Erasmus+ Internship story from Sophie

At the end of September, our team said goodbye to Sophie, whose two-month Erasmus+ internship in Riga successfully came to an end. Joining the group at the beginning of August, Sophie quickly became an active contributor to the team's ongoing activities while also embracing the opportunity to experience life in Latvia.

Looking back on her Erasmus+ experience, Sophie shared with us:

"From the beginning of August until the very end of September, I had the pleasure of being an Erasmus+ intern in the SysBioLatvia group. Despite the specialized field of research conducted by the team, they welcomed me and found a way to involve me in their work.

I was invited to help with software development and assigned a task of creating a graphical user interface. As I was given carte blanche with the design and pace of work I enjoyed managing my own schedule and taking responsibility for the outcome. Delivering useful interface would not have been possible without the weekly feedback from my colleagues, whose insights inspired me and shaped the final product.

During our Wednesday meetings, not only could I observe the process of drafting a scientific paper, the challenges of collaborating on international projects, and the management of administrative tasks, but I could also get to know the team better. As part of our routine, we would have lunch together, followed by a walk in the Inspiration Park. I remember it as a time of cheerful conversations and will miss that the most.

In the time of my stay in Latvia, I had the pleasure to explore Riga, other Latvian towns, and plenty of nature reserves. I was impressed by how close to nature Latvians are and found the local bog trails especially worth seeing.

If you are a student searching for an internship, I encourage you to join SysBioLatvia group and have the time of your life in Riga!"

Thank Sophie for your contribution to the team over the past two months and we wish you success in you future studies and professional career. We are happy that SysBioLatvia could be part of your Erasmus+ journey and hope that your time in Latvia will remain a memorable chapter in your academic experience.

Good luck, Sophie, and hope to welcome you back again in the future!