Taking part in the academic mobility programme proved to be an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience for me, opening up new dimensions of the profession. I had a unique opportunity to combine theory with practical application whilst working in Afyon’s laboratories, which are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment—ranging from homogenisation systems to professional infrared dryers.
The most valuable achievement was mastering microbiological methods that ensure product safety. Investigating the bacterial composition of ayran and carrying out complex cultures on PCA and DRBC media gave me skills that are critically important for a modern technologist. Furthermore, thanks to constant practice in business English, I now feel confident in the international professional arena.
My advice to future participants: don’t be afraid of complex laboratory tasks or the language barrier. Work actively with the equipment, ask the lecturers questions about every pH or moisture reading, and immerse yourself fully in the professional environment. This is the quickest route from student to true expert technologist.
