Visa/Work permit (yes/no) No
Price of Visa No
City of Internship Zobrazit místo na mapě  China - Macau, Macau
Internship reference number MO-2017-ICMS-01

About the country

Location of the place

Macau SAR, China

City

Macau contains of Macau peninsula, which borders with mainland China (Zhuhai city), and 2 islands Taipa and Coloane, which are artificially connected.
The campus lies on an artificial island, the Hengqin Island, connected to Taipa by an underwater bridge.

Surroundings (possible trips, ...)

Since Macau is quite small, it is convenient to visit other countries around.
To Hong Kong you need a ferry and the journey lasts 1 hour. Apart from visiting the city itself and admiring the stunning view of Victoria Bay, you should go hiking as the nature around is breathtaking.
To mainland China, the Zhuhai city you can get a 3 days visa on the border. This year it was not possible to apply for the cheap group visa.
Flights to surrounding countries are quite cheap, either from Hong Kong or Macau airport.
We travelled to Vietnam from HK and visited Hanoi as well as Hạ Long Bay, where we made an amazing boat cruise.
To Taiwan it is cheaper to fly from Macau. Taipei itself is worth maybe one day visiting, apart from that I recommend a hiking trip and spending some time on the beaches.
Other trainees went to Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, etc. after their internship ended.

Employer

Employer

University of Macau, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS)

Work description

Our research group was focusing on supramolecular chemistry. I joined two other students working on a project about encapsulation of a molecule by cucurbit[8]uril, also called CB8. We were synthesizing the target molecule as a biotin derivative. We were doing mainly simple reactions with biotin, like esterification or amidation. However, no special project was prepared for me.

Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)

O-Form said 5 500 MOP per month, but I got 6 400 MOP, which was more than sufficient. If you want to travel around, you should bring your own pocket money. Living costs in Macau were similar to Czech Republic, some foreign food and imported goods very bit more expensive.

Language requirements

The requirement of English was stated good. I had no problem with understanding nor speaking. At first, you have to get used to their Chinese accent, but so far they knew how to speak English.

Accommodation (price, who provided it)

We were living in university dormitories for free. I shared a room with another IAESTE exchange student. It was two beds room with private bathroom, quite luxurious. :-)

Social life

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

I had to arrive to campus on my own, but we had quite well-written instructions, how to get there, so it was without any problem. It is good to use galaxy shuttle bus from the airport/ferry terminal.
IAESTE Macau organised two great dinners and often invited us for an afternoon tea.

Meeting other foreign students

There were other exchange students mostly from Europe. We organised trips together, made great BBQs and just casually hung out together almost every day.
It is harder to befriend Chinese, but not impossible. I met there great Chinese, who took us on a trip to closest Chinese city - Zhuhai.

Sport and culture

There was a big sport facility and another small gym near dorms, all for free. There was an indoor pool for small fee, and you had to have a swimming cap. Since there are 2hours lunch breaks, it is good to go for some sport during that time. In the evening, the small gym was usually full.

Food, local specialties

Macanese food is rather a combination of Chinese/Cantonese and Portuguese cuisine. If you go to a fancy restaurant, you will be in heaven. I recommend fried rice noodles or dumplings. The campus food is quite horrible and it is better to go to the city or cook for yourself.

Other information

Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic

Wi-Fi is available all over the campus. You can buy a local sim card, which I find unnecessary.

Recommendations for students who will go to the same place

Buy Macau pass for buses around Macau. If you go to Hong Kong, buy octopus card for metro.

What not to forget with you

Umbrella, sunscreen, quick-drying clothes, British adapter. There is no bedding, so bring at least a sheet. Bring both summer clothes and some sweater or hoody, as they keep the AC really low. Do not forget sports clothes! There is no kitchen equipment, so it is advisable to bring a cup or a bowl and some spoon, knife and so on. There is a hot and cold drinkable water in every kitchen as well as a microwave. No cooker, nor oven.

Benefits of the internship

Making new international friends, exploring both Chinese and Macanese culture, working on a project with Chinese, great thing for your CV, all the travelling.

Cooperation with IAESTE in the foreign country

Without any problem.

Overall experience with IAESTE

Everything was well-organised and went smoothly.

Student's website

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Employer's webiste

http://www.umac.mo/

Other useful links

download WeChat, Youdao, MacauEasyGo, Bus Traveling System (DSAT) apps

Other comments

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