Kushal is a final year student studying BBA Business Administration within the Essex Business School at Southend campus. This summer, Kushal completed a summer internship in Germany and has shared a real insight into the experience!
Can you tell us a little about your experience? What did you do and where was it based?
My summer internship at Viessmann Climate Solutions was based in Allendorf, Germany, which I affectionately dubbed "Alien-dorf" because it’s hands-down the most remote place I've ever lived at. As an HR Intern, I was thrown into the deep end of a company going through a merger, so there was no shortage of excitement from day one.Speaking of day one, it was an ‘adventure’—and I don’t mean that in a cute way. I somehow ended up walking 24km on a freeway, narrowly dodging trucks, getting lost in a forest so dense that daylight barely reached the ground, and making friends with deer before finally stumbling upon a cow farm (PS: In my defence, I was just looking for a taxi the whole time). Hours later, I arrived at the office, exhausted but in one piece, thankful I hadn't become a roadkill (Yes, I filmed a "goodbye, cruel world" video along the way). But once I made it, my amazing team completely turned my day around. They went out of their way to pick me up from my hotel, drop me off, take me grocery shopping, and help me find and settle into an apartment. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people!Their kindness and support made all the difference, especially since the first week was a bit of a whirlwind. Despite the chaos, it turned into one of the best experiences of my life, and I’m forever grateful for how they welcomed me with open arms and made sure I was looked after every step of the way.
Why did you choose this experience?
As a self-proclaimed hodophile, the German countryside was basically calling my name! Viessmann presented me with an unbeatable opportunity: hands-on industry experience in HR while living my dream of immersing myself in a new culture. Allendorf, just an hour away from Frankfurt and smack in the middle of Europe, was the ideal base for my travel-filled weekends. I managed to cross off eight different countries from my bucket list during my time there—talk about the ultimate European summer adventure!On top of that, learning German in a professional setting sounded like a fun challenge (though I didn’t quite realise how tough that first week would be!). From navigating the language to navigating remote German villages, it was an experience that blended work, adventure, and a whole lot of personal growth. I knew this internship would be a game-changer, and it delivered on every front—plus a little extra!
What were some of the best moments from the experience?
There were so many unforgettable moments, it’s hard to choose! But at the top of the list has to be bonding with my incredible team. Despite my rocky start (cue my 24km “adventure”), they went above and beyond to help me settle in and truly made me feel at home. Another highlight? After scouring the internet for MONTHS in hopes of getting tickets, I finally made it to “Coldplay and Adele” concerts—talk about last-minute magic! The thrill of snagging those tickets made the whole experience even more surreal.Of course, exploring the ‘Austrian Alps’ during a weekend getaway was another jaw-dropping moment. Picture-perfect landscapes and fresh mountain air—it was like living in a postcard! Professionally, a week spent working with my team in Berlin was a game-changer. I left feeling inspired, energised, and with a whole new perspective on HR in the midst of a merger. It was a summer filled with epic memories, both inside and outside the office!
What would your advice be to someone else thinking of completing an internship abroad?
My advice: Be prepared for anything—good or bad. Don’t be afraid of a challenging start. Things may seem overwhelming, but that’s part of the adventure. Embrace the discomfort because the lessons you learn will be invaluable. Trust me, even getting lost in a forest on your first day can turn into a hilarious story down the line!Also, take full advantage of your location. Explore, immerse yourself in the culture, and don’t shy away from new experiences.
Would you recommend THM as a programme provider?
Absolutely! THM was fantastic from start to finish. They worked seamlessly with both Viessmann and my university to make sure everything ran like clockwork. Their support was top-notch, and it felt great knowing I had a dedicated team backing me throughout the entire internship. They even took it a step further by **visiting me** at Viessmann, just to check in and make sure everything was going well. It really showed how much they care about creating the best possible experience. With their help, I could focus on making the most of my time there, both professionally and personally.
What did you learn from the experience that will impact you in the future?
This experience taught me resilience and adaptability like never before. From navigating language barriers and remote locations to mastering the perfect balance of work, life, and adventure, I’ve grown both professionally and personally. The challenge of thriving in a new environment pushed me to discover my true potential. Whether I was tackling HR tasks or exploring new countries on the weekends, I learned to make the most of every moment.Sophie, my colleague, said something that stuck with me: "You cry twice when you come to Allendorf—once when you arrive and once when it’s time to leave." And she was absolutely right. This internship wasn’t just a job—it was a life-changing journey filled with growth, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Inspired by Kushal's experience? Head over to the Essex Abroad webpages to see where Essex can take you!
