My name is Lucía Fernández, and I am from Málaga, Spain. In August 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a research internship at the University of Opole.

The research project I participated in focused on searching for a potential treatment for cancer using different types of peptides. My colleague Javier and I worked in the university’s biochemistry laboratory under the guidance of our tutor, Ms. Rombel. In addition to assisting her in the research process, we engaged in various tasks such as pipetting and even preparing a report. The project was titled Investigation of Potential Anticancer Activity of Selected Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) on Human Breast Cancer Cell Line MDA-MB-231 In Vitro.

Our stay at the University of Opole was remarkable. Both the professors who mentored us in the research and the staff at the Erasmus office were always supportive and readily available. Moreover, the facilities were excellent. The student dormitories were well-equipped, and the laboratory where we conducted our work had all the necessary resources. One of our favorite experiences was participating in a suturing workshop organized by medical students from Opole University.

During our free time, we enjoyed many activities. We grilled by the river with our colleagues from IFMSA Opole, went to karaoke, and tried local restaurants. On weekends, we visited Polish cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw. While in Opole, we made sure to explore its most significant attractions, including its beautiful parks and the zoo.

In conclusion, the experience was wonderful and immensely enjoyable. I made many friends, explored the country and its major cities, and gained valuable research experience that helped me develop new skills in the field of medicine.

I would highly recommend this experience to any medical student who is eager to learn about new cultures and interested in laboratory research.