And how are things in Boston?
Luc Geurts and Menno Laveaux are pursuing a master's degree in Applied Physics at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Since September, they have been conducting research at MIT in Boston. In this blog, Luc and Menno provide an account of student life at the prestigious American university.
Busy! When we found out six months ago that we would both be going to MIT for our internship, we couldn't yet imagine where we would end up. After a lengthy visa process that took us to Berlin and Frankfurt, a few months later, we both found ourselves on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We knew it ranked high, but having a lecture in the second week from a Nobel laureate was definitely unexpected.
Menno began his research in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Luc in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. While it was all fun and new at the beginning, it quickly became a serious endeavor. With libraries open 24/7, the tone was set quickly. They are no strangers to meetings until 11:30 p.m. or the infamous staircase meeting, three minutes during which you can ask questions to your professor as she descends the stairs to her next meeting.
It's a great experience to work with people who have such passion and enthusiasm for their work. It easily pulls you into the rhythm and excitement, but you must be sure of what you're getting into and know how to set your own limits.
Boston has the dubious reputation of having the most rude people in America. Nevertheless, we easily make friends here. With more than 15 universities and a highly international atmosphere, there is a lot to experience in this student city.
In our free time, we attend basketball and American football games. We've also gone whale watching. The nightlife is worth exploring. Even though America is a car-centric country, it's entirely possible to visit other major cities via the only railway on the East Coast. We've been to New York and Miami, and celebrated Halloween in Washington DC. There is also a lot of beautiful nature to see around the state of Massachusetts, with hiking trips we've taken in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire.
So, how is it in Boston? Yes, it's busy, and the days are long. But they are also filled with enjoyable activities and friendly people. In the end, we will look back on a period during which we gained valuable experiences and made memories for a lifetime.
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