Customized Internship in Poland, Central Europe

After completing my junior year, I knew Poland with TravelNStudy was the perfect place for me to pursue my summer internship. I felt it was the right decision because of the many unique experiences I couldn't have gotten in other internship programs. TravelNStudy has provided opportunities for me to travel to Wroclaw, Gdansk, and Warsaw, and intern in one of the major tech companies. I got an exposure to the technology industry and was provided with an opportunity for professional development. I was definitely challenged, worked in an international team and made an impact. I made some great friends with locals and interns from all over. The company provided us with lunch buffet on Fridays, and we celebrated everyone's birthday or namesday (that is a Polish celebration) in a local restaurant or a bar after hours. My internship in Poland was definitely the best experience in the field I've had so far and I really enjoyed my summer there. Honestly, I am a little sad to be back at school now. I love the city life and I will be applying for jobs in Poland once I graduate with my bachelor's degree.

After a very thorough interview with the internship advisor from TravelNstudy, highlighted by my needs and the area of interest, several options in financial field were presented to me! I made my final decision and agreed that the placement in one of the international banks in Poland will be the best for me. I was placed in Gdansk, in a city branch, and worked directly with my supervisor. Finally I had the opportunity to connect the relevancy of classroom studies to the real world! I was not surprised to see that economy in Poland is one of the strongest in EU and that the country was not hit by the economic crisis. The market is open for major investments from the European Union. About my internship and my life after work. The everyday work in Gdansk was pretty standard 8-5, with most weekends being off. I was able to contribute directly to the bank at which I interned. I worked with Polish interns from a business school in Gdansk and I spent most of my weekends with them on sightseeing, going to the beach, and going out at night (the city has fantastic bars and clubs). The Polish students seem to be very independent, well educated, one of them was fluent in three languages and just recently got accepted to London School of Economics. They were my guides, best companions, and made my overall stay really great and stress free. One weekend they surprised me and took me for a short trip to Berlin, Germany. I love traveling and seeing new places!
Great part of my internship were the visits to the capital of Poland! Twice a month I went with my boss to Warsaw to the main quarter for meetings! I must say I really enjoyed the experience! The morning rush, the busy life in Warsaw, the center of Europe, international environment, listening to my boss switching between Polish, English, and German, made a tremendous impact on me!
What did I gain in two months in Poland? Definitely confidence, independence, maturity and a mentoring from friendly people who just like me love finances and investments!

Thinking back to when it all began, I truly believe that this program has been a blessing in disguise. What was suppose to be a two month trip turned into something a little more permanent. This is the most rewarding journey I have been through. I have met amazing people, made great contacts and even landed a job teaching at an elementary school outside of Wroclaw. I have grew as a person, became more independent and so much more open-minded. Polish people inspire me and give me motivation. I look at these people and I see such hard workers, not only are they educated but most speak over three languages, if not more.
No words could express the opportunities that I have gained throughout this internship. Traveling and volunteering is the most precious gift that one could give himself. Looking back at where I started, I can say that I lived more in these past few years than I have in all of my lifetime. I thank TravelnStudy for helping me pursue my dreams in volunteering,teaching, and of course, traveling!