When I received news of going to Germany for Industrial Attachment, I was very thrilled but was also worried.  Thrilled, because I would be going to one of the most technologically advanced countries in Europe and that I have been given a chance to learn and grow in a totally new place.  Worried, because I do not know any German!

I was glad that most of the German colleagues can speak rather good English and along the way I also picked up some essential German which made my life more interesting.

My project involved doing some research and investigation on the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of Automobile and the use of Graphical Programming Language (LabVIEW).  Work was difficult for me since most of the manuals were written only in German.  Even the programming language was in German and I really had to thank the Translation Program installed in the PC which helped me understand about 50% of the text.  Understanding the other 50% was achieved through the help of translation by other German students who were also on Industrial Attachment.

The most exciting part of the IA was the weekend and some of the long holidays.  I was able to travel to Brussels, London, Vienna, Paris and other big cities in Germany like Munich, Hamburg and Berlin.  I met up with other Singaporean friends on the way.  One of the most memorable events was the hike through the Black Forest of Germany.  It was snowing and the entire Black Forest has virtually become White Forest.  It really was a sight to behold.

The learning experiences, the professionalism shown by the Germans, the impressive technology, the enjoyable tours, would be good reasons why you should take up a Overseas Industrial Attachment.  Don't let this opportunity pass by … grab it!