Olga Goncharova, 4th year, Faculty of Accounting and Finance, 2016
Even as a schoolgirl and applicant, I knew that my future university offered foreign internships, and I could never have imagined that I would take advantage of such an opportunity, as happened this year.
But the story began a little earlier, namely in the summer of 2015, when I met a student from my university and also a friend, who had repeatedly traveled to different countries for internships. That day he was sharing the experience gained during his internship in Norway, the country of my dreams! I admired him and this country more and more with each minute of conversation, and the photographs of unforgettable nature inspired me with the thought: “I must visit there!”
And what do you think, our meeting ended with me going to the university and signing up on the list of those wishing to do an internship in Norway. Of course, I was warned that I might be rejected, since I am a student of economics, not agricultural technology, and students without experience are generally not accepted for distant countries. These nuances did not stop me, although my inner enthusiasm diminished somewhat. Having done everything necessary, I waited for an invitation to the internship, and… and I received it on New Year’s Eve. Of course, this was the best gift from Santa Claus – an internship in Norwegian flower greenhouses.
Frankly speaking, fear and excitement in me grew more and more with each day approaching the scheduled departure date. And I was not worried about the fact that I, as a potential accountant, understood little about flowers, but that I, a nineteen-year-old student at that time, had never had to leave my native home and native country before. For me, this trip became an adventure and a “quest” that I didn’t yet know whether I could handle or not.
The beginning of the internship was difficult for me not only because I was indifferent to flowers, I admit honestly, but also because we fell into the height of the season. Literally after the first week of adaptation, it seemed to me that I was on the set of the movie “Groundhog Day.” I didn’t really understand what day and date it was, whether I had eaten today, or whether there was anything in the refrigerator at all. I simply didn’t have enough time to think about it, since starting work at seven in the morning, we could return after eleven in the evening, when it began to get dark. Even the white nights didn’t particularly cheer us up after work. But these are all trifles compared to how interesting it was to do something new.
Having gained experience and working at the level of “old-timers,” I began to understand and gradually take pride in myself, especially when I heard praise from management. The work became more exciting when I worked together with the guys. Here, teamwork seemed completely different to me than I had imagined. I saw the difference compared to studying at university, because during the learning process, all the emphasis is on your grades and your academic performance, and the group becomes a group when we receive reprimands or, conversely, approval from teachers together. In my case, our common final result was important. In Norway, I learned to get along with the guys, to step over myself and move together toward a common goal. I could never have imagined how hard work it is to achieve mutual understanding in a team, but how important it is.
Trying hard and showing myself as a good worker, I didn’t notice how my initial three-month contract turned into six months. It became more and more fascinating as the work, compared to the number of people, did not decrease, but there were fewer and fewer of us. This was especially felt in the last month, when six of us remained (three girls and three guys). Here I realized what responsibility means, the speed of work execution and implementation of plans that we were assigned for the day. At this moment, I was no longer just interested in the work, but actually fell in love with it. I worried about every flower, enjoyed every minute of work and looked forward to the next day to start new tasks again.
Having closed the season and finished my contract, I had to return home. I could never have imagined how heavy my baggage would be. And I’m not talking about the suitcase now, but about the life experience I gained during the entire internship period. I left with longing and with the realization that the “quest” was completed. With pride, stepping over the threshold of the now beloved barracks, I left the greenhouses. Before departure, they gave me a small gift in the form of an offer for a new contract, but for 11 months, in response I was forced to refuse. Are you surprised? Ask why? And the answer is that I didn’t want to take academic leave and sacrifice my studies for a year of internship in Norway. Perhaps you now doubt the sincerity of what I wrote above, because how can one not return to beloved work if I spoke so passionately about it. It’s just that this internship also taught me not to betray my priorities, and studying and working in my specialty are my priority.
While writing this essay, remembering all the good and amusing moments, it’s curious to realize that these few pages of my story contain a new me.
Nelly Guda, 3rd year, Faculty of Management, 2016
It’s no secret that students of agricultural universities have the opportunity to complete industrial internships abroad, the main goal of which is to accumulate experience for young agricultural specialists.
To work, study, explore new countries and improve my professionalism – for this purpose I decided to go to Germany during these summer holidays to the Karls Erlebnis-Dorf farm for an internship.
The main activity of this farm is growing strawberries. Karls Erlebnis has about 300 hectares of fields and is a suitable place for internships and experience exchange for students of agricultural universities. The main requirement for candidates is good physical condition and absence of health problems. It’s no secret that farm work is hard, so “urban pampered individuals” will find it extremely difficult.
