Work

The topic of my internship was the optimization of hydrothermal synthesis of ceria-based materials via microwave. My internship at PSI was an enriching and enlightening. I was able to produce the wanted materials with all the lab equipment. I gained knowledge in using state of art equipment to characterize materials such as X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (Super XAS). I successfully analyzed and examined the purity of my samples. I investigated the catalytic activity of the material produced with a Gas Chromatograph (GC). This internship was an excellent opportunity to deepen my knowledge and discover a profession that fits perfectly with my professional project. Moreover, I really wanted to gain experience abroad in an English- speaking environment. Indeed, after my master's degree, I want to work internationally and communicating in English is essential. This aspect added an extra challenge to my internship but was also the key to my future success. That’s why realizing an internship with IAESTE was the best way for me to fulfill my professional dreams and purposes.

Experience

My arrival in Switzerland went off without a hitch. At first, I was a little lost at the train station because of the directions and the city names in German. But I got a hold of it very quickly. I was amazed by the landscapes and the architecture of the different cities. The train rides were mesmerizing, it’s basically impossible to take your eyes off the windows. During my internship I had the chance to participate in several IAESTE weekends. Thankfully, before my arrival I bought a whole hiking equipment. I went hiking in the canton of Appenzell and Lauterbrunnen and got the chance to do some rafting in Interlaken. I met wonderful people from a lot of different countries. It was amazing to be part of a friendly and diversified group. I had such a great time and the IAESTE weekend were a great opportunity to discover Switzerland. At first it can be frightening to arrive in a new country where you don't know anybody. But I got along quickly with everybody and found my way through the country.

Discover

I’ll say that my time in Switzerland was very unexpected. I’ve discovered so many sceneries, I’ve met wonderful people and had so many new experiences. What I would say surprised me the most is the stress-free atmosphere. I don’t know if it’s the same for the whole country, but Swiss people seem so calm and serene. In Geneva they say, “the lake is not on fire”, and I think it’s suits perfectly. In three months, I never felt pressure or stress. I learned to be stress free and relaxed. I also find that in Switzerland there is a great balance between the work life and the personal life. And that the way of life I want for my future. Thanks to this experience I changed my perspectives. Before, I was uncertain about my professional project. I knew I wanted to work in a laboratory, but I was still unsure. After this experience, I discovered my passion for Research. That’s the reason why I would like to pursue with a PhD after completing my master’s degree. It would be a good way to enhance my knowledge, develop my skills and improve my expertise. Above all, I learned to push myself and discovered my abilities. This experience was so enlightening on education and human level. I’m so grateful for my time in Switzerland and it got me wishing that my internship was longer. I'm thankful life gave me this opportunity. I'm glad IAESTE gave me the chance to realise this incredible internship at PSI.