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Czech Center New York

USA 2018/2019 Freemovers

Personal data
Mobility type:
traineeship

Faculty at MU:
Faculty of Social Studies

Field of study:
International Relations

Level of study during period of placement:
Master

Language used:
English

Summer/winter school?:
no

Period of studies:
spring 2019

Period of placement (from-to):
2019-01-09 - 2019-04-05

Number of months:
3

Activities before my departure abroad
What was your approach in organising the placement?:
First, I applied for the position of an intern at the Czech Center New York. After they had replied, I started to look for programs at the university that would allow me to go and I applied for the Freemover program.

What documents are required for acceptance on a placement at this organisation?:
Training agreement, Freemover application, Confirmation of Placement Period (after return). ESTA for entry to the USA.

How far ahead did acceptance have to be organised? (in weeks):
2

Did you need a visa?:
- choose option -

Documents and materials needed for a visa:

Fee for the visa:

During the placement
Did you change the training agreement in the course of your placement (training agreement)?:
No.

What is necessary to arrange immediately on arrival? What requirements and at which offices?:
There's no need to arrange anything immediately on arrival. The only thing you need is to have your supervisor sign the Confirmation of Placement Period before you leave.

Describe your work/activity in the foreign organisation. Describe what specifically you did, whether the work corresponded to the agreed conditions and your field of study, and whether your work was independent and responsible, approximate working hours.:
Working hours are 32 hours/week. The work corresponded to the agreed conditions. I was introduced to the cultural diplomacy - organizing events, program planning, co-operation with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic. I worked in PR and marketing - translating promotional documents, communication with the press, social media management, writing press releases. I would said the work corresponded to my field of study.

Did the organisation or local student organisations arrange any special events for foreign students on placements?:
- choose option -

If yes then what?:

Practical questions on your placement
Where did you live?:
The Czech Center New York does not provide accommodation for their interns. However, they can connect you with their previous interns who already have some tips for finding accommodation. I lived in an apartment in the Bronx where an intern who had been in New York before me had lived.

Cost of accommodation - monthly:
800 USD

Additional comments to the price of accommodation (as to what the price includes):
The price includes everything - energies, water, internet. I had the room for myself and shared the apartment with two other people.

Who arranged your accommodation and how far ahead:
I arranged the accommodation myself, one month before my arrival.

Equipment, internet connection, what to bring:
Bring power plug adapters.

What are the rough costs of groceries (compare with Czech prices):
Groceries are generally more expensive. If you shop at big supermarkets, the prices are significantly lower.

Transport to location of placement:
Subway.

Approximate price:
121 dollars/month

Tips for purchasing cheap tickets and other recommendations:
If you take subway every day, the best option is to buy the unlimited monthly ticket.

What are the local transport options (public transport, cycling, on foot, rough prices):
Depends on where you live. But since the CCNY is in the middle of Manhattan, it's unlikely you'll live in a close proximity to the work place. So, the subway is inevitable.

How did you use health insurance? What type?:
I had basic travel insurance for three months.

Did you have other insurance? Which?:
No.

Experience with insured events:
None.

Tips for recreation:
There's always something to do in NYC. Or you can visit other cities (such as Washington DC, Philadelphia, Boston) on weekends.

Financial support and expenses
Monthly grant from the Centre for International Cooperation:
16000 CZK

What other sources did you make use of to finance your placement?:
My own savings.

 
 
What was your average monthly expenditure during the placement (i.e. without the travel there and back)?:
1600 USD

a/ of which for accommodation:
800 USD

b/ of which for catering:
600 USD

c/ travel and recreation:
200 USD

Any comments to the average monthly expenditure:

 
Experience with bank accounts/services. Do you recommend an account arranged abroad, use of Czech payment cards...:
I had two Czech cards, one debit and one credit. There was only one time when they didn't accept the debit card.

 
Did you pay to foreign organisations any fees? (insurance, materials, etc.):
No.

Did you receive a salary from the host business/organisation?:
- choose option -

If yes, what was your monthly salary?:
0 ???

 
Other advantages from the host organisation?:
We had access to some cultural events that were supported by the organization.

Is it necessary to assume a larger amount at the start of the placement? If yes, what and for what purpose?:
The start of the placement is expensive because you will most likely have to pay a deposit for the accommodation that will be refunded before your departure.

Recognition of the foreign placement at the home faculty
Is the traineeship part of your field of study?:
yes

If yes - is it a compulsory or optional part?:
Optional.

How will your traineeship abroad be recognised at the home faculty?:
As a B subject.

How many ECTS credits did you/will you get?:
20

Were there serious problems arranging recognition of the placement?:
No.

Overall assessment
Assessment of personal benefit (1 = excellent):
1

Assessment of academic benefit (1 = excellent):
3

Do you agree with the statement that, thanks to the experience gained during the placement you will be able to further develop your skills for work in your field?:
The placement was a great experience that will hopefully help me in the future. It was good not only for my field of study, but generally for any field.

What did you most appreciate after completing your placement?:
The work experience, life in NYC, the connections I made and the people I met.

Any serious problems during the placement?:
No.

Do you have any recommendation for those that follow you? (e.g. what to take with them):
There's no need to take anything special. You can buy anything you've forgotten at home. Be careful when finding an apartment, be careful while traveling, enjoy the work and the experience.