When I started my internship at Boston Children’s Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard Medical School, I had great respect for the institution. Harvard is globally recognized as one of the best universities, and I was eager to understand what exactly makes it stand out. I wanted to discover what contributes to its exceptional reputation and whether its research environment is truly as unique as often portrayed. At the same time, I was curious about how research there would compare to Germany and whether Germany genuinely lags behind in terms of scientific excellence.

Upon arriving, I quickly realized that Germany has no reason to hide. The scientific excellence I encountered at Boston Children’s Hospital can also be found in Germany, but the differences lie in structure, resources, and focus. One of the hospital’s biggest strengths is its high level of internationality. The proportion of researchers from diverse backgrounds is even higher than at most German institutions, enriching the research process with a broad range of perspectives. Additionally, the mindset here is highly future-oriented, with a strong emphasis on translating research into real-world applications. While this approach exists in Germany as well, bureaucratic hurdles and more rigid structures sometimes slow progress.
A defining aspect of my stay was my involvement in setting up a new lab. Unlike my previous experiences in well-established research groups, where structures were already in place, here I was part of the entire process—from organizing equipment to optimizing workflows and designing experimental procedures. This experience followed me throughout my stay, giving me a unique perspective on how a research lab is built and structured. Beyond the technical aspects, I learned a great deal from my supervisors, particularly in terms of scientific thinking. Their approach to problem-solving, experiment design, and data analysis significantly shaped my own methodology and confidence as a researcher.
During my research, I gained extensive practical and theoretical knowledge, particularly in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and Phage Display technology. My work focused on generating and characterizing alpaca derived single domain antibody fragments or nanobodies, which involved cloning, protein expression in different systems, purification using affinity chromatography, and biochemical and functional analysis using ELISA, Western Blot, FACS, and immunofluorescence. These tasks significantly enhanced my technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, I had the opportunity to independently design and analyze experiments, refining my ability to think critically and methodically.
One aspect I appreciated about the U.S. research environment is that certain experiments, such as mouse studies and other biological investigations, are more easily feasible than in Germany due to fewer regulatory restrictions. This allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in some research areas, though it also comes with ethical considerations that must be carefully managed.

Of course, my time in Boston was not without challenges. Living in the city is expensive, particularly in terms of housing. Rent prices are significantly higher than in most German cities, and finding affordable and well-located accommodation requires careful planning. I strongly recommend that anyone considering a stay in Boston thoroughly research different neighborhoods in advance to find a good balance between cost, commute, and quality of life. Another noticeable difference was that Boston offers a more limited cultural scene compared to major European cities. While it has a rich academic atmosphere, it lacks the diversity and vibrant social life found in cities like Berlin or Paris.
Spending time abroad always comes with challenges, not just academically but also personally. Leaving behind family, friends, and familiar surroundings while adapting to a new culture can be stressful. However, I can wholeheartedly recommend the experience to anyone. It broadens perspectives immensely, both personally and professionally. Living and working in another country pushes you out of your comfort zone, exposes you to new ways of thinking, different work ethics, and diverse cultural backgrounds, and fosters a cosmopolitan mindset that shapes how you see the world.

Beyond the technical skills and scientific knowledge I gained, this experience has strengthened me as a researcher and as a person. It has boosted my confidence, increased my independence in scientific work, and given me valuable insights into international research environments. The opportunity to learn from outstanding researchers, contribute to building a new lab, and engage in a truly international scientific setting has been transformative. I look forward to integrating the valuable lessons I have learned into my future career as a scientist in Germany.
Overall, my time at Boston Children’s Hospital has been an educational, challenging, and rewarding experience.

Tipps für andere Praktikant:innen

Vorbereitung

Erfahrungsberichte von Personen im Netzwerk, die schonmal in Boston waren, einholen, um Tipps zum Leben in Boston / den USA zu bekommen. Sich frühzeitig um Aspekte wie Wohnungssuche, Visum, etc. kümmern, da so Kosten und Stress gespart werden können. Kosten des Lebens in Boston nicht unterschätzen!

Beantragung Visum

Frühzeitig sich darum kümmern.

Praktikumssuche

Persönliches Netzwerk nutzen, z.B. PIs fragen in den Laboren, wo man schon Praktika gemacht hat, ob diese jemanden kennen bzw. nicht zurückschrecken sich einfach per E-Mail initiativ zu bewerben.

Wohnungssuche

Da Boston viele Studenten beherbergt, bei der Wohnungssuche auf den akademischen Kalender achten, das heißt bewerbe ich mich vor zu Beginn des neuen akademischen Kalenders (im September), werden viele Zimmer auf diversen Plattformen angeboten. Frühzeitig bewerben, um nicht auf zu teure Unterkünfte zugreifen zu müssen. Ich empfehle auch sich vorher stark über die Neighbourhoods der Unterkünfte zu informieren. Obwohl Boston eine der sichereren Städte in den USA ist, würde ich manche Bezirke speziell im Süden von Boston für internationale Studenten nicht unbedingt empfehlen.

Versicherung

Über den ADAC, heimische Krankenversicherung frühzeitig informieren, da im Krankheitsfall Arzt- und Krankenhausbesuche sehr teuer für den Einzelnen werden können.

Telefon/Internet

Es lässt sich relativ einfach eine E-Sim online kaufen, mit der man eine US-Telefonnummer nutzen als auch auf das mobile Datennetz zugreifen kann.

Bank/Kontoeröffnung

Die Harvard University bietet für Mitarbeiter eine kostenlose Kreditkarte über die assoziierte Harvard Federal Credit Union.

Ausgehmöglichkeiten

In Cambridge, in der Nähe des Harvard Squares, gibt es Möglichkeiten zum Ausgehen. Downtown ist eher teuer, wobei in Cambridge teilweise günstigere Möglichkeiten zum Essen und Trinken mit Freunden / Kollegen bestehen.