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author
Gabriela Medeiros
Gabriela
Medeiros
faculty
Přírodovědecká fakulta
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
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author
Gabriela
faculty
Přírodovědecká fakulta
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
Institute on Membrane Technology
How does Gabriela rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
When I think of my internship, the first thing that comes to mind is the great environment at the Institute on Membrane Technology (ITM-CNR), located at the University of Calabria in Rende, Italy. From January to March 2025, I had the opportunity to work there through the Erasmus+ program for postgraduate students. The institute stands out for its strong focus on membrane science and its good research facilities. My supervisor was highly supportive, and the team was very welcoming. It was a really positive and enriching experience, both professionally and personally.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
Interns at the institute are well supported by their supervisors and colleagues, while also being expected to work with a degree of independence. As a visiting student, I felt warmly welcomed and guided both by the institute and the university. Overall, I had a very positive experience, and I would strongly recommend a traineeship at this university to other students.
What is student life like at university?
The University of Calabria offers excellent infrastructure for students, including several cafeterias, a canteen, and green areas. The university is well equipped and hosts many active student associations, providing opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities. For more detailed information about associations and events, I recommend checking the official UniCal website.
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
I communicated in English at the university, as this was sufficient for academic and research purposes. However, since the university is located in a small city where not many people speak English, I would recommend having at least a basic level of Italian for everyday situations.
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
The city has a very lively and it is full of students from different backgrounds. This makes it feel dynamic and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to meet people. I especially enjoyed the variety of restaurants and cafés, which offered great local food at affordable prices. Being close to the coast was also a highlight, as spending weekends by the sea was both relaxing and refreshing.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
I received a scholarship of approximately €2430, which was enough to cover my rent and food expenses during the three-month stay. Around the university, there are some affordable housing options for students and researchers, including dormitories, shared apartments, and private rooms. Overall, the scholarship covered most of my living costs, as Calabria is a relatively affordable region. Daily expenses, especially food, were quite reasonable, and the local cuisine ,whether from bakeries, or the university canteen was both delicious and inexpensive.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
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about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
In my case, the housing options available through this service were already fully booked. However, thanks to the help of my host supervisor, I was able to secure a place in a shared flat
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
The university team is highly skilled and supportive, which made the academic experience very rewarding. Beyond that, the excellent weather, delicious food, and welcoming people made my stay especially enjoyable. I would strongly recommend this destination to friends, as it offers not only valuable professional opportunities but also a great personal experience.
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
What surprised me most was that...
The hardest thing for me was...
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