{"id":9268,"date":"2026-06-28T19:00:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T17:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uni-bremen.de\/praxisschock\/?p=9268"},"modified":"2026-10-19T23:12:42","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T21:12:42","slug":"internship-in-developmental-psychology-as-a-phd-candidate-in-uppsala-university-sweden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uni-bremen.de\/praxisschock\/2026\/06\/28\/internship-in-developmental-psychology-as-a-phd-candidate-in-uppsala-university-sweden\/","title":{"rendered":"Internship in developmental psychology as a PhD candidate in Uppsala University (Sweden)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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During my PhD in developmental psychology, I was eager to build international connections and further enrich my methodological skills, so early on I sought the opportunity to go abroad to broaden my professional horizons and gain practical experience in an international environment. I have always been particularly interested in developmental psychology and working with children, which motivated me to extend my knowledge in this field. At the same time, I was excited to improve my English and Swedish language and to experience the culture of a country I have long found fascinating. For these reasons, I applied for an internship at Uppsala University, specifically in the Department of Developmental Psychology, where I could run one of my PhD studies.<\/p>\n

Preparing for the internship<\/strong>
\nThe organizational preparations mainly involved planning the journey, arranging accommodation, and applying for Erasmus funding. With the support of the International Office, the Erasmus application process was straightforward and manageable. Since I had a relative in Stockholm, I did not need to search for accommodation, which made the process much easier. For transportation, it is helpful to prepare in advance by downloading local travel apps such as SL for travel within Stockholm and UL for journeys to Uppsala. Regarding travel, I chose to fly as it is faster, although there are no direct flights from Bremen, so the journey typically requires a transfer, for example via Hamburg or Amsterdam before arriving in Stockholm. It is also important to have tickets ready in advance, especially when traveling between Stockholm and Uppsala, where using a combined ticket (such as Pendelt\u00e5g options) can be both more convenient and cost-effective.<\/p>\n

During the internship<\/strong>
\nMy internship focused on human\u2013robot interaction and provided me with valuable experience in analyzing eye-tracking data, offering broad insights into everyday research practice. I had the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects, gain hands-on experience in data analysis, and present my work to others. I was regularly involved in team meetings, which helped me better understand the research process and collaborate effectively with colleagues. In addition, I was able to build meaningful professional connections that will support my future career. The team was extremely friendly and supportive, making me feel welcome from the very beginning. I also had the opportunity to assist in training bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s students, which helped me further develop my leadership and mentoring skills.<\/p>\n

Living in Stockholm and Uppsala and Leisure Activities<\/strong>
\nStockholm, the capital of Sweden, and Uppsala both impressed me with their rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. In Stockholm, I especially enjoyed visiting Gamla Stan, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, as well as Vasa Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into Swedish history. I also spent time at Skansen, where traditional Swedish life is showcased. In Uppsala, highlights included the impressive Uppsala Cathedral and the historic Uppsala University, one of the oldest universities in Scandinavia. I also enjoyed walking through the Uppsala Botanical Garden, which offers a peaceful and scenic environment. Overall, both cities provided a wonderful mix of cultural experiences and opportunities to explore Sweden\u2019s heritage.
\nIn addition to my academic and cultural experiences, I also attended a Swedish language course and successfully completed an A1 level in Swedish. This allowed me to develop basic communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of Swedish culture and society.<\/p>\n

In conclusion<\/strong>
\nI look back very positively on my time in Uppsala and Stockholm. From a professional perspective, I gained valuable knowledge during my internship and was fortunate to be part of a very welcoming and supportive team. I found both cities to be vibrant, diverse, and highly conducive to a valuable experience abroad. Considering the wide range of experiences I gained, both academically and personally, I would strongly recommend pursuing an internship at Uppsala University.<\/p>\n\n\t\t