Vinay shares his experience of a traineeship in Nitra, Slovakia.

Whilst many traineeships are situated in the country's capital, some trainees go also to the smaller cities and towns that Slovakia has to offer, spreading right across the country. Vinay decided to undertake his traineeship for a company in Nitra, the fifth largest city in Slovakia located at the foot of the quaint Zobor Mountain. Here is Vinay's experience working as a Tool Designer over a 5 month period:

1. How did your story begin? Why did you decide to take an Erasmus+ traineeship in Slovakia?

I was informed by my friend who was part of Erasmus+ internship in Slovakia. So I applied in February and started my traineeship in April.

2. Can you tell us something about your work responsibilities?

I was working as a tool designer in Nitra, carrying out 2D and 3D construction of automobile parts.

3. What did you learn/improve at the most during your traineeship?

I learned to work independently and I improved my knowledge in software catia V5.

4. Did you have any task you had no idea how to proceed with it? If so, how did you solve it?

Yes, I had few problems in using the Slovak language computer system in the office but I managed it with the help of my supervisor. Externally, I had good support from Placement Slovakia in assisting me and getting people much closer by organising the events.

5. How did you find out our programme and how do you evaluate our assistance during your period here?

It was quite good, the assistance from the day of my application till the last day of my send off in Nitra I had lot of support from Placement Slovakia. I have to thank Anna for her support during my application process and assisting me during my initial days of the traineeship and helping me to carry my luggage on arrival. Later support from Diana, André and João was excellent for organising events and made the life in Slovakia so comfortable during the period of my internship.

6. How do you evaluate life in Slovakia?

It's very good, nice place to explore and have fun. Even though there was a language barrier, having lots of people from Erasmus is an advantage to meet people from different parts of the world.

7. What did you like the best here in Slovakia?

For me, it was the Erasmus friends I met and the night life and touristic places I visited.

8. Did you have time to travel and explore Slovakia and neighbouring countries? Which places did you visit and what left the biggest impact on you?

Yes, it's a nice time to explore the places. I have been to Austria, Prague, Bratislava,Trencin, Budapest.
 
9. What are your next plans?

I am in search of doing a Master thesis, so that I can complete my masters degree in the coming year.

10. Is there anything you would like to say to students deciding whether an internship in Slovakia is a good idea?

Yes, a traineeship in Slovakia is a good place to explore the nearby countries and to gain some technical knowledge from your work environment. Meeting new people and adjusting to new cultures and languages, gives you a great scope for the future and builds up your self-confidence.