I always believe that when opportunity knocks, make sure that you are at home.  Getting to do my Industrial Attachment with Degussa A.G. in Wolfgang, Germany was the chance of a lifetime.

The thought of not knowing a soul in a strange, foreign land may seem rather daunting at first.  However, the warm welcome and hospitality I received from the supervisors and colleagues put to rest whatever doubts I had.  As a matter of fact, I was introduced to the company directly after a 13-hour flight from Singapore.  The sheer size of its compound was enough to jolt me out of my jet-lag.

The first noticeable difference I observed had to be the working cultures adopted by our two countries.  German companies are characterised by their flexibility and emphasis on workers’ rights.  Students who are under training or doing their thesis are a common sight in Degussa.  Therefore, I not only had the chance of working alongside the German engineers, but with an international group of students as well.  At times, we students were able to discuss company policies, culture and politics with our supervisors over beer and wine.  The best part of it was the keenness on everyone’s part to share and learn about another person’s country.

I was attached to the Process Technology Department which does research on manufacturing processes such as solid-liquid separation, drying and mixing, etc.  My project revolved round an Image Analysis System called NIH Image that is capable of measuring specimens and editing images.  The job required me to write macros to automate steps that were normally done manually in everyday measurements.  Another application of the macros was to customise the system for more specific applications.  The most important job was having to explain and instruct the rest of the staff on the use of the system before I left for home.

With the help of my new found friends, adaptation to a new environment and lifestyle was never a problem.  Of course, the German courses in NTU did help a lot too.  My supervisors are the nicest, most helpful and patient people I have ever met.  It was through them that I got to attend ACHEMA’97 - the largest chemical engineering exhibition held annually at the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre.  Discovering Germany during weekends is what I enjoyed the most.

The land of beer and sausages has more to offer than what many people would give her credit for.  Her people and culture are as diverse as her landscapes.  A visit to a different city in Germany is always a different experience.  You can choose the skyscrapers of Frankfurt, the harbours of Hamburg, the beer gardens of Munich, the "Love parade" in Berlin, the old-town charm of Gelnhausen or the romantic town of Heidelberg.

The experience gathered and friendships forged during the six months will be remembered and cherished for the rest of my life.  And if opportunity decides to drop by again, you can count on me to be home.