June - August 2018 • Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia
What I liked
I learned a lot of new techniques while being submerged in another culture. I grew professionally as well as personally.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been there for longer.
Advice
It is an opportunity that any STEM student should apply for and take advantage of. Not only is it fun to be abroad, but learning to be a part of the global community of science is important.
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Research Assistant
May - August 2017 • Cottbus, Brandenburg
What I liked
It was a great opportunity to travel to Germany and experience the culture like a local. Being paired with a PhD student was really nice because she was a good guide while abroad.
What I wish was different
Advice
Sign up for the free 2 week language course offered by DAAD RISE. It's a great way to meet other interns, who make great travel buddies over the summer (as the program places interns at universities all across Germany)!
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Research Assistant
May - August 2018 • Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg
What I liked
Working in a BME research lab in Germany. Living in another country. The flexibility of the program. Ability to expand my network. Meeting other DAAD RISE scholars. Getting out of my comfort zone. Traveling during the weekends. Getting paid a stipend.
What I wish was different
I wish I got started much quicker on doing work. The first 3 weeks were spent reading research articles while I waited on safety trainings and understanding the research topic. Easier time finding a apartment.
Advice
Be ready to put a lot of work into the application and preparing for the internship before going (finding plane tickets, housing, VISA, and banking). All the work was totally worth it
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RISE Intern
June - September 2018 • Oldenburg, Lower Saxony
What I liked
The German culture, especially its love of biking. I also enjoyed watching the World Cup in Germany, even though the team did not do too well.
What I wish was different
I wish I'd have gone to the country with a friend or two; while I did make friends (especially within my biochemistry lab group), it was a bit lonely at the start of the summer.
Advice
Make sure to plan your travels far in advance! The train and flight prices increase drastically with time.
