Mobility specification

Country:Italy

Institution:Sapienza University of Rome

City:Roma

Program:Erasmus+ traineeship

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2022/2023

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?MU website

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?Researcher

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?I worked on a project on the effect of histone deacetylases on primary ovarian cancer cells.

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?neutral

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?In Italy you honestly just have to be a foreign student, my professor was very happy that I made everyone in the lab speak English.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?No extra competition, once they reply to your initial emails, you are very likely to get an internship :)

Why would you recommend students do an internship?I made new friends, experienced what it's like to live in another country, found love here, and finally moved here permanently after my studies at MU....

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?20000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

If not, how did you find it?Facebook groups

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

Do you have any tips on how to save money during the internship?In Italy it is worth shopping at Lidl and Eurospine, they have the lowest prices. Also take advantage of happy hours at aperol spritz!

🗺 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?with gestures

How does public transport work in the city?I've seen better

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Monthly tickets can be bought at tabacco shops/ larger metro stations such as Piramide. I've always searched for connections on Google maps, but that doesn't mean they arrive when it says they will.....as far as buses are concerned, you can rely on the metro and trains.

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?It's Rome....I think everyone knows the Colosseo, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza di Spagna, the Pantheon, the Vatican... but apart from that, definitely go to Trastevere.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Florence, Lago di Bracciano, Cascate delle Marmore, Naples, Isola di Ponza, Civita di Bagnoregio.

Share your best experience:Teambuilding with the whole lab - aperitivo and dinner in town, then a night trip to the natural thermal baths.

💅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?Italians don't know English, as a matter of fact.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?Bathing suits and cottage cheese... they don't have that.

🥳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?He changed my life 100% and thanks to him I found my next home.