Theoni Paschou - Research Assistant in Service Design and Testing, Fraunhofer IAO, Stuttgart (Germany) - Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2015-16, International Hellenic University
I have experienced all kinds of Erasmus programs during my studies in Italy, Spain and now in Germany and I wouldn't change any of these. Living, studying and working abroad has many advantages and it forms your character. In August 2015, I moved to Germany, Stuttgart so as to write my dissertation in Fraunhofer IAO. It's really important to mention that I met my supervisor during my master’s studies at the International Hellenic University. It is without exaggeration one of the highly ranked Universities in Greece and Balkans and it offers high quality studies with an international perspective. I also had other job offers in Barcelona and London through IHU's career office but I finally chose the above for the kind of traineeship offered, even though I didn't speak a word in German. I didn't allow the German language to be an obstacle in my professional development. I worked hard and the results are to remain as an employee in Fraunhofer, the biggest research institute for applied science in Europe, to learn another foreign language, to meet a lot of people and make new friends. IHU's career office was always at my side and helped me in every way. I thank them and appreciate it! I totally recommend you, going abroad at least for a couple of months so to get an idea about other cultures and mentalities. Seize this unique opportunity to be part of the Erasmus+ community. "Fascism is cured by reading and racism is cured by traveling" Miguel de Unamuno