I received an internship offer in Germany from the head of the department where I am studying and immediately accepted. It seemed like three months of missile-free life in a new country, participating in an interesting project, which was super unusual for me.

During the first Zoom meeting, I met Christian Freud. He introduced the directions of work in his department and gave us a choice of projects we would like to participate in. I was fortunate to be assigned to the Heyd Group that explores RNA biochemistry.
I met Professor Heyd  on the first day of my internship. He provided a tour of the lab and introduced me to my supervisor, a highly energetic and focused PhD student. We started working on the first day.
I really liked our working method. Firstly, she explained what we were going to do and then demonstrated it. This way, I had the opportunity to observe and take notes on how to properly execute different procedures. I then performed the learned methods, with her observing to provide guidance. After repeating this learning process several times, I became capable of doing it on my own. My supervisor was always close, allowing me to ask for help or clarification when needed.

I was involved in the „Expression and purification of the RNA chaperone RBM3“ project. This involved expressing RBM3 and its mutants in E. coli, purifying the recombinant protein from cells under different conditions to explore the function of RBM3 and its connection between function and structure. I mastered various methods such as Bacterial Transformation, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, DNA Ligation, Purifying DNA from an Agarose gel, Restriction Digests, DNA Quantification, Protein Purification, Protein Quantification, and Western Blot. While I had theoretical knowledge about these methods before the internship, the hands-on experience added significantly to my skills.

The lab also had a Journal Club and Progress Report every Monday, providing an excellent opportunity to share scientific achievements related to projects in the lab and present progress in individual work. Through this, I learned about the work of many people in the lab.

Overall, I experienced a friendly, polite, and welcoming attitude from every person in the lab. I always received help when I asked for it. Additionally, I was invited to dinner at the Professor’s home and various themed parties like the Christmas party, making me feel like a part of the group.

Despite spending most of my working day in the lab, I had enough time for entertainment. I explored the city, visited famous architectural monuments such as Brandenburg Gate, Berliner Dom, East Side Gallery, Marzahn Park, Charlottenburg Palace, and Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. Exploring these architectural landmarks was a captivating experience, each structure telling its own unique story of history and artistry. The abundance and diversity of animals at the Zoo, along with the rich variety of plants in the Botanical Garden, left me truly impressed.

As part of the internship program, I had to complete a two-week practical course. I participated in Molecular Immunology, which was conducted in the Freund Group. It was intense, highly informative, and sometimes challenging. However, it expanded my understanding of research directions in the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, provided important methodical skills, and enhanced my ability to replicate results.

In conclusion, I am satisfied with this internship. I gained valuable knowledge, had ample practice time as I wished, and encountered individuals with a different mindset. I am impressed by their respect for freedom and self-expression. I appreciate the higher level of science and proper funding in this environment. While there were some difficulties with accommodation, I received help from fellow countrymen, making it better than expected, and I didn’t have any transportation discounts as a non-student. Nevertheless, I gained many positive impressions and am truly grateful for such an opportunity

Tipps für andere Praktikant:innen

Vorbereitung

I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the projects available in the lab, reviewing some of the Professor’s papers, and gathering other information relevant to your project. This way, you’ll have a better understanding of the information your supervisor will provide, saving you time during the preparation phase.

Beantragung Visum

I didn’t address the visa question as staying in Germany without registration is permitted for up to 90 days for individuals from my country, precisely the duration of the internship.

Praktikumssuche

I did not actively search for the internship program. Instead, I received an offer from the head of the department where I am studying.

Wohnungssuche

It was a real challenge. Most of the housing offers were too expensive. However, my colleague, with whom I completed the internship, has fellow countrymen in Berlin—refugees from Ukraine—who had reached an agreement for the house they stayed in before.

Versicherung

I purchased insurance in my home country covering all three types: Health, Liability, and Accident, for a duration of three months. The process was quick and done online.

Telefon-/Internetanschluss

Wifi was available in my accommodation and in the lab. However, I purchased a SIM card with a special tariff for Ukrainians from Telekom for 10 Euros per month and used it for two months. Later, I switched to my regular SIM card as it was more cost-effective. My mobile operator also provides internet services while roaming.

Bank/Kontoeröffnung

I opened a bank account with Wise. However, transferring money from that account has proven to be challenging, and I am still figuring out how to do it.

Ausgehmöglichkeiten

Berlin offers various bars and clubs. For instance, I visited a cozy Ukrainian bar called ‚Meduza.‘ Additionally, there are numerous themed parties, such as Halloween. However, be prepared that they start late and continue until the morning.