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Host country:
Host institution:
Mobility type:
Program:
Faculty:
Ac. year:
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Centra Za Evropske Politike

Serbia 2019/2020 Freemovers

Personal data
Mobility type:
traineeship

Faculty at MU:
Faculty of Social Studies

Field of study:
European Governance

Level of study during period of placement:
Master

Language used:
English

Summer/winter school?:
no

Period of studies:
spring 2020

Period of placement (from-to):
2020-02-20 - 2020-06-20

Number of months:
4.00

Activities before my departure abroad
What was your approach in organising the placement?:
I selected a number of Thinktank organizations that were highly ranked in the Think Tank To Go 2018 Ranking. I then got a successful response from CEP (Centra Za evropske politke), and finally precised the nature of my future tasks.

What documents are required for acceptance on a placement at this organisation?:
No much was required except an example of previous research made by myself, and my diplomas.

How far ahead did acceptance have to be organised? (in weeks):
I did very early (3 months before). I think for such an usual internship in their organization at least one month might be required.

Did you need a visa?:
yes

Documents and materials needed for a visa:
90-days schengen visa then apply for a Serbian visa : CV/ID/Serbian Bank account ..

Fee for the visa:
180 EUR

During the placement
Did you change the training agreement in the course of your placement (training agreement)?:
Not at all, despite corona i simply worked remotely.

What is necessary to arrange immediately on arrival? What requirements and at which offices?:
You have to IMMEDIATELY register at the nearest police station. This is a very serious condition for staying in serbia. You have 48 hrs to do so.

Describe your work/activity in the foreign organisation. Describe what specifically you did, whether the work corresponded to the agreed conditions and your field of study, and whether your work was independent and responsible, approximate working hours.:
Desk research, statistics, translations

Did the organisation or local student organisations arrange any special events for foreign students on placements?:
yes

If yes then what?:
ESN Belgrade : Events, parties, exhibitions, tours.

Practical questions on your placement
Where did you live?:
In Kralja Petra, Belgrade

Cost of accommodation - monthly:
250 EUR

Additional comments to the price of accommodation (as to what the price includes):
Rent + utilities. I was living in the very city center so you can find way cheaper.

Who arranged your accommodation and how far ahead:
Myself through facebook groups, 1 month before

Equipment, internet connection, what to bring:
nothing

What are the rough costs of groceries (compare with Czech prices):
roughly the same

Transport to location of placement:
flight

Approximate price:
about a hundred euros

Tips for purchasing cheap tickets and other recommendations:
Taxis are very cheap. Enjoy CarGO app !!

What are the local transport options (public transport, cycling, on foot, rough prices):
Taxi and bus, but i recommend taxis in times of Covid-19

How did you use health insurance? What type?:
No

Did you have other insurance? Which?:
International french insurance

Experience with insured events:
nothing

Tips for recreation:
Enjoy belgrade, Novi Sad, smeredevo, Nis... And the lake, ADA ( you can do water ski for 20 Eur ...)

Financial support and expenses
Monthly grant from the Centre for International Cooperation:
500 EUR

What other sources did you make use of to finance your placement?:
Personal finances

 
 
What was your average monthly expenditure during the placement (i.e. without the travel there and back)?:
700 EUR

a/ of which for accommodation:
300 EUR

b/ of which for catering:
200 EUR

c/ travel and recreation:
200 EUR

Any comments to the average monthly expenditure:

 
Experience with bank accounts/services. Do you recommend an account arranged abroad, use of Czech payment cards...:
Use an international bank like revolut, really.

 
Did you pay to foreign organisations any fees? (insurance, materials, etc.):
no

Did you receive a salary from the host business/organisation?:
no

If yes, what was your monthly salary?:
0 ???

 
Other advantages from the host organisation?:
Very famous and well connected.

Is it necessary to assume a larger amount at the start of the placement? If yes, what and for what purpose?:
300 euros

Recognition of the foreign placement at the home faculty
Is the traineeship part of your field of study?:
yes

If yes - is it a compulsory or optional part?:
Yes it is compulsory

How will your traineeship abroad be recognised at the home faculty?:
As a course with credits

How many ECTS credits did you/will you get?:
7.5

Were there serious problems arranging recognition of the placement?:
Not at all

Overall assessment
Assessment of personal benefit (1 = excellent):
5

Assessment of academic benefit (1 = excellent):
5

Do you agree with the statement that, thanks to the experience gained during the placement you will be able to further develop your skills for work in your field?:
Definitely

What did you most appreciate after completing your placement?:
Very nice and smooth first job, nice spirit and reasonable flexibility

Any serious problems during the placement?:
Covid-19 , political tensions in Serbia

Do you have any recommendation for those that follow you? (e.g. what to take with them):
Register within 48hrs, and make a long-term visa asap. That will save you from many troubles.