I want to emphasize the importance and necessity of every student completing such an internship, since the experience and skills gained are very valuable and necessary resources for further growth as a specialist in agriculture. And if someone asks the question: “Is it worth it?” I will answer unequivocally: “It’s worth it, absolutely worth it!” If you are a goal-oriented, hardworking, sociable and non-confrontational person, you have a unique opportunity to earn money and gain unforgettable experience.
For completing the internship and fulfilling a number of assignments, I needed knowledge in biology, botany, crop production, fruit growing, storage and processing of agricultural products, since we worked directly with vegetation.
Before the trip, various “well-wishers” frightened me with the complexity of strawberry work, giving all sorts of horrifying examples. In practice, everything turned out to be much simpler. Although, perhaps, this depends on each individual person’s perception. But I, at least, can say that this work is not deadly and there were no problems. I agree: getting up at 4 AM to start work by 5, working in any weather and fighting off insects – this is not pleasant. But we didn’t go to a resort after all. In fact, there was plenty of time for good rest: the working day mainly ended by 3-4 PM. After work – do whatever you want.
I got enormous pleasure from walking around the surroundings and around the farm itself. But this is an unusual farm, believe me, if you visit there, you won’t have enough of a whole day to see all its interesting features. The walls of the farm’s main building are completely filled with various teapots – from ceiling to floor, so the farm is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest collection of teapots in the world. The goods are very diverse: strawberry toys, natural cosmetics, sweets, books, jam (by the way, you can watch the process of its production).
Thanks to this internship, I made wonderful friends, strengthened my knowledge of foreign languages, and also acquired many useful skills and moral-work qualities that are very valuable for any labor market. I was abroad for the first time, but long before my trip I fell in love with Germany “in absentia,” and, as it turned out, I was not mistaken in going there specifically. And now I’m waiting for summer to go on my working vacation again.
Halyna Konyk, 4th year, Faculty of Management, 2016
How wonderful it is to relax on a hot summer day in the garden. The sun is at its peak, heating the asphalt on the road, but you’re in the garden, like on a little island, hiding in the shade from the heat. The cherry branches bend under the weight of the fruit, and you immediately find yourself in a fairytale kingdom full of secrets. A sturdy and powerful ruler—the peach tree—spreads its branches, surveying its domain. The plum tree patiently waits to share the warmth of its fruits. The tired and overworked cherry tree lures with its fruit, like ruby earrings.
But the fairytale can’t last forever, and you awaken from the sunlight breaking through the tree’s shadow. The garden excursion was coming to an end. That’s how my internship began at LLC “Oksamyt” in the village of M-Pohorilove, Vitovsky District, Mykolaiv Region.
This enterprise is very promising, as it holds 39.8% of the fruit-bearing plantation area among agricultural enterprises in the Vitovsky District and produces 69.15% of the gross fruit harvest. The yield of LLC “Oksamyt” is 7.52 centners per hectare of fruit-bearing plantation, which is 3.22 centners per hectare more than the district average. So, it’s no surprise that I chose this enterprise for my summer internship.
The situation in the country is such that most young people leave the villages in search of a better life. Before the internship, I didn’t understand why, but through firsthand experience, I realized how hard this work is.
The kind and responsive director of LLC “Oksamyt,” Mykola Mykolaiovych, helped me with dormitory accommodation, finding comfortable living conditions not far from the enterprise. However, as a city native, I missed entertainment terribly. The only options were either rewatching a series or reading a favorite book. The infrastructure in the village is declining—no discos, cafes, or entertainment centers. At the same time, there are advantages too. You can take a break from the hot city and breathe fresh, clean air.
The first time I came to the enterprise, my palms instantly sweated, my throat dried up, and I was afraid to mess something up or do something wrong. But that’s the point—you must try again and again. If it doesn’t work, redo it, ask what you don’t know, because practice is completely different. You must use your acquired knowledge to understand the practical side of your profession.
The most important part of the internship is gaining new skills necessary for further development as a professional and competent specialist. Practice helps reveal your potential, and then studying at the university gains new meaning.
Soon, the summer internship came to an end, and I returned from my fairytale holiday in the village. Now the garden will wait for me until next year, and for now—it will fall sound asleep until spring.
