Mobility specification

Country:Canada

Institution:Carleton University

City:Ottawa

Program:Erasmus+ traineeship

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2025/2026

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Science / Department of Botany and Zoology

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?Recommendation from acquaintances

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?I was a trainee learning to develop mathematical models related to ant mimicry under supervision.

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?The main part of my internship, mathematical modelling, involved studying literature, programming, conducting mathematical analysis, generating plots and writing reports. I managed my own time and consulted actively with my supervisor. I presented my PhD work in a laboratory seminar, as well as in front of research peers at another university (Concordia University, Montreal). I also attended journal clubs and departmental seminars.

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?In preparation for the internship, I took four Mathematics and modelling courses, which were essential for my success. I applied all that I learned during my studies of ant mimicry over the previous 5 years of my studies.

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

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?Come with a well-prepared CV, demonstrate a clear plan of what you want to learn and how it will benefit your career.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?There was no formal competition, but my home and receiving institutions both required me to show a well-thought-out plan and demonstrate the benefit to my career.

Why would you recommend students do an internship?For me, it's mainly about getting to learn something specific that your university might not offer. It's also a wonderful opportunity to work in an international team and network in your field.

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?40000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

Do you have any tips on how to save money during the internship?The grocery store Metro has a student discount on Tuesdays. Many stores and restaurants offer such discounts. Although cooking is cheapest, food on campus can also be good value. If you rent close to your workplace, you could save a significant amount of money on public transport.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How difficult was it for you to adjust to life abroad?no problem at all

How well did you manage to communicate in English?perfectly

How does public transport work in the city?neutral

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?On busses and the light rail, you can simply tap your credit cards. Alternatively, you can load funds onto a Presto card which is sold in participating stores (see OC Transpo's website).

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?In summer, Gatineau Park and Dominion Arboretum. In Winter, the Christmas market and skating on the frozen canal or lake. The museums of Nature and History are also great.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Montreal and Toronto are two nearby cities full of culture.

Share your best experience:I was invited on a guided tour at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids, and Nematodes, which counts 18 million specimen.

💅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?Canada is very strict with their immigration policies. Before the trip, print your Learning Agreement, Confirmation of studies (at your home institution), work permits or exceptions, Letter of invitation and such. The receiving institution should help you with the list.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?There are many sports facilities at Ottawa universities, so if you are planning to peruse that, bring your sports clothes and a small padlock. You will need a North American power adapter.

🥳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?I got the unique opportunity to learn a specific skill that will help me become the scientist I want to be.