Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Sérgio and I'm from Porto in Portugal. When I enrolled in the MUTW program I was a 24 years old computer science engineering student from ISEP. I applied to it mainly because of its difference against all the other capstone projects that were available in my school. This project was different, it took part in a multinational, multicultural and distributed environment – a challenge I couldn’t miss.
After being selected, and being generally introduced to what was going to happen, I packed my bags and went to Siegen in Germany – It was there that I first met my colleagues for the next 4 months. The feeling among almost all the students was the same – so little time and so much to do – In the two days we stood in Siegen we had to get to know the other students, attend two seminars, get to know with further details the project scope, produce a presentation about the user interface and define some ground rules on how the team was going to perform – e.g. coding standards, whether to use a framework and which one, etc. – and of course... we also had to party! :)
The next three and a half months were going to be even harder - the team could only meet through Skype, Adobe Connect, or other instant messaging tools, there was no easy discussion process as we came to realize – connection issues, cultural barriers, different availabilities from the students (for many, this wasn’t a full time project), but the main difficulty I felt was when brainstorming some ideas – the challenge of exposing or discussing them without a physical whiteboard or a piece of paper really messed with my brain.
After much requirements analysis, many design discussions, implementation issues, some teaching and much learning, the allotted time came to an end, and the product wasn’t completely implemented. We went to Izmir in Turkey with four more days of intensive work available before the final presentation. Many of us hardly slept during those days – we knew that we were not going to fully complete the application, but still we decided to get the more things done as we could possibly do. The presentation went OK and the commitment and effort in this project we took in this project was recognized. The next days were only to relax and partying, but that’s another story ;)
To sum up, and as they say – “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” These challenges made me grew up a lot. In my latest talks about MUTW I came to use the term “Boot Camp” to describe it and I really think it fits like a glove. We were confronted with so many issues and problems to solve that no other project available to us would allow to experience.
If you’re a person that likes to solve problems, loves to know new people, and want to get the most intensive multinational, multicultural and distributed environment development experience available – I can only say that MUTW is for YOU!
Project/Internship courses create an environment that is a unique cradle to forge students’ soft skills, such as, team work, communication, initiative, focus. Addressing and improving these skills in an efficient and efficacious manner is seldom done by any other type of instruction. A Project/Internship is probably the most efficient way to improve these skills in students.
An extraordinary trip where we faced a great deal of tough decisions, but we emerged more grown up, more cooperative and we take home the fond memories of this amazing experience.
Great experience, I was lucky for join this project I hope to have a similar experience in the future.
A great project, which improved not only my technical skills, but also gave me a lot of cultural and social experience.
Great experience, I was lucky for join this project I hope to have a similar experience in the future.
In my case, MUTW helped me to make the decision to go abroad on another Erasmus semester last winter, this time to do my practical training. Although I was working alone on my project, I used the personal confidence that I had gained through MUTW to fulfill it in the best way possible. After my training I concluded my university degree and I have moved on professionally; I am now working as Operations Manager and a Trekking Guide in a travel agency in Crete. Although my work is not in the field that I studied, all professional areas are somehow linked.
In my job, communication skills are very important, as are languages and the ability to improvise. The experience that MUTW gave me in communicating with my colleagues, have definitely proved more than useful. Understanding colleagues’ way of thinking and ideas linked to a common goal are very important in any profession.
Furthermore, taking the initiative is a challenge I face every day, solving any problems that arise and providing on the spot customer service. The fact that in MUTW we were all faced with problems that had to be solved quickly and accurately helped me cultivate this ability.
Last but not least, I experience the benefits and the constant need of successful teamwork, as only when all parties pull together are we able to provide our customers with the best solution for their holidays. Coordination is necessary for everything to function smoothly. Again, this was another quality that I gained from the dedicated teamwork in our Orange Team last year.
Hello students & partners!
My name is Gustavo Fernandes from Porto and I participated in the first edition of MUTW in the orange team.
I entered the project with some apprehension, being a completely new situation for me, but at the same time with a great desire and commitment. The trip to Siegen, Germany, helped us knowing each other and creating a good working basis. From there, we worked locally under constant communication with the other team members. It took months of meetings, problem solving, camaraderie and effort. In Izmir, Turkey, it was the culmination of all the work, already with a strong union within the team.
A presentation in English for a jury of European teachers was a unique and enriching experience at all levels.
In short, it was one of the best experiences I had in life. What I would highlight:
If you have the chance to apply, don't hesitate...MUTW will change your life!
