Mobility specification

Country:Canada

Institution:Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Toronto

City:

Program:Freemover

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2024/2025

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Social Studies / Department of International Relations and European Studies

Study level abroad:Master

✅Check the boxes

How would you categorize your internship?Economics and Administration
Social sciences

💼How-to: Interning abroad

How did you discover this internship opportunity?Other

Other - please specify:On my own initiative, I sent an email to the consulate asking if the internship would be possible and I also attached my CV and cover letter.

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?GK Trade and Investment Section.

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?Involvement in the activities of the Trade and Investment Section of the Consulate General, especially in the area of sectoral research and development of specialized texts (Toronto's economic development strategy, analysis of the automotive sector in Canada, analysis of the energy sector in Canada, analysis of radioactive waste storage in Canada, update of the sectoral opportunities map, analysis of the Hudson's Bay Company bankruptcy, text on Canadian capital markets, etc.) and also in the support of Czech companies (search for partners and suppliers in Canada, negotiations with business partners on possible cooperation). Participation in the official participation of the Czech Republic at the Global Energy Show in Calgary and support of the delegation during the fair, assistance with the preparations and results of the event organized by the European Chamber of Commerce in Canada "Re-igniting the EU-Canada Business Space" and assistance in the preparation of the mission of representatives of Canadian capital markets and investors. Participation in meetings with local partners and assistance in representing Czech companies.

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

How well did you manage to communicate in a foreign language?perfectly

Did the institution have any special requirements?Specific language skills
Level of study
Other

Other - please specify:At least basic knowledge of the relations between the two countries, knowledge of common treaties and agreements.

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?Language skills, previous trips abroad, interest in internship.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?Yes, after sending your CV and cover letter, the online interview took place and then the decision was made.

Why would you recommend students do an internship?An internship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will give you knowledge and skills you won't get in a classroom. It will give you an insight into the workings of an institution, valuable professional contacts and lifelong friendships, and the opportunity to experience a new country and culture. You will learn to be independent. It's an experience that will take you a huge step forward, not only in your career but also as a person, and above all it will open doors to new opportunities.

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?21000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

If not, how did you find it?Through various websites offering accommodation, shared apartments, etc.

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

Do you have any tips on how to save money during the internship?Cook your own boxes for work, get a bike to ride everywhere, buy in bulk, the NoFrills store is probably the cheapest. A couple of places also have student discounts on admission. The monthly pass for public transportation is not worth it if you're going twice a day, it's pretty expensive. Clothes at secondhand stores, Value Village is the best (also for home goods), Ikea in Toronto is quite expensive.

🗺 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?terrible

And what about transport outside the city?I've seen better

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?I usually search for connections via Google maps, it's well processed and up to date. For longer routes online on the carrier's website. Tickets can be bought either monthly (machines at bus stops), single tickets by attaching a credit card when you enter the bus or metro ($3.5 for 2 hours).

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?CN Tower, Distillery District, Harbourfront, High Park, Toronto Island, Kensington Market, Bloor Street, TD building...

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Niagara Falls, Algonquin Park, Ottawa, Montréal, Banff National Park. There are plenty of places to go around Toronto. However, you need to have a car or meet someone who does, as everything is extremely far away and trains are not as widespread as they are here, plus they are very expensive.

Share your best experience:The whole experience was a great experience, but the highlight of the whole time in Canada was the month-long trip after the internship to western Canada, to Banff National Park, Jasper, Kananaskis and Kootenay. This park has been on my bucket list since I was 16 years old, so it was a dream come true.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?yes

Where can it be arranged?On the Immigration Canada website. However, the consulate will help you with the whole process and it's very simple that way.

What is needed?Invitation letter from the consulate, confirmation of studies, scanned passport, bank statement, CV, photo.

How long does it take approximately?3 months from the date of application.

How did you get to the place?Plane
Train

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?The visa process takes a long time (about 3 months) so don't underestimate applying on time. You also need to go to a special immigration centre for Canada for fingerprints and photo (the nearest one for the Czech Republic is in Vienna, so you need to plan for this trip). Also expect a long queue at immigration upon arrival at Toronto airport.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?If you really like some Czech food, pack it with you. The stores that sell this are a long way from downtown Toronto. Cash is hardly used anywhere, but it's always better to have something in stock in case of an emergency. Pack clothes for any weather (even mid-April was -6, snowing, and maybe 15 degrees a few days later).

🥳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 internship will definitely give you more than a semester at school, so don't hesitate, go and make your dream come true!