Nadiia Chupryna, 4th year, Faculty of Management, 2016
I won’t be afraid to speak on behalf of all youth and say how lucky we are to live through the best time of our lives—our “student years”—right now. This is a time of unlimited opportunities and chances. For example, one such chance is a production internship abroad, which offers an opportunity to realize yourself as an agricultural sector worker and to acquire relevant knowledge and practical skills.
Learning, discovering the unknown, practicing your skills, trying yourself in a work role, showing your potential—that was the purpose of my visit to Switzerland, namely to the Heini Hauser farm.
I’ll start by saying that this company specializes in growing, processing, and selling top-grade vegetables. Vegetables are the main focus, but the farm also engages in animal husbandry. Although the Heini Hauser farm is relatively small—just 13 hectares—the farmers have earned a reputation as successful agriculturists because they respond quickly to customer needs and market conditions.
The director’s main wish regarding interns was genuine motivation to work, develop, and learn—not just to appear as if the job was done. According to these criteria, I was the perfect fit. I had a sparkle in my eyes when I heard new information, soaking it in like a sponge. Everything was genuinely interesting to me, and the family eagerly shared their experiences and achievements.
Honestly speaking, the work wasn’t easy (especially at the beginning), and not everyone would be able to handle it. But I truly want to share my impressions of this internship abroad. I think the fact that I plan to return to the same farm for another internship speaks volumes about how much I enjoyed it. Upon returning home, I recommended it to everyone and encouraged others to do internships abroad. It’s a unique opportunity for students to earn money and travel.
During the internship, I had the chance to apply the knowledge provided by the university—on subjects like crop production, botany, vegetable growing, animal care, as well as processing and storage conditions for plant-based products.
The family made sure the work wasn’t too hard or boring and tried to ease our workload. Of course, we worked in all weather and under any conditions. But the effort was worthwhile. I liked that we weren’t just “workers” with all the duties dumped on us—we were helpers of the hosts and worked mostly side by side with them, listening to advice or simply interesting stories. Work started at 6:00 a.m. and ended at 6:00 p.m. While that time span may seem long and exhausting, in reality it wasn’t—we often didn’t even notice how quickly the time flew by. After work, we were free and frequently spent that time walking around town or traveling to other cities. What could be more interesting than that?
Everyone knows that Switzerland is famous for its picturesque nature—impossible not to fall in love with it! And I wholeheartedly confirm this. During the internship, I learned a lot about the country—from its history to the present day. The town of Wädenswil is located near the mountains, and breathing the mountain air was a real delight, making every walk a genuine pleasure after work. There was also a lake in the town (my favorite place)—the water was so clear you could see tiny stones at great depth. It truly amazed me.
This was my first trip abroad. Thanks to it, I improved my German language skills, gained practical experience, and of course, made new friends and acquaintances with whom I still stay in touch.
Finally, I want to say: this is a unique chance—don’t miss it! Use it while you still have the opportunity, health, and desire. Speaking for myself, I changed my views on many things and returned with a wealth of knowledge, which I continue to build upon with pleasure.
Olha Martynovska
I completed my internship from July 5 to August 31 of this year in the Auvergne region. This was my second trip under the program of the Franco-Ukrainian Exchange Federation. I improved my language skills and explored the subtleties of French cuisine at the restaurant *La Ferme de l’Ange*. The Auvergne region is incredibly beautiful and attractive for tourists, and the people are very hospitable and friendly. My impressions of the internship are entirely positive!
Feedback from Karina Pradunets, a student of the Faculty of Management (International Economic Relations), on her internship in France under the France–Ukraine Exchange Federation Program in the summer of 2012
For two months, I worked at an enterprise that produced bread and confectionery. We specialized in the creation of biologically pure products. From growing the grain to baking the bread, all processes were carried out at this enterprise in the small village of Chamalières. Twice a week, I went to the market with Joseline and Vincent Dupont, where we sold the baked goods.
I am very satisfied with my trip. It helped me improve my language skills and get acquainted with the production and sales of goods. I am grateful to the FEFU association for giving students the opportunity to take internships abroad.
Anna Hotselyuk
I recently returned from an international internship that I undertook in France for two months. I lived with a family of farmers who raised goats and produced cheese. While studying the language, I simultaneously learned about French agriculture. I was warmly welcomed and kindly supported throughout the two months, as it was my first time being thousands of kilometers away from my family. I found it very interesting to learn about their lifestyle, leisure activities, working conditions, traditions, and, of course, their agricultural practices.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Rector of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Viacheslav Serhiyovych Shebanin, for the opportunity to participate in a language internship abroad, and to Natalia Mykolaivna Zrobok, a lecturer of the Department of Foreign Languages, for her support and assistance.
