My name's Rezaul and I study Biomedical Engineering; I had a fantastic experience doing a Mitacs research internship in Canada. I was incredibly fortunate to be selected, and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I hope it inspires you to apply for similar opportunities.
How did I get this internship?
It all started when I received an email from BCU with information about the summer internship. It sounded like a great chance to do some research abroad and learn new skills. I was interested in the project on improving the efficiency of dialyzers, which are devices that filter blood for people with kidney failure. I thought it would be a challenging and rewarding topic to work on.
I didn't think I had much chance of getting it, but I decided to give it a shot anyway. I spent some time updating my CV and writing a cover letter, explaining why I wanted to do this internship and what I could contribute to the project. I sent my application and hoped for the best.
And then, in December, something amazing happened. I was working on an Arduino circuit board at Millennium Point with my lecturer and some friends when I heard the Outlook notification sound from the computer in front of us. I looked at the screen and saw an email that said: "Dear Rezaul, Congratulations! You have been selected for a Globalink Research Internship."
I was in shock. I got the internship! My lecturer and friends cheered for me, and I felt so happy and thankful.
What was it like to live and work in Canada?
I had never been abroad before, so I was a bit nervous about travelling to a new country by myself. The HELS Go Abroad team was very helpful and supportive. They answered all my questions and guided me through the visa and travel process. Mitacs also connected me with former students who had gone to Canada for the same programme.
I arrived in Canada after an eight-hour flight and took a bus from Toronto to Hamilton, where McMaster University is located. It was a bit confusing at first, but I managed to find my way around. The bus stop was just a small lamp post on the corner of a cross junction, which I didn't expect. But luckily, a kind stranger pointed it out to me
I checked in at the accommodation, which was a shared kitchen with three other people. They were also doing internships at McMaster, and we became good friends quickly. We had a lot of fun exploring the campus and the city together.
Hamilton is a beautiful city with a lot of greenery and nature. The weather in Canada in the summer is nice. Every day was warm and sunny, and I enjoyed going for walks and hikes. The people in Canada are very friendly and easy-going. They always greeted me with a smile and made me feel welcome.
I met with my professor and the PhD student who supervised me on the project. They were very nice and supportive as well. They explained to me the goals and methods of the project and gave me access to the lab and the simulation software. My task was to test the current dialyzer design and compare it with the new one that the PhD student had proposed. I learned a lot of new skills, such as how to use simulation tools and how to conduct experiments in a chemical lab.
The project was very interesting and challenging, but also very rewarding. I felt like I was contributing to something important and meaningful. Near the end of the internship, the professor invited me to join him for a pizza party with his family and some of his other students. It was a very nice experience, and we had a great time chatting and laughing together.
Go Abroad
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What did I do in my free time?
Canada has a lot to offer, and I wanted to make the most of my time there. Every weekend, me and my friends would plan something fun to do. Sometimes we would go to Toronto or Mississauga, which are big cities with lots of attractions and activities. We would visit museums, art galleries, parks, malls, restaurants, etc. I even tried some new foods too like poutine (a Canadian dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy).
Other times we would go for hikes in Hamilton, which has many beautiful trails and waterfalls. We would enjoy the fresh air and the scenic views, and take lots of photos. We also went to Niagara Falls, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Canada. It was breathtaking to see the huge waterfall up close.
Seeing the waterfall from a distance was impressive, yet it felt somewhat akin to other waterfalls. However, everything changed when we got on the ferry and found ourselves face-to-face with the falls. Words can't describe the sensation. As you glance around, all that meets your eyes is the mesmerizing waterfall. Even in your peripheral vision, the magnificence of the waterfall remains constant, etching an unforgettable memory.
What did I learn from this internship?
This internship taught me so much, not only about research and engineering but also about myself and the world. It helped me develop new skills, such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, etc. It also helped me gain confidence and independence, as I had to adapt to a new environment and culture.
It also opened my eyes to the diversity and beauty of the world. I met so many different people from different backgrounds and countries and learned about their cultures and perspectives. I saw so many different places and things that I had never seen before and appreciated their beauty and uniqueness.
It was a life-changing experience that enriched me as a person and as a student. It made me more curious and passionate about learning and exploring. It also made me more grateful for the opportunities and support that I have.
I would highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in doing research abroad. It is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. You won't regret it.