It was an unique experience, for which I am grateful to be a part of, with some great benefits for my future career.
Ten questions for Laura from Lithuania who did her internship in Spain, Valencia as an SEO and online marketing intern.
1. Why did you decided to do your internship abroad?
I had to do my mandatory internship to successfully graduate from university. During my study years, I never had a chance to study abroad, so when I found out about the Erasmus+ traineeship opportunity for recent graduates, there were no doubts that I will go somewhere. I always loved travelling so the possibility to get to know new culture and do some serious work and get new professional skills at the same time sounded perfect!
2. Why did you choose Spain for your internship?
There were few main factors by which I chose my destination country:
• Offered position - I was particularly looking for digital marketing placement.
• Cost of living in the country
• Weather - I guess good weather is one of the reasons for a lot of students, especially when you`re originally from countries as Lithuania, where you don`t have a chance to see the sun a lot
3. What was your duties at work?
I was working with SEO, Google Analytics, graphic design, creative writing. My main responsibility was the creation of rich content according to the guidelines, search engine optimization and marketing strategy.
4. What did you like the most?
I guess the atmosphere at the office! It was a start-up, so the environment wasn`t very official or corporative, There was a lot of interns as well, so I was working in a very young, but also professional team.
5. Did you faced any challenges/ was there something really hard?
Most of the time I had to work alone, so I had to get new skills of independent work and self-motivation, because I had to understand what motivates personally me to work and implement these things into my job.
6. Do you think you got any new skills?
Yes, I really think I had an opportunity to deepen both personal and technical skills, which I believe will be valuable for my further career. It was understanding and experience in content marketing, experience in various marketing industry tools, independent working, self-motivation, time management, effective speaking and listening skills, strategic thinking, assertiveness, cross-cultural communication.
7. In light of this internship experience, how have your personal goals evolved?
I understood that I really like to deepen my knowledge in digital marketing area.
8. What would you recommend to do in Valencia after work?
Go to learn Spanish, eat churros with hot chocolate, visit one of the most amazing Zoo parks in Europe, take a run or just a walk in Turia park and of course visit the city of Arts and Science! I think Valencia is underrated city in Spain – it has so much to offer!
9. Would you recommend to your friends to do an internship abroad?
Absolutely! Highly recommended experience for those who seeks more in life.
10. What would you say to a person who is going to start new position as an intern tomorrow?
Of course it`s going to be out of your comfort zone, you`re probably not going to understand a lot of things or even get lost. But take it slowly, it won`t take more than 2 weeks and you`re going to feel just fine! And for your first day, take a notebook, some snacks, ask questions, say hello to everyone and smile!
Through all the studying period I was wishing to get international and more diverse experience and to compare health systems of different countries to the one in Lithuania.
2. Why did you choose Finland?
I chose my internship based on the institute which offered the most interesting possibilities, not particularly on the country where it would take place. I didn’t know much about Finland before going there except for some invalid stereotypes, but after staying there, I was left with only the best opinion about it and its people.
3. What was your duties at work?
The main tasks included developing research protocols, designing questionnaires for specific studies, contacting the participants of the studies and analyzing collected data. On the side of my main work, I had a chance to participate in seminars of different topics which were held in and outside the institute.
4. What did you like the most?
I was very happy to work in such an experienced and international environment, to participate in scientific conferences. All this gave me a chance to build valuable professional network, not even mentioning the close friends I made from all across the world.
5. Did you faced any challenges/ was there something really hard?
The start in the new environment, especially when it’s an unknown country, is always very hard and challenging. The other thing would be the language barrier which was leading me during all internship.
6. Do you think you got any new skills?
It’s hard to exclude specific gained skills, because the list would be very long. I would say that the internship had broadened my understanding about my work area, career possibilities, improved my critical thinking and, of course, helped me to develop better professional language skills.
7. What was your biggest achievement?
Participating in the European scientific conference “Escaide 2018”, where I presented results of conducted research on behalf of the whole team in front of the audience of experienced specialists and researchers. Also, a job offer to continue working with the team.
8. What would you recommend to do in Finland after work?
Do winter sports, visit Lapland, try traditional pastries and go to sauna!
9. Would you recommend to your friends to do an internship abroad?
Yes, for sure! Because it`s not only a way to improve yourself in a professional area, but also a challenge which can help you to develop your personal skills.
10. What would you say to a person who is going to start new position as an intern tomorrow?
Ask as many questions as you can about everything you don’t know – once you’re seriously hired, you will be the one supposed to know the answers 
And don`t be afraid to face new things, that might be a start of something pretty awesome!
