Mobility specification

Country:USA

Institution:Massachusetts Institute of Technology

City:Cambridge, Massachusetts

Program:Freemover

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2024/2025

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Science / Department of Plasma Physics and Technology

Study level abroad:Doctoral

✅Check the boxes

How would you categorize your internship?Natural Sciences

💼How-to: Interning abroad

How did you discover this internship opportunity?Other

Other - please specify:Scientific Group Leader

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?Visiting student.

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?To perform optical emission spectroscopy of plasma-assisted combustion setup.

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?Knowledge of plasma physics in a discharge environment.

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

Did the institution have any special requirements?Technical knowledge (e.g., specific software skills)
Specific language skills
Level of study

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?The advantage is the knowledge/competences that are currently lacking in a given location.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?I am not aware of any direct competition, as there is plenty of space for visiting students. The selection process was only an online call with the local lab manager.

Why would you recommend students do an internship?Mainly because it is the duty of PhD students. And then of course all the pathos about developing international cooperation and broadening horizons.

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?48000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

If not, how did you find it?I was not provided directly, but one of the permanently housed students rented me his place in the dormitory over the summer (i.e. subletting).

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

Do you have any tips on how to save money during the internship?The easiest way to save money is not to go to the local canteens for lunch (13-15 USD/lunch), but to cook your own food. You can save money on accommodation by choosing cheaper shared dorms.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How difficult was it for you to adjust to life abroad?no big deal

How well did you manage to communicate in English?almost without problems

How does public transport work in the city?neutral

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

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?I only used public transport to get to the airport, otherwise I walked everywhere. The local provider (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) has a website with information on available connections and prices. Tickets can be purchased either there or at each of the larger stations.

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

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Any monument on the Freedom Trail. The Science Museum is also worth a visit.

Share your best experience:As a history buff, I couldn't pass up the Freedom Trail, a tour of the most important monuments of the American Revolution.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?yes

Where can it be arranged?In order: the website of the host institution, the website of the U.S. Department of State and finally the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Prague.

What is needed?Form DS-2019 from the host institution, which requires proof of sufficient funding (51% must not come from your own/family pocket). In addition, the online DS-160 form. Finally, an interview at the embassy, where you must answer without hesitation, truthfully, and most importantly, not appear threatening.

How long does it take approximately?Not counting the fundraising, you will receive your DS-2019 within a month of submitting your application (especially if you have to provide proof of funding). However, the embassy may be full for several weeks in advance (plus you may not get the visa on the first try). )

How did you get to the place?Plane

Can you pay by card?in most places

What not to forget when packing?In my case, it was bedsheets and dishes/cutlery, which were not included in the accommodation, but at worst, everything can be easily bought on the spot.

🥳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?Preparing the trip was stressful, but no porridge is eaten as hot as it is cooked.