Internship Semester in Spain - Interview with Peter Mengel (WI-Student)

Mona Märkl (WI student ambassador) and Peter Mengel (5th semester WI student) talked about an internship semester abroad. Here is the interview:

MM: Who are you and what are you studying?
PM: My name is Peter Mengel, I'm a dual student at Audi and I'm currently in my 5th semester of industrial engineering.

MM: How long were you abroad and where?
PM: During my internship semester, I was able to work at Seat/Cupra in Barcelona for three months (from September to December).

MM: Why did you do the semester abroad?
PM: A stay abroad is always an exciting time. You get the opportunity to get to know a new country, a new culture and different ways of thinking. On the one hand, it broadens your horizons, but it can also be an advantage professionally.

MM: What did you do during your semester abroad?
PM: I worked as an intern in the planning and management of the prototype centre (CPD - Centro de Prototipos de Desarollo) at Seat. One of my tasks was to organise prototype parts, mostly in collaboration with colleagues from VW. Based on the available components, the prototype construction programmes had to be managed and future processes planned. I also organised, held and followed up on workshops with VW colleagues.

MM: What were your highlights?
PM: My highlights included the many leisure activities, for example a trip to Sitges or Erasmus excursions such as to Carcassonne in France with many international participants. It was also a great experience to be able to do sport on the beach in December at 20 degrees. The nightlife in Barcelona also has a lot to offer with its numerous bars and clubs.
 

MM: How did the semester abroad help you?
PM: In addition to my newly acquired language skills, I got to know the culture and city life very well. This enabled me to gain new food for thought and open-mindedness. Not forgetting that I also got to know a lot of nice people and made a few friends.