Internship or student exchange program?

Having my exams followed by summer holiday, I didn´t have time to realize that my life is going to change in many ways. During the examination period and the holidays, I did not realize until the last moment that I am leaving and that a lot of things will change in my life. After finishing my summer semester, I was relieved and I wanted to enjoy my holiday and spend as much time as possible with my friends. However, once I learned that I could apply for summer internship in SKODA, my plans had changed a bit. I had this unique opportunity which I had hold on it. I felt that I have to do my best to be hired as an intern. I have to share a funny story from my interview. With that binds a funny story.

In early Thursday morning, I read an email with interview invitation in which I was informed that the interview takes place in few hours. I had a lack of time to prepare for it, so I was in hurry and I didn´t go to bed at all. I didn´t want to leave anything to to chance. The next morning, I was standing on the street with the map in my hand looking for the place. I felt as nervous exhausted wrack. The employee, who welcomed me, was surprised.  She called me her supervisor who came in five minutes. At first, she apologized and told me that she didn´t have much time and that the interview had to be quick. At this moment I was suspicious that something was not right. My feeling in my guts was true.  She told me that I was on time, but one week earlier than I was supposed to be. We both laughed, we exchanged a few polite sentences and I left. A week later, I repeated the whole process, but this time I was not nervous at all and I felt ready. The interview´s atmosphere was very pleasant and friendly. I felt I nailed it when I left. My feeling was confirmed in a week by a phone call, in which I learned that I become an intern of SKODA.

The two-month internship in SKODA in the department of External Affairs was very beneficial. I deepened my theoretical knowledge and I had the opportunity to use them in practice. The internship allowed me to have an inside look into operating processes of the biggest Czech automobile company and I gained experience which is a competitive advantage in the labor market for me. I clarified my vision about the future of my carrier and I am planning to apply for SKODA traineeship program.

My holidays weren´t neither only about fun nor only about relaxation. My holidays were not carrying the spirit of fun and relaxation, but were filled with more work than pleasure.My aim was to gain unique work experience which I obtain with pleasure. At the end of my summer holiday, I travelled to France where I will spend my winter semester as exchange student. I am excited about my new life experience.  So far my Erasmus experience is about sharing, learning and understanding different cultures.  However, I am still missing out the opportunity to experience French culture because I don´t have any new French fiends. It is difficult to understand their culture without their friendship. Among my new friends I am still missing French students because it is harder to reach them because they are less accessible. Most of French don´t speak English and my French needs more practice, so it is more challenging.