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author

Ana Elena Moran

Ana Elena

faculty

Přírodovědecká fakulta

academic year of the stay

2025/2026

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author

Ana Elena

faculty

Přírodovědecká fakulta

academic year of the stay

2025/2026

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traineeship

study stay

short-term mobility

other

University of Potsdam – Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PolyBio)

How does Ana Elena rate their stay?

university

average rating is 5 out of 5

city

average rating is 5 out of 5

accommodation

average rating is 3 out of 5

financial demands

average rating is 2 out of 5

about university | organisation

What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
The first thing that comes to my mind is the excellent scientific environment. From my first day, everyone in the group was welcoming and always willing to help or answer questions. It was a very collaborative atmosphere where you never felt afraid to ask for advice.

One of the best parts of my internship was the regular group meetings and scientific seminars. They gave me the opportunity to learn about exciting research projects, discuss new ideas, and improve my scientific knowledge. Students were also encouraged to present their own work, which helped me develop my presentation and communication skills.I was very fortunate to work with Prof. Dr. Matthias Hartlieb, who is an excellent supervisor. He always took the time to explain concepts clearly, encouraged discussion, and motivated me to think critically and independently.The laboratories were modern, well-equipped, and provided everything needed to carry out high-quality research. Overall, it was an inspiring place to learn and grow as a scientist.
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?
I would definitely recommend this organization to other interns. From the beginning, I was treated as a valued member of the research group rather than just a visitor. The team was always supportive and willing to help.

During my internship, I received hands-on training on how to use different analytical instruments and laboratory equipment, which greatly improved my practical skills. The university also offered free German language courses, which was a great opportunity to learn the language while living in Germany.During my stay, there was also a Master's student from Italy, showing that the group is very open to welcoming international students. They actively encourage interns to participate in different research projects, making the experience both educational and rewarding
What is student life like at university?
University life is very active, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and get involved in different activities. The university offers a wide variety of sports at very affordable prices (around €20 per semester), including tennis, volleyball, Pilates, and many others. Some activities take place on campus, while others, such as swimming, are held at external facilities like private pools. In addition, the university offers free German language courses for international students. Overall, there are many opportunities to interact with both local and international students, making it easy to make friends and experience German culture beyond the laboratory.
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
The main language of communication in the research group was English. All meetings, seminars, presentations, and daily interactions were conducted in English, so international students could easily integrate into the team. Although some seminars were offered in German, participants were informed in advance. Speaking German was not required for the internship, and with English it was easy to understand everything and communicate with both researchers and other students. The university also offered free German language courses, which provided a great opportunity to learn the language and make new friends with both local and international students.

about the city

What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
Potsdam is a beautiful city with a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It feels very safe, and it is an ideal place for students and researchers. The city is designed to be bike-friendly, making cycling one of the best ways to get around, especially during the summer.One of my favorite things about Potsdam is that it is surrounded by lakes, where you can swim, relax, or have a picnic on warm days. It also has many beautiful parks and historic palaces to explore. Another great advantage is that Berlin is only about 20 minutes away by train, so you can easily enjoy the vibrant life of Berlin while living in the calm and green environment of Potsdam. It truly offers the best of both worlds.

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?
Potsdam is a relatively expensive city, especially when it comes to accommodation. In my experience, the Erasmus scholarship was not enough to cover all my expenses. It covered approximately 70–80% of my total costs, so I needed additional personal funds during my stay.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
The best way to save money is to plan your grocery shopping. Supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Kaufland, and Netto usually have the best prices. I highly recommend checking the weekly discount flyers and buying products that are on sale. Many supermarkets also reduce the price of fresh food in the evening, so you can find excellent deals. Another great way to save money is by eating at the university Mensa, where students can enjoy a complete meal for around €3–5. The food is varied, affordable, and a great option for lunch.