This trip will remain in my memory for a lifetime.
Kateryna Hrushchenko, 2nd-year student of the Faculty of Management
In May 2014, I went to Norway for a six-month internship. The entire production process included growing flowers, taking care of them, and further selling them. The work took place either in greenhouses or outdoors. Overall, everything was very beautiful and interesting. The internship is going great! The living and dining conditions are very good. The team is very friendly, with people from different countries, which provides the opportunity to learn about other cultures. We have one day off per week. We spend our free time by the sea, in parks, and often attend various celebrations organized by the local community. The nature here is simply magnificent, as is the attitude toward it!
I am very grateful to the university for the opportunity to complete an internship in such a wonderful country. In the near future (next academic year), I plan to apply for an internship in Sweden or again in Norway.
I, Andriy Zaria, a student of the Engineering and Energy Faculty, completed a production internship in Sweden from April 15 to October 15, 2012, in the city of Linköping, on the farm of Magnus Webe, working in a greenhouse where eco-friendly tomatoes are grown.
Upon arrival, we were met at the train station and taken to the farm. First, we were shown our accommodation, then the entire farm, the city, and the stores where we could buy food.
We were also provided with a car, which we could use for shopping and other needs (insurance and fuel were at the interns’ expense).
The employers made a good impression; during the first few days, they did not rush us, stayed nearby, and showed us exactly what and how we should do things. Our tasks included tying up plants, removing leaves, fertilizing the tomatoes (once a month), harvesting the tomatoes, sorting and selecting the good ones, and packing them into 250-gram boxes. Only cherry tomatoes of various varieties were grown in the greenhouses.
We worked a minimum of 40 hours per week, and in the summer, it sometimes reached about 60 hours.
We cooked for ourselves; we had a kitchen and everything we needed. The greenhouse was only a 3-minute walk from our house. The employer’s house was located nearby.
Once, we went to Stockholm (the capital) for two days by car. It was a very enjoyable trip.
I have only positive feedback about my time in Sweden. The employer treated us very well. I’m extremely glad I had the opportunity to spend six months in one of the most beautiful and socially developed countries in the world — Sweden. I highly recommend all students at the agrarian university: don’t miss your chance! If you have the opportunity — be sure to take part in an internship abroad at least once during your studies!
Feedback from Anastasiia Orendach, 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Food Technology and Product Safety
From July 1 to November 30, 2013, I completed a professional internship in a farm located in Coswig, Germany, which is not far from the city of Dresden. The farm mainly focuses on growing strawberries both in greenhouses and in open fields. They also have large plots of land for cultivating apples and grow various berries (blueberries, aronia, raspberries, etc.).
Our group consisted of 9 female students from Mykolayiv National Agrarian University. We arrived early in the morning on June 31 directly at the farm.
We were warmly welcomed by the farm management, represented by the director Michael Goernitz. They helped us with our luggage and showed us to our accommodation. That day, we got acquainted with the farm and were given a detailed plan of our upcoming activities. Overall, the day was spent settling into our homes. Each of us was given a bicycle, and on the first day we rode around and explored the local area.
Five of us lived in a separate house located in the same yard as the farmer’s house. The cost of accommodation was €5 per day. We prepared our own meals separately from the farmer, doing grocery shopping once a week at a supermarket (those with a driver’s license and confident driving skills could use a car for this purpose). We worked in greenhouses located just a 3-minute walk from our home. Four local Germans worked with us — very kind and friendly people with whom we communicated throughout the internship. They helped us with many practical tasks related to growing crops. The workday was 8 hours long, 5 to sometimes 6 days per week.
Overall, the work was not difficult. Our duties included trimming strawberry leaves and runners and cleaning the beds. Later, we planted new strawberry seedlings, from which we eventually harvested berries.
Every Sunday was a day off (or another day could be arranged with the management). During our free time, we could do whatever we liked. We mostly rode our bikes to nearby towns, supermarkets, and stores — there was always something interesting to discover.
We also had a 10-day vacation during which we could travel around the country. I personally visited Berlin and was amazed by such a grand city. Overall, I was very satisfied with the internship, the people were very welcoming, and I will definitely go again — hopefully more than once. This year, I am already applying for an internship in the USA. Hopefully, next time I’ll be writing about my experience there!
