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Institution
Freie
Universität Berlin
Host
Institution(s)
Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual
Science
Mentor: Prof. M. Coca-Prados
Investigation of the neuro-endocrine properties of the ciliary epithelium cells in human and bovine cell lines and tissues.
›» Abstract
I am grateful to all the synapses in my brain that were involved in the decision to apply for this program. I've really had a nice time here. I arrived with a lot of the typical prejudices about Americans. Doubtfully asking whether an invitation was meant as it sounds or just a part of small talk can be a really stupid attitude. On the other hand, I was pleased to make the Americans recognize that a German does not necessarily meet their preconceptions.
Yale is supposed to be the right choice for workaholics, especially if you don't have a car. I can confirm this statement.
Besides the lab there are a lot of opportunities to see more than just the Med School or Pub Med abstracts. I appreciated the multicultural environment in my lab even if it didn't help me to improve my language skills. In addition, it also revealed something about the research system in general.
Fortunately, I can't give you any example offhand. Just imagine a BMEP student without any troubles! Visas, accommodations, a low fiber diet, ID cards, etc. don't necessarily have to be problems.
Just 8 hours left to go before Halloween night and no costume, what a plight! The way out led to the Salvation Army second hand store. Spending 2 hours watching Sebastian trying on several ballroom skirts and dresses was worth mentioning here. Damn, I forgot my camera!
1. Some general remarks:
Ignore my statement given above about the "Greatest Difficulties…". Be prepared to be one of other 99% who filled out that section with a collection of more or less serious stories of their troubles. Check the back of your EC-card to see whether there is the blue "Cirrus" label. This enables you to make a withdrawal from nearly every ATM-machine with a $1 fee regardless of the total amount. Some ADAC-offices provide some original US-maps for free (New York, New England States, Colorado, Wyoming, etc.). You save $4 for each. Be prepared to work with Apple Macs (drawing the ZIP-disk into the trash…).
2. Especially for Yale visitors: Try to arrange your accommodation before your arrival. The academic year starts in September and the population of New Haven doubles within one weekend. Contact former Yalies for further information. The BMEP status is not clear for most of the offices, so try to get a STUDENT ID; that makes you a privileged person. Take your time and consider whether or not you really require a car. There is no need for a car within New Haven and you can avoid the possibility of trouble with parking lots, insurance, repairs, etc.