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Interning abroad with IAESTE was like stepping into a whirlwind of opportunity and adventure, all in a tight timeframe.

I vividly recall the rush of excitement mingled with a tinge of nerves as I hurried to complete the necessary paperwork within the blink of an eye. 

But with the unwavering support of the SSD team, every hurdle felt conquerable, paving the way for what would become one of the most enriching experiences of my life.

The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) is a global non-governmental, non-profit organisation that benefits students, employers, and universities through its internship programme. 

Paid internships abroad offered by IAESTE help students gain valuable professional experience and cross-cultural skills - so from the moment I received the offer letter, the anticipation mounted with each passing day.

Then came the unexpected twist - an interview with my supervisor just three days before our Dubai Trip. The meeting was done via Zoom and the supervisor was joined by his colleague. 

They were both incredibly kind and smiled the whole time so there was no need to be nervous. I then had to present my slides and was asked to discuss my work and the environment at BAM, Berlin. 

Overall the interview flowed really smoothly, with a few technical questions but mostly casual conversation. Then, on the day of my flight, I received an email confirming my selection - and it felt like it was the best day of my life.

After completing numerous documents along with my friends who were in the same position as me, we finally received the letter of award. Soon after, we received an email from DAAD inviting us to dinner with the German Ambassador. 

It felt surreal as I was dropped off at the Embassy. Once we got there we socialised with academics at the party, and later, the Ambassador himself personally presented us with the letter of award.  It's a day I'll never forget.
 

The flight took 16-hours in total. Upon landing, I was greeted by Max from IAESTE Berlin LC, who over time became like a brother to me. 

He gave us the warmest welcome and along with Stephen and Ellen made me feel like part of the family right away - they even made me some Chai tea to make me feel at home. 

The next day, after receiving some guidance from Max on how to get to work, I hopped on my bike and set off for the train.

Upon meeting my supervisor, he graciously introduced me to everyone on the team. It was overwhelming, but reflecting on that day now, I realise I wouldn't want it to have been any different.

I received a briefing on my tasks for the upcoming days and spent the day familiarising myself with my supervisor's research papers.

Every day at work was a learning opportunity, and I found myself delving into understanding the influencing factors for the automatic center of rotation. 

During my tenure, I immersed myself in the intricacies of 4D data reconstruction for Li-ion batteries. I gained profound insights into the understanding of XCT data and its comprehensive reconstruction process. 

It was quite a different experience from working in Nepal. I was indulging in active research  which allowed me to analyse and implement new research findings and present reconstructed data structures for modeling purposes. 

Then, before long, we completed my research and I had the chance to present it to the entire team.

Amidst the busy schedule of travelling and working, I made strong friendships. It became a weekly ritual to treat ourselves to gelato every Friday after work - and whether it was a music festival or an academic trip to BESSY II at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, I cherish the memories created during those experiences.

During weekends, meeting my friend Avantika and planning trips to different destinations together was always exhilarating. Some were spent exploring each other's cities, while others involved adventures in entirely different countries. 

However, the highlight was undoubtedly the trip to Europa Park with the friends I made in Berlin. 

I also travelled to Munich for an IAESTE event, explored Berlin city solo, attended the Pride Parade, went to a movie theatre, enjoyed a fantastic cookout with my Indonesian friends, made momos with my Indian friends, and experienced Berlin's vibrant nightlife. 
 

My professional and personal growth was amazing, so as I boarded the return flight, my heart overflowed with the memories made and lessons learned. 

For in the brief span of my time in Berlin, I had not only gained invaluable skills and knowledge but had also formed lifelong friendships that transcended borders and cultures. 

And as I gazed out at the clouds below, I knew that the journey had only just begun, with the world brimming with endless possibilities waiting to be explored.

To all the aspirants out there, embarking on your IAESTE internship journey is a bit like embarking on a treasure hunt – except the treasure is a golden opportunity waiting just for you. 

Before you dive in, take a moment to explore the IAESTE global website, where a world of possibilities awaits. Browse through the positions available and keep an eye out for the ones that speak to your passions and interests. 

There's something for everyone, fields like AI, Software Development, Data Science, Project Management and so on. And with the support of the IAESTE family and ¾ÅÉ«µ¼º½ Management, you'll have all the guidance you need to navigate this exciting journey. 

So, don't be afraid to do a little digging, trust your instincts, and set sail towards the internship of your dreams. The adventure begins now!

Garima Dhakal, a School of Computing alumni. She is a tech aficionado and a data science enthusiast. Her quest for knowledge extends beyond the classroom, as she currently fuels her passion through self-projects and the FuseMachine AI fellowship. When she's not lost in lines of code, she's off on adventures, exploring new experiences through Bits, Bytes, and Beyond.