Meet some of our former interns
Handan Aydin from Izmir in Turkey
Tell us a little about your background?
My name is Handan Aydin. I am coming from Izmir/Turkey. I studied bioengineering at Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul and I am in Luleå more than 1 year working with Waste Science and Technology group at Luleå University of Technology.
Why did you choose to come to Luleå?
I had been interested about working in environmental technologies. When I got form from iaeste, I was excited to work in Sweden with this purpose because Sweden is well known country for environmental perspective. Then I noticed the job is in Luleå which I hadn’t have heard it before, I was excited but also I was so curious to live in the North. Because in my city, we rarely see the snow during winter. But after I came here, as a nature lover, it was so beautiful to see every season how it changes the city. For me it was different and also beautiful to experience Swedish culture and living in the north. Because for me the north teaches you to be patient to see the beauty in the end. Like during winter it is mostly dark but with snow it is beautiful and then summer comes, all the darkness disappears to make you to enjoy the sun. Of course the most importantly, the northern lights. Before I came here, I always was saying that I want to see the northern light before I die. Luleå made my dream come true.
How do you like working here?
Working for the environment was always my first choice. I had good opportunity to work many kind of projects related to environmental technologies which improved my knowledge and my perspective. The people are so friendly here and they helped me and taught me a lot during my journey. I had been always living in big cities and as you know living in big city is mostly stressful. This city may be small but it also helps you calm and focus on your work. But also of course, fika! During the working time having fika with colleagues, it is the best tradition to communicate with people while enjoying your coffee.
Pia Hofmann from Austria
Tell us a little about your background?
"I am 24 years old, grew up in beautiful Austria and recently finished my master studies in Technical Chemistry at Graz University of Technology."
Why did you choose to come to Luleå?
"After completing my studies, I wanted to do an internship abroad in order to gather new experiences and impressions, both job-related and personal as well as to gain an insight into work life. Therefore, I searched the web for possibilities to do so. On the IAESTE homepage I finally found a job offer for an internship in Luleå. Since I’ve always wanted to pay a visit to Sweden and the job description sounded very interesting and suitable for my educational background it was exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, I was not yet available for the given period. I applied anyway and was rewarded with a great internship in the desired period, thanks to the kindness of my employers."
How do you like working here?
"An internship in the Waste Science and Technology group at LTU gives you the chance to work on various exciting projects, to broaden your knowledge and to meet great people.
People with different backgrounds such as environmental engineers, biotechnologists or chemical engineers are working together to find solutions for environmental concerns. The internship enables us interns to make a significant contribution to current research and additionally, you are able to work and spend time with other interns and PhD students which means that there is always a platform for the exchange of problems and suggestions either work-related or about everyday live during the traditional Fika breaks, during lunch or in the shared office.
Although an average working day in the Waste Science group can be very smelly and exhausting it’s the perfect opportunity to gather new working skills, for the development of friendships with people from all over the world that might last a life time combined with the possibility to enjoy the incredible northern nature in all its beauty.
Aldeir Pinedo Taquia from Peru
Tell us about your background?
I studied Chemical Engineering at National University Major of San Marcos in Lima as well as worked previously at BASF Poland in Wrocław for the quality control area.
Why did you chose to come to Luleå?
Always I have liked the idea of doing an internship abroad due to working in a new country used to be exciting, beside it means living a new culture, learning a new language and facing new challenges.
At the beginning the unknown made me hesitate, however before filling my application, someone told me once, "we only regret opportunities we do not take” I did not pay too much attention to it, however being at 11 600 km far away from home makes me realize that it is true and I would not like to miss this opportunity.
How did You like working here?
Currently I am working on projects for the waste science and technology department. Being part of high-impact projects related with the environment encourages me always give my best. LTU gives me a pleasant atmosphere learning at all times from my supervisors and colleagues either weekly meetings and during fika.
Enjoy the nature, northern lights, frozen sea and a multicultural team undoubtedly are part of this unforgettable experience.
Anina Giulia Hold from Switzerland
Tell us a little about Your background?
Doing an internship in applied sciences focusing on waste science was a whole new experience for me. Prior to my time at LTU I finished my bachelor’s degree in biology in Switzerland.
Why did You chose to come to Luleå?
The prospect of gaining insight into such different yet related areas as well as living in the far north of Sweden was what attracted me the most and led to my decision of trying to apply for the internship.
How did You like working here?
The experience of a practicum at LTU was just as different as desired. What impressed me the most and will probably stay in memory the liveliest was the way active communication is maintained, both work-related as well as socially and culturally. Thanks to this exchange I could get in touch with employees from other fields and countries during Fika, learn from the other interns and practice some spikes in volleyball after work.
Elisa Arteaga Prieto from Bolivia
Tell us a little about Your background?
I studied chemical engineering in La Paz, Bolivia. After my bachelor’s courses, while writing my thesis, I wanted to learn more about industry. That is why I applied for an internship in AB in bev in the quality control section. I worked there for four months in the microbiological control department.
Why did You chose to come to Luleå?
While working in AB in bev I`ve realized how much I like biochemistry. One day I saw Iaeste´s Work offer for Sweden, in which they require an engineer with microbiological knowledge. I thought it would be a great opportunity to go to such a nice country. I saw more about the university and felt interested about what they were doing, so decided to apply.
How did You like working here?
Working in LTU has been a nice experience so far. This is a great environment for meeting people from many places around the world. If you like lab work this is also a great place for an internship because everyone is always willing to teach. I like how all people from the team gives feedback in a motivating and assertive way.
The charm of winter snow, northern lights and Swedish traditions like Fika 😊 make this city a great place to live in. Besides work, the university offers a big variety of activities so everyone can always find something to enjoy.
Anna Erian from Austria
Tell us a little about Your background?
After finishing my master studies in Biotechnology in Austria, I decided to hurl into a new adventure: an internship abroad.
Why did You chose to come to Luleå?
Through IAESTE I had the opportunity to join the Waste Science and Technology group at LTU and to gain insight into a scientific field that was rather new for me. Moreover, it was an exciting chance to live in the north of Sweden during wintertime and to enjoy the amazing nature and winter activities that Luleå has to offer.
How did You like working here?
During my work at the Waste Science and Technology group I was involved in an interesting project dealing with the treatment of sewage sludge. I appreciated the pleasant working atmosphere, the good teamwork with my friendly and helpful colleagues and the Swedish tradition of fika.
All in all it was an unforgettable experience that included learning valuable work-related skills, meeting people from all over the world and seeing the Northern Lights dancing above our heads!
IAESTE SWEDEN
Link to IAESTE SWEDEN External link.
For international exchange of trainees and exchange students
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