Exchange Diaries  

Abradeep Maitra | Mechanical Engineering

Nanyang Technology University, Singapore

Research Area: renewable energy

Duration: 2 Months

1. What was the area of your research?

My field of work was renewable energy, and it was related to using seawater to cool the heat coming from data centres and it also used tidal energy to pump seawater from below. It was related to core Mechanical Engineering.

2. How did you apply for FT?

I applied for Foreign Training through International Relations Cell’s Foreign Training Portal and in that, I got selected for NTU-India connect Research Internship Programme. The NTU-India Connect Research Internship Programme is a university-wide short-term research programme that lasts for 2 to 6 months. It is initiated to enable undergraduate and graduate students from Indian universities and institutes of higher learning to pursue their research interest at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU).

3. Why do you think Foreign Training is important?

According to me, the most important things that one can expect from a Foreign Internship is exposure to new technologies and work culture and experience of working in a totally unknown place. Its a totally new kind of people and work culture. Moreover, a big plus point is that the projects are really versatile and industry-related and that is what is needed at present.

4. Did you note any differences while working there?

I noted that the labs there are much better and consists of much more sophisticated pieces of equipment. Another thing, the professors are very friendly and professional in pursuing the project. That support system really helps a lot.

5. How was your stay in Singapore? How was your experience?

We were five students from Kharagpur through the same programme and that's why we enjoyed more, we went to good places on weekends. Food habit is very different in Singapore and one would obviously miss Indian food!

Talking on the experience, as I am going to pursue higher education the Foreign Training was definitely worth it for me and out there I got to know more of my skills and the exposure really helped!

6. What role does CG play in getting an FT?

If you are applying through a programme then CG is very important because they shortlist students based on that, but if are applying through mailing I would say CG is not a criterion but still it is good to have a CG above 8.5. The most important thing is to have good knowledge and project experience in the area of your interest.

7. How did you manage your finances?
Through the internship programme I mentioned above, we were funded for the official work like visas, etc. as well as for accommodation. Other expenses like food and transport, we had to bear ourselves.

8. What suggestion would you give to any fellow Kgpian who is aspiring to go on an FT?

If a person has a good CG then he/she is at a safe position and should apply for the programs, but if he/she has a bit lower CG and is still interested then one should start mailing early and he/she will surely get a professor. Also,