Hi! I’m Elvira Metaj, originally from the beautiful city of Istog, now based in Prishtina, Kosovo, I am currently working and finishing my studies in Software and Computer Engineering at the same time. I am currently work as a trainer at Young Engineers, where we use LEGO to teach children the fundamentals of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Not a long time ago, I completed a six-month internship at Bosch in Wernau, Germany — an incredible experience that greatly enriched my personal and professional growth.
During my internship, I was immersed in various projects, with a special focus on Embedded Systems. Bosch, known for delivering its own devices directly to clients, often required me to spend time in the laboratory, meticulously testing devices to ensure they met all the specified test cases.
One thing that stood out to me was the warmth and friendliness of the colleagues. From the very beginning, I never felt like a foreigner; it felt like a very familial environment. I had two incredibly supportive mentors who were always there to guide me. We held daily meetings, which provided a platform for me to express any concerns openly. This supportive environment allowed me ample time to complete my tasks while learning a great deal about the field I plan to continue working in.
The tasks were completely new to me, as I had never had an internship before. But thanks to the immense support from my mentors, and colleagues, Rrezarti and Altin – scholarship holders of the same generation, I managed to excel. This experience not only fostered my professional growth but also led to significant personal development. Creating a new and improved version of myself was a priceless achievement. I didn’t realise how much I needed this experience until I actually lived it.
While I can’t pinpoint any specific problems, being in a foreign country and speaking a different language can sometimes be quite exhausting when trying to explain myself and find the right words. It was certainly stressful at times, but was there ever a moment when I thought about giving up and leaving? Absolutely not!
I discovered a version of myself that I wish I had known much earlier—a version of Elvira who doesn’t give up in the face of any challenge, who expresses kindness and helps anyone in need, regardless of where she is or what language she is speaking, even though she often finds herself in need.
One of the most memorable moments was celebrating my birthday at work. My fellow scholarship surprised me with a cute cake, making it an unforgettable day.
As for our generation, so-called #ZDinternsGen24 I believe it is essential to share this experience with the right people. In certain moments, you realise that they are the only ones who truly understand what you are going through during these three to six months long period in Germany. Our generation was very complete; we had all kinds of personalities, but we adapted very well and covered each other’s shortcomings, so to speak.
I lived in Unterturkheim, a district in the southwestern part of Stuttgart. It’s known for being the location of the Mercedes-Benz plant, one of the largest production sites for the company. The district is situated along the Neckar River and is well-connected by the Stuttgart`s S-Bahn network. Living alone was a challenge in itself—a difficult yet beautiful challenge in every sense, with all its colors.
I can proudly say that I managed wonderfully; I learned to cook very well, clean, take out the trash, and take care of everything on my own, something I had never done before.
We traveled endlessly. I saw many different places in Germany and beyond. I also visited France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Austria. I learned a lot about the history of each country, and I saw something beautiful in each one. From all the places I visited, the Netherlands captivated me the most. Its picturesque canals, charming architecture, and vibrant culture left a lasting impression on me. What a magical experience…
None of this would have been so easy and magical for me without the continuous support of the project team of the Internship Programme of German Business. I am immensely grateful for their approach and, most importantly, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should be tried and enjoyed to the fullest.
Elvira Metaj, Generation 2024
