Mobility specification

Country:Germany

Institution:Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

City:Leipzig

Program:Erasmus+ traineeship

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2023/2024

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Science / Department of Experimental Biology

Study level abroad:Master

✅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:Thesis supervisor

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?Research group member / intern researcher.

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?Work in the "dry lab" - computer analysis of genomic aDNA and in the "wet lab" - sampling and preparation of aDNA for sequencing, within the Genetic History research group.

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?The research focuses on similar questions as my master thesis, knowledge of the R language and aDNA analysis from my graduate courses.

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

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

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?Get in touch in person, enthusiasm for research is appreciated, they are very open, they routinely recruit students in Germany, but many foreign trainees also come.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?On the personal recommendation of the head of the DP, no. In general, the number of places is based on the number of researchers willing to mentor trainees.

Why would you recommend students do an internship?The international experience is irreplaceable, great for your CV, you will learn a lot about your personal and professional life and you will find out what working in your field is really like and what the real conditions are like. For science students, the opportunity to intern in conditions outside of the school environment - access to equipment, independence.

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?16000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

If not, how did you find it?On the Internet - the institution recommended the advertising site "wg-gesucht.de".

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

Do you have any tips on how to save money during the internship?Apps Too good to go (food before passing), bicycle rental (swapfiets - discount codes can also be found), in Germany Deutschlandtiket, set up discount cards. Don't be lazy to ask what the receiving institution can provide.

🗺 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?Google maps, Deutsche Bahn app.

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 Jena Saale-Horizontaale, the ruins of Lobdeburg Castle.In Leipzig, the city centre and the surrounding flooded quarries.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Weimar, Erfurt

Share your best experience:Christmas market in Erfurt, hiking with roommates, informal meeting with colleagues for a beer at the Institute.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Bus

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?Germany checks all arriving buses - prepare passport/OP.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?Hiking boots, bike stuff.

🥳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?Unforgettable experiences, real-life practice, international contacts - and German glühwein. What more can you ask for in life?