Interview from Giedrė, who did her internship in Italy!
1. Why did you decided to do your internship abroad and specifically in Italy?
I wanted to an internship abroad to learn more about different markets in Europe, expand my knowledge and improve some of my skills. I chose Italy because I knew the language already and I admire the country itself.
2. What would you say about working ethics and atmosphere in Italy?
Let's start with the fact that I was in South of Italy. That's a complete opposite from the North part. Working ethics? Long lunch pauses, up to 4 hours, where nothing and no one is working through that time. That was a big thing to adjust. Atmosphere itself was really welcoming, I felt comfortable and safe.
3. How did you find a place to stay? Was it expensive? Do you have any tips on housing in general?
I found a place to stay via Facebook groups. It was not hard to do it, I would recommend the same way for others too. It was more expensive than Lithuania, but ERASMUS scholarship was enough to cover my living cost. My tip for housing - live with roommates, they will be the people you'll most hang out with, just make sure to pick the right ones! You can always stay via Couchsurfing somewhere for couple of days that will give you an advantage to find a perfect permanent spot to settle!
4. What was the biggest outcome of this experience abroad?
The biggest outcome was to expand my business network and gain international experience.
5. What would you say to a person who is going to start new position abroad as an intern tomorrow?
Breathe in, breathe out. Enjoy the honeymoon phase as long as you can, because in the end, you'll just be thrilled to write your bachelor thesis ASAP!
Interview from Monika, who did her internship in UK!
1. Why did you decided to do your internship abroad and in this specific country?
I have decided to do my internship abroad because I like to challenge myself and going abroad for three months to work in very different surroundings seemed a great challenge. I love going out of my comfort zone, exploring new countries, new cultures and meeting new people and for these reasons, it just seemed obligatory to participate in Erasmus+ program.
I chose to go to UK because it has one of the fastest growing economies and there are many opportunities for students like me. Not only many of the international companies’ headquarters are based in there, but also there are many startups. Therefore, it is only up to you to choose if you would like to do your internship in the company, which has many years of experience, or you want to start from zero with a group of people like you.
2. What would you say about working ethics and atmosphere in London?
The works ethics in London is super chill. Of course, you have to perform all your tasks on time and do them as best as you can, but you do not have any time restrictions during the day. You can go take a walk whenever you feel like it, or take a snack in your own time. The managers are super attentive and will help you with all the things that you need.
3. How did you find a place to stay? Was it expensive? Do you have any tips on housing in general?
To find the housing in London was pretty hard. After some failed attempts, I found the agency that is working with the foreign students and helping them to find housing. They helped me a lot and in one week I already had a place to stay.
Well, yes it was expensive, London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so you have to be ready to pay more than usual. If you are lucky, you can find a place to stay for around 100pounds per week.
I think my tip for the ones who are looking for the housing, would be to get to know the city first. You do not want to rent a room who is super far from your office (because of the crazy traffic and the cost of travelling everyday) or is located in the neighborhood that is not safe. Just read a little about the city online, there is a lot of information about any city.
4. Did you face any challenges during your stay? Do you have any tips for others how to deal with it or to avoid it?
I think one of the biggest challenges was to find a place to live. But during my stay in London everything was great, of course you face some small things every day, but you always have to try to do your best, think clearly and do not let the situation get the best of you. You live and you learn.
5. What was the biggest outcome of this experience abroad?
The biggest outcome of my exchange is definitely the gained experience. Since you are living on your own, you learn a lot about yourself, how you deal with the different situations, how you are managing your finances and your time. What is more, the professional experience. You learn how to apply the knowledge you gained in the university in real life. It really helps you to see how the things work in the "real" world and get the clearer view of your career, what you would like to be doing for a living.
6. What would you say to a person who is going to start new position abroad as an intern tomorrow?
My advice would be to not be afraid, take every opportunity that come your way and enjoy.
Interview from Kotryna, who did her internship in Malta!
1. Why did you decided to do your internship abroad and in this specific country?
I enjoy international environments and Malta just came along, I wasn't looking for a precise country
2. What would you say about working ethics and atmosphere in Malta?
Great atmosphere since everybody speaks English so you don't feel excluded. Work ethics are also good. Doesn't seem that anyone would have a problem regarding this.
3. How did you find a place to stay? Was it expensive? Do you have any tips on housing in general?
Uff... housing in Malta is unbelievably pricey... you have to be lucky to get a good deal. Especially in summer season because tourism is huge. I found my accommodation on Facebook, I think it's the best place to look. Also always try to negotiate.
