Mobility specification

Country:Portugal

Institution:Farmácia Sao Martinho

City:Funchal

Program:Erasmus+ traineeship

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2021/2022

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Pharmacy / Department of Applied Pharmacy

Study level abroad:Master

✅Check the boxes

How would you categorize your internship?Pharmacy

💼How-to: Interning abroad

How did you discover this internship opportunity?MU website
Other

Other - please specify:I knew about the possibility of going on an Erasmus+ graduate traineeship, as I had already done two Erasmus+ trips. However, I arranged the placement myself.

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?Pharmacist

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?In the pharmacy I was allowed to do all the activities that a pharmacist's job entails. Most often I was "in the back" of the pharmacy - I kept track of stock records, did receiving, storing, replenishing, checking, stocking, ordering or supplying all pharmacy supplies, worked on the PC with the information system, communicated with the dispenser and did the invoicing of orders. I was also behind the counter and dispensed prescription medicines, OTC medicines, OTC products or medical devices, and at the dispensing desk I gave information to patients on their proper use and storage, etc. The pharmacy also included a consultation room where, together with the assistance of other pharmacists, I provided advice and consultation to patients (blood pressure and glycaemic measurements, interpretation of results, advice on healthy lifestyle...). There was also vaccination and testing for COVID, where I assisted with administration.

Did your tasks align with the pre-defined conditions?yes

Did the internship meet your expectations?yes

Did you apply any theory you learned at university during the internship?yes

If yes, can you provide a specific example?As this was a graduate internship and the job description, see above, was fully relevant to my background as a pharmacist, my knowledge from university was generally used and necessary for me to complete this internship. For example, the theory and knowledge of specific drugs that were needed when dispensing and consulting with patients, or the overall system and legislative conditions of how pharmacies operate, so that I could manage the supply or billing.

How well did you manage to communicate in a foreign language?almost no difficulties

Did the institution have any special requirements?Other

Other - please specify:The pharmacy didn't ask me about any specific needs, but it was clear from my CV that I had pharmacy experience and pharmacist qualifications and therefore the knowledge to do the placement. I also sent them everything in Portuguese, so they knew I was able to understand both Portuguese and English at some level.

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?In general, I would say it's good to be specific and specify what the conditions of the internship are and what is expected from the institution. Often institutions can't really think of Erasmus/internship etc., so it's good to mention what is needed (job description, working hours, etc.) and also to let them know if they can meet and offer the requirements. I also think it's good to give a specific reason why I was interested in the institution and why I chose them. Then introduce myself as a candidate, state my qualifications, experience and what I can offer them. For me specifically, it was my previous two trips in Portugal and my knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture in general, as I wanted to go to Portugal again.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?I don't think there was any competition. The pharmacy accepted me immediately based on the email/information I sent them. There was no selection process.

Why would you recommend students do an internship?A unique opportunity to gain international experience and skills that are highly valued in today's globalised world and can lead to better job opportunities, greater competitiveness in the labour market and higher salaries after graduation. The opportunity to make new and valuable contacts in the industry that can be useful in your job search. In general, an internship allows you to get involved in a variety of interesting projects and research, which also contributes to professional growth and the development of innovative thinking. Furthermore, it increases professional knowledge and skills - in pharmaceuticals it is an opportunity to work with various pharmaceutical products and technologies that are not encountered in the Czech Republic. Finding out how pharmacies in other countries work, which will allow to compare different approaches and practices in the field of pharmacy.
Developing language skills, not only English but also the local language, generally overcoming language barriers.
An internship abroad helps to develop soft skills overall in a variety of ways - improvements in communication, adaptability, flexibility, teamwork, resilience, one is forced to step out of one's comfort zone and face a variety of challenges, often alone without the help of loved ones, which can also boost self-confidence. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and build relationships, often very close ones for life. A chance to meet people from different parts of the world, so learning about new cultures and broadening horizons. Learning how to get along and deal with people from different backgrounds and with different characters. Furthermore, to experience a new part of the world, beautiful nature and the chance to experience all kinds of adventures that you just don't get in the Czech Republic.

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?15000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

If not, how did you find it?Through ads on Facebook, in various groups.

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

Do you have any tips on how to save money during the internship?I would say the same as in the Czech Republic - shopping in supermarkets (in Portugal, e.g. Lidl, Pingo Doce, Continente), cooking at home, not spending on unnecessary things...

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How difficult was it for you to adjust to life abroad?absolutely flawless!

How well did you manage to communicate in English?perfectly

How does public transport work in the city?I've seen better

And what about transport outside the city?terrible

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Carriers' websites - Horarios Funchal, SAM, Rodoeste, or https://siga.madeira.gov.pt/ . The stops are signposted, so always signposted, they are marked on Mapy.cz. Tickets can be bought from the driver.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?Rua de Santa Maria, Jardim Botânico da Madeira, Teleférico do Monte, Sé Catedral do Funchal and the city centre, Museu CR7, Miradouro do Pico dos Barcelos, Praia Formosa, Cabo Girão.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Various trails and hiking routes - hike to Pico Grande, Pico Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, Encumeada, Fanal Forest, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, Levada 25 Fontes, Levada Alecrim, Porto Moniz and natural pools, Curral das Freiras, Teleférico da Rocha do Navio and Santana, Seixal, Miradouro Farol da Ponta do Pargo, Miradouro do Cristo Rei.

Share your best experience:It is impossible to write the best experience, the whole stay was great, full of unique and unforgettable moments, I got to know many beautiful places, met great people, got to know the local culture and definitely came back enriched in many ways. It was my third Erasmus+ trip, each trip was unique and different, but always great and I never once regretted it.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Plane

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?Madeira has one of the most dangerous airports in the world, so often you don't even land when conditions are not suitable, so you have to take that into account and give yourself some time to spare.

Can you pay by card?in most places

What not to forget when packing?Warm clothes, not only for outside, but it's cold inside too (in Portugal there is often no heating in the home), definitely don't underestimate it. Good equipment for hiking. You can also go camping, so feel free to bring that too.

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?An unforgettable and unique life experience that enriched me in many ways. Everyone should experience Erasmus+.