Mobility specification

Country:Poland

Institution:Jagiellonian University

City:Kraków

Program:Freemover long-term mobility

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2021/2022

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

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:Probably through Researchgate, similar research focus. Then a series of referrals and getting more contacts.

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?Researcher, laboratory technician.

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?They were intensively devoted to me, and after training and introducing the laboratory teams, we discussed the scope of work and the individual steps in the research. I was actively involved in the processing of the material, laboratory analyses and some of the processing of the results. I tried out new techniques and methods, while being inspired by other solutions to even the most basic procedures and techniques. More or less everything from the field of molecular biology.

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?Sure, I didn't know much about molecular biology in high school.

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

Did the institution have any special requirements?Level of study

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?I don't know, but they're helpful and nice. The advantage, of course, is if one doesn't bother them too much with paperwork.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?I don't know. I've spoken specifically to the head of the department in question. He said it would be a problem if they had to contribute financially. At MUNI, everything was quick, easy, and everyone was helpful.

Why would you recommend students do an internship?You experience working in a different team, in a different way. Talking to colleagues and getting their insight is extremely rewarding. Although they are our neighbours, the style of thinking about research is also different. I got a glimpse of how science works in Poland. Krakow is also a popular tourist city.

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?30000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

If not, how did you find it?Booking, Airbnb...

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

Do you have any tips on how to save money during the internship?Poland is generally a bit cheaper than the Czech Republic. The biggest item was accommodation because it was through a global corporation.

🗺 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?runs like clockwork

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?They have portals for that similar to IDOS. Otherwise everything can be done via Google.

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?Depends on who prefers what. In the city there is a lot of greenery and relatively quickly you are in a forest park. Otherwise, of course, one must see the sights, for example Wawel Castle and the historical centre. The natural swimming pool Zakrzówek, the botanical garden of the Jagiellonian University, the zoo, football stadiums or a balloon "flight" over the Vistula.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Wieliczka Salt Mine, national parks around Krakow. There is also Auschwitz within an hour's distance, but I wouldn't consider that a trip.

Share your best experience:I don't have anything in particular, I guess, but there are funny moments when you try to speak the local language (quite acceptably, I would say), but the locals just put on a surprised face and continue the conversation in English.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Train

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?In Krakow, everything is clear and straightforward. Only the directions of the means of transport are a bit confusing because trams circle around, but it's not a big deal.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?Free gift bags from Biedronka.

🥳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?A month-long internship with inspiring personalities in terms of research and personal approach in a pleasant location in a historic city.