4. Did you face any challenges during your stay? Do you have any tips for others how to deal with it or to avoid it?
Hmm... the only challenge probably is public transport... I would suggest to either walk places or get a scooter if you're planning to stay there for more than a month. You really can't rely on the buses...
5. What was the biggest outcome of this experience abroad?
I've got employed!!!
6. What would you say to a person who is going to start new position abroad as an intern tomorrow?
Aways look how to get out of your comfort zone. Trust me, future you will thank present you.
Interview from Melina, who did her internship in Portugal!
1. Why did you decided to do your internship abroad and specifically in Portugal?
I really wanted to work abroad because I thought it would be a challenge for me to cooperate with different people that speak another language. Also, I wanted to experience the feeling of living alone away from your family and friends. Although the choice of the country was random, I am really happy that it had to be Portugal!
2. What was your duties at work?
My duties were to provide support to Praxis by creating content for the social networks, drafting news articles to promote internships and provide administrative support and helpdesk support to students, providers and members of the network.
3. What did you like the most?
I enjoyed working with people that have different nationalities and way of thinking in a friendly and relaxed environment.
4. Did you faced any challenges/ was there something really hard?
As always the beginning was kind of difficult because you’re not sure what to do and you feel a little lost but other than that I have not faced any challenges.
5. Do you think you get new skills and other added value of international internship for your personal and professional development?
I learned how to cooperate with other people and of course I improved my communicative skills and my English level.
6. How did you find a place to stay? Was it expensive? Do you have any tips on housing in general?
I found a house through a website page. Unfortunately it’s really expensive if you are looking for a full equipped house. I would advise to start looking for a house a long time before your departure and only look in valid sites.
7. What would you recommend to do in Porto after work?
Porto is a really beautiful city with many outdoors places to visit. It also has a vivid night life because of the many young people studying here and the low prices.
8. Would you recommend to your friends to do an internship abroad? Why?
I would definitely recommend to anyone doing their internship abroad because it’s going to be totally different from anything they’ve experienced before.
9. What would you say to a person who is going to start new position in Portugal and as an intern in general?
To stay focused in his duties and try to learn as much as possible about the object of their future professional career.
Interview from Marianna, who did her internship in Portugal!
1. Why did you decided to do your internship abroad and specifically in Portugal?
I've decided to do my internship abroad because I wanted to be independent, to see how it is to live away from my hometown, so I would also be prepared for a job that might be away from my city. I also wanted to do some traveling, see new places, meet different cultures and people. Of course, I wanted to gain some experience in my field of studying and discover if this job was actually suitable for me. I applied in some other positions as well and at last I got accepted in the internship in Porto. I have heard that it was a beautiful place so I was excited to do the internship there.
2. What was your duties at work?
At work I had to promote the Praxis organization on digital media. Me and my collegues had to create some promoting strategies to attract people to visit the site.
3. What did you like the most?
What I liked the most is that I developed my digital media managing skills, I learned many new information about digital marketing and used many new tools. I believe I gained some experience and I am more confident now.
4. Did you faced any challenges/ was there something really hard?
I didn't face any challenges because the internship was suitable for me as it was really related with my studies.
5. Do you think you get new skills and other added value of international internship for your personal and professional development?
I got many skills of my international internship. First of all, I've practiced my English, which I might use again in a job in a future, as long as I am a journalist. I was working in a team and that developed my team spirit.
6. How did you find a place to stay? Was it expensive? Do you have any tips on housing in general?
When I needed to find a place to stay I asked for help from other students in my college that have done an internship in Portugal. I recommend you ask some help too. They informed me that there is a site for renting appartments, it's called ''idealista''. I found my appartment there. It was full furnished, as I couldn't bring any stuff from my country. It costed 800 euros per month. I believe if you need to find a full equiped appartment then the price would be around 550- 800. I would advise students to find a place as sooner as they can and get informed about the water and electricity bills for how much they cost, so that they will be carefull and won't pay a lot of money.
7. What would you recommend to do in Porto after work?
I would recommend to people to travel a lot in Porto because it's a beautiful place. They should ask locals or other interns for the best places. They can visit other cities close to Porto too, (like Guimaraes, Braga) it's very cheap to do so and it is totally worth it. Also go to Matosinhos, it's a great beach with many young people. They should also try francesinha the well- known sandwich of Porto, and listen to fado, the traditional music of Porto which is very melancholic and full of emotions.