Internship Report – Anna Borkowska
Duration: 6 months (March – September 2025)

Topic: Issues related to environmental engineering, agricultural sciences, and the potential utilization of waste biomass from hazelnut cultivation. The internship involved the observation and analysis of research processes conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University in Fethiye, including studies on the quality of plant raw materials, agricultural biotechnology, and plant protection.

Objective: The aim of the internship was to broaden knowledge and research skills in the field of modern methods of analyzing and managing biomass derived from plant production, particularly from hazelnut cultivation, as well as to establish scientific cooperation with the research team at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. The stay also aimed to exchange experiences in the organization of research and teaching activities and to develop academic and professional competences in an international environment.

In the laboratories of the Faculty, I became acquainted with the principles of conducting experiments in the fields of plant biology, physicochemical analysis, and biotechnology. It was also valuable for me to learn about analytical methods used in studies of cultivated plants, including hazelnut, which constitutes the basis of my doctoral dissertation. Türkiye is the world’s leading producer of hazelnuts; therefore, the opportunity to complete an internship in such a research environment provided an excellent occasion to expand my knowledge of the potential utilization of by-products from this crop and their industrial and energy applications.

Direct contact with academic staff enabled me to observe how an interdisciplinary approach integrates knowledge from agriculture, food technology, and environmental protection within joint research projects. Participation in team activities allowed me to gain valuable practical experience and become familiar with new methods of organizing laboratory work.

During my stay, I also had the opportunity to observe the functioning of the Turkish higher education system. Observing these differences allowed me to gain a