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.)?
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the accommodation where I stayed unless you plan to stay for at least six months, as the contract conditions were not very flexible. One important thing to know is that the university does not arrange accommodation for interns, so finding a place to live is entirely your own responsibility. I highly recommend starting your accommodation search several months in advance, as finding housing in Potsdam can be challenging and stressful. Despite the effort, I believe the experience is absolutely worth it. Potsdam is a wonderful city, and once you find a place to live, you can fully enjoy everything the university and the city have to offer.

about experiences

Did you use your stay to travel around the country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
Yes! One of the best parts of my stay was traveling around Germany. I highly recommend getting the Deutschlandticket, which allows unlimited travel on regional trains and local public transport throughout Germany for a fixed monthly price. It is a fantastic way to explore the country on a student budget. During my stay, I visited several cities and even traveled to the Baltic Sea. One of my favorite trips was to Warnemünde, where I enjoyed the beach, the lighthouse, and the relaxed atmosphere. I also visited several nearby cities, making the most of weekends and public holidays. I would recommend planning your trips in advance and checking for train delays, as regional trains can sometimes be crowded or delayed. Overall, traveling around Germany was one of the highlights of my Erasmus experience and allowed me to discover many beautiful places beyond Potsdam.
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?
I did not experience any major cultural barriers, as people in the research group were very welcoming and open to international students. One difference I noticed is that Germany has many rules and a considerable amount of bureaucracy. Administrative procedures can be slow, complicated, and sometimes frustrating, especially when dealing with housing or official documents.The internship itself was conducted entirely in English, so German was not required for my research work. However, I used German in everyday situations and attended free language courses offered by the university. Thanks to the stay, I became more confident in understanding and speaking German, although English remained the main language for scientific communication.

about experiences

Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
The main challenge I faced during my Erasmus stay was related to accommodation. Finding housing in Potsdam was already difficult, and unfortunately, the communication and management of my accommodation were often stressful and frustrating. Some procedures were unclear, responses were slow, and the contract conditions were not very flexible, especially for a short-term stay.
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?
The host university was very responsive to my individual needs, especially in relation to my research project. My supervisor and colleagues were always willing to help and made every effort to provide the materials, equipment, and support I needed to carry out my experiments successfully.

They also took the time to teach me new laboratory techniques and explain unfamiliar concepts, which greatly contributed to my scientific development. In addition, they placed a strong emphasis on laboratory safety, ensuring that I received proper training and understood all safety procedures before working independently. I always felt well supported and encouraged throughout my internship.
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
did not have any specific accessibility or support needs during my stay, so I cannot comment from personal experience. However, I would recommend contacting the International Office and the host department well in advance if you require any accommodations. During my internship, I found the staff to be approachable, supportive, and willing to help whenever I had questions or needed assistance.

final rating

Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
I would definitely recommend the University of Potsdam, especially for students interested in research. The research groups are welcoming, the laboratories are well equipped, and supervisors genuinely invest time in teaching new techniques and supporting students throughout their projects. I felt like a valued member of the team rather than just a visiting student.
Potsdam itself is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It is peaceful, safe, and surrounded by stunning parks, lakes, and impressive palaces such as Sanssouci. The city has a unique combination of history, nature, and culture, making it a wonderful place to live and study. At the same time, Berlin is only about 20 minutes away by train, so you can easily enjoy the cultural life and opportunities of a large international city while living in a quieter environment.Overall, the combination of excellent research opportunities, a supportive academic environment, and the beauty of Potsdam makes the University of Potsdam an excellent destination for an Erasmus internship.

live-saving tips

If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
If I were to go again, I definitely wouldn't forget to pack my swimsuit! Potsdam has so many beautiful lakes, and swimming there during the summer became one of my favorite experiences.
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Before leaving, I would like to know that...
Before leaving, I would have liked to know that finding accommodation in Potsdam can be much more difficult than expected. I would recommend starting the search several months in advance and carefully reading the rental contract before signing it.
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What surprised me most was that...
What surprised me most was how kind, welcoming, and fun Germans are. Before my Erasmus, I had heard that Germans were very reserved, but my experience was completely different. I met wonderful people who were friendly, helpful, and always willing to include me. I was also pleasantly surprised by how beautiful, peaceful, and safe Potsdam is.
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The hardest thing for me was...
accommodation!!!!
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