I recently participated in the Erasmus Blended Intensive Project (BIP) on "Trends in Research and Innovation in the Context of Computer Science" at FH St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. This program was a significant step outside my comfort zone, as the focus was on AI—a topic I’m not particularly familiar with. Attended by top Master’s and PhD students, many of whom had interned at companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta, this experience was both humbling and inspiring.

A Rich Learning Experience

Our group consisted of members from India, Germany, and Romania, and we used design thinking to tackle common tourist challenges. We brainstormed solutions to issues like language barriers, navigating public transportation, demand forecasting for tourism businesses, and enhancing experiences at cultural heritage sites.

The result was TripTailor, an all-in-one app featuring an AI chatbot. Users could input preferences, and the AI would generate a personalized itinerary complete with a detailed map, easy booking options, and 3D views of tourist attractions. This project was not only a technical exercise but also an opportunity to think creatively and collaboratively.

Presenting our solution to professors and fellow students was a thrilling experience. The positive feedback we received was incredibly validating, and it underscored the importance of our hard work.

Personal Connections and Fun Stories

While the academic aspect was rewarding, the personal connections I made were equally impactful. I wouldn’t say I made lifelong friends, but I had fascinating conversations and knowledge exchanges with brilliant people. Some of them had interned at Meta, Amazon, Google, and even Jane Street. As someone who dreams of interning or working at these companies (see my CERN post ;)), interacting with these individuals was surreal.

One memorable night stands out. We visited Vienna and caught the night train home. Though we had valid tickets (which were a struggle to get), the train was packed beyond belief. When some passengers with reservations showed up, we had to vacate our seats and were left standing, squished like sardines. To make matters worse, ticket inspectors decided our valid tickets weren’t sufficient, and we were thrown off the train. Coincidentally, we met a couple from our project—both Google interns—who had been similarly kicked off despite their valid tickets. While waiting for the last train, which was crucial for getting back in time for school the next morning, they lightened the mood by teaching me salsa dancing.

On the journey back, I had a deep conversation with Andrei, one of the participants. He was incredibly impressed with my work, but I couldn’t help but admire his achievements: stellar grades, published papers, and internships at top companies like Google, Amazon, and Jane Street. He even shared insights into the application processes, which I found fascinating and motivating.

Challenges and Health Woes

Unfortunately, not everything went smoothly. One day, I fell ill and had to leave early due to severe stomach issues. I missed some of the presentations on advanced research topics, which was disappointing because the ones I did catch were incredibly impressive. The projects showcased cutting-edge AI and computer science innovations, making me feel like a small fish in a big pond. While I couldn’t grasp all the technical details, I appreciated the brilliance behind the ideas.

Cultural Highlights

The trip wasn’t all work and no play. We indulged in a lot of schnitzel, enjoyed cocktails with colleagues, and savored Iberico ham at a lovely restaurant. On Day 3, we visited the United Nations headquarters, where an active conference on physics and chemistry was taking place. Seeing the meeting rooms, complete with country placards, and exhibits like a replica of Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit and a moon rock was absolutely thrilling.

Our exploration of Vienna included visits to stunning historical buildings, adding a layer of cultural richness to the experience. These moments of relaxation and discovery were the perfect balance to the intense academic workload.

Reflection

The Blended Intensive Project was more than just an academic program; it was a transformative journey. It broadened my understanding of AI, exposed me to high-level research, and gave me the opportunity to collaborate with exceptionally talented individuals from around the world. The combination of technical learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth made this an unforgettable experience. While I stepped out of my comfort zone, I walked away with newfound confidence and inspiration to pursue my dreams in computer science.