Dare to Dream

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Dare to Dream
Graham de Ruiter Leiden University
ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008
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Outline

• Preparations
• The Weizmann Institute of Science (Jan
  2007 Jan 2008)
• Experiences
• Future Plans
• Conclusion

ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008
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The Dream

• Expanding your Horizon
• - The adventure of the unknown
• - Different learning environment
• - Cultural diversion
• - Independence

I wonder if it is possible to study in a foreign
country
If possible, you should take any opportunity
that comes at hand as it will not be available to
you later
ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008
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Bureaucracy Blessing or Curse
Curse

• Applying to graduate schools can give a lot
  of headaches
• - Interviews
• - TOEFL or GRE tests
• - etc..
• Universities have only a limited library of
  possibilities

Blessing

• Applying directly to the professor 0f
  interest, will turn the bureaucracy
  swamp into your advantage!!

ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008
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Getting Things Done
The key in successfully prepare yourself
is Organization
Many problems can be avoided by making a
schedule. By focusing on the deadlines you can
climb the big mountain step by step, one step at
a time
Deadlines to remember
Visa Insurance
Housing Scholarships!
ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008
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Money Time
Studying abroad will cost a lot of money, which
is dependent on the country
Scholarships!! (Money for Free) - Motivation -
goals - you actually need the money
Some available scholarships are
Erasmus (Europe) Leonardo da vinci (Europe)
Fullbright (USA)
Cultural Agreement (specific) Local
Scholarship Programs (Specific)
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The Weizmann Institute of Science

• Located at Rehovot 30 km from Tel
  Aviv (Israel)
• Founded by Dr. Chaim Weizmann in
  1934
• Specializes in research in life
  sciences and mathematics
• Strong international orientation, with
  English as official language
• Only M.Sc and Ph.D Students

ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008
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The Weizmann Institute of Science
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Israel Why There

• Intriguing culture
• Fascinating history
• Birth ground of monotheistic religions
• Various landscapes
• High level of education

Some common misconceptions about Israel and
Israelis

• Israelis are rude
• Israelis dont have manners

• Israel is not safe
• Israel only cares for its own people

ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008
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Cultural Education
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Cultural Education
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How About Work ?

• I worked in the department of organic chemistry
• My work was focused on functional monolayers of
  Os(bpy)3Cl2 as chemical sensors

G. de Ruiter T. Gupta and M.E. van der Boom., J.
Am. Chem. Soc., 2008, 130, 2744-2745 M.E. van
der Boom, T. Gupta, G. de Ruiter., US Patent
Application 61/025,169
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How About Work ?
My First publication as First Author
Ingredients

• 1 year of full research
• A little bit of luck

ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008
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Family Pictures
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The Aftermath
Back in Holland what now?
Getting the Credits - research internship
50 ECTS (fixed) - courses 12 ECTS
(negotiated)
What about the grades? - Ask for an official
grade list from the university - Determine with
your coordinator/professor how you will
be awarded accordingly
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Looking Backwards
! Experience of a life time !

• Very good results in my project
• Scientific training
• - research
• - writing
• - presenting
• Active participation in daily life, holydays
  and other festivities
• Although my stay was very successful the start
  (4 months) was very difficult

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Shaping the Future

• Currently I am in my 5th year of the M.Sc
  chemistry track
• Obtained experience for future independent
  research
• Still remained in good contact with my Israeli
  supervisors

PhD position at the Weizmann Institute of Science
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Conclusions

• A student exchange program can be a lot of fun
• Valuable experience in academic life and an
  enrichment in cultural perspective
• A student exchange provides you with a lot of
  international contacts, from which you can
  benefit

If possible, you should take any opportunity
that comes and hand as it will not be available
to you later
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Many Thanks To

• Dr. M.E. van der Boom
• Dr. T. Gupta
• Prof. Dr. J. Reedijk

• Gloria Schildwacht
• Anitta Harrison
• Weizmann Institute of Science

Funding

• Israeli Government
• Leiden Outbound
• Leids University Funds (LUF)

ECEN plenary lecture, ECTNA conference 2008