Internships for Ukrainian students in Germany: Valuable experiences and career opportunities

International internship opens up broad prospects for students, in particular, the opportunity to gain unique professional experience in a global environment. It promotes the development of speech and communication skills, adaptation to different cultures and mastery of modern working methods. In addition, such internships can become a springboard for further education or employment abroad, which increases the competitiveness of young professionals in the labor market. Thanks to cooperation agreements with Ukrainian universities, from February 28 to March 8, 2025, a group of students from the National University of Food Technologies and the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine had an excellent opportunity to complete an internship in Germany.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International internship opens up broad prospects for students, in particular, the opportunity to gain unique professional experience in a global environment. It promotes the development of speech and communication skills, adaptation to different cultures and mastery of modern working methods. In addition, such internships can become a springboard for further education or employment abroad, which increases the competitiveness of young professionals in the labor market. Thanks to funding from Fritz-Landmann-Stiftung and an cooperation agreements with Ukrainian universities, from February 28 to March 8, 2025, a group of students from the National University of Food Technologies and the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine had an excellent opportunity to complete an internship in Germany.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main theoretical and practical classes took place at the Gernsbach training center, where the trainees went on the third day of their visit. The Paper Training Center Gernsbach (Papierzentrum PZ) is a leading German institution specializing in research, training and technology development in the paper industry. During their studies, the students studied paper production technology and the specifics of automating this complex technological process.

 

 

 

 

Here’s what Ukrainian students say about their international internship experience:

Sofiia: on Insta

Inna´s block on Youtube in UA

The classes were taught in English and were technical and narrowly focused, and we had some difficulty understanding the specific terms, but thanks to the notes and the lab workbook that we received at the beginning of the internship, the learning process became much easier and we were gradually able to adapt. We studied together with German students who were very welcoming and always ready to help.

During the course we studied many interesting topics. One of the first was the topic of cellulose and its transformation into paper. We learned about the different methods of obtaining cellulose, its processing and how it is transformed into paper pulp. We also discussed the environmental aspects of production: how resources are restored, how paper is recycled and how to optimize production to reduce waste. We paid special attention to the chemistry and additives that are added to paper to give it the necessary properties. We learned how various additives – fillers, glues, dyes – affect the strength, water resistance and smoothness of paper.

No less interesting was the lecture on the physics of color and control of visual parameters. We learned why paper can have different shades of white, how color parameters affect the perception of paper and why this process requires precise measurement. One of the most important parts of the course was the topic of automation in paper production. We learned how modern factories use sensors to measure the thickness and moisture content of paper in real time. This ensures the stability of the production process and maintains high product quality.

But theory is only the first step. An important stage was the practical part of the course. We conducted laboratory research, testing the strength, flexibility, resistance of paper to moisture and mechanical damage. It was very exciting, and we even had the opportunity to make paper ourselves, which allowed us to understand all the intricacies of this process. As a bonus, we were able to create a souvenir made with our own hands. Upon completion of the course, we visited a packaging manufacturing plant, where we saw how the acquired knowledge is practically applied. It was a very useful excursion that helped us understand how technologies work in large enterprises. At the end of the course, we also passed an exam, which became the logical conclusion of our training. This was an important step, allowing us to summarize the acquired knowledge and make sure of our progress.

This trip became an important experience for us, which allowed us not only to expand our knowledge, but also to clearly see how the paper industry works and understand how theory combines with practice.

Impression of Gernsbach:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based on the existing experience of cooperation between the universities of NUFT, NUBIP and BHT, Prof. Stefan Junge, Prof. Natalia Zaiets and the Department of International Relations of BHT, headed by Olivia Kay, have prepared an application to DAAD for funding of a project for further cooperation. The objectives of the proposed project are not only to maintain preliminary education, internships and excursions for Ukrainian students and teaching staff in Germany, but also further cooperation with the aim of creating double degree programs, implementing joint courses (digital and face-to-face), joint postgraduate studies and research. The decision on funding will be announced in the spring. We look forward to a positive decision and are confident that through joint efforts we will be able to make a significant contribution to the future of Ukrainian higher education.