I applied for a summer internship at the Koç University Surface Science and Technology Center (KUYTAM). This six-week research opportunity was a chance to learn while exploring a new country.

The internship was facilitated by IAESTE, a non-profit promoting international paid technical internships. My association with the organization extended beyond the internship itself. I became a board member in the Indian National Committee and attended the Annual Conference in Slovakia. Unfortunately, the global pandemic prevented another internship in 2020.

Koç University is Turkey's top-ranked institution. Under the guidance of Dr. Amir Motallebzadeh, a researcher at KUYTAM, I spent the summer working on a laser surface melting project. Istanbul is a hub for IAESTE-affiliated universities and companies and that summer there were over a hundred IAESTE interns from across the globe in the city, which meant we had regular meetups and events to look forward to.

The availability of vegetarian food on campus was a welcome surprise in Turkey. The university, situated on hills overlooking the Black Sea, provided a scenic backdrop with comfortable dormitories. We were nine IAESTE interns at Koç. My three roommates, from Scotland, Germany, and India, were excellent companions throughout the six weeks. I often explored different parts of the city, either independently or with those who happened to finish work early that day. Evenings were typically spent enjoying dinners together or ordering in, followed by visits to Baba’s, the nearest pub. These outings often included other Koç students who remained on campus during the summer.

In essence, my internship in Istanbul was more than just a research opportunity; it was a transformative experience.

Image credits: Thom Cameron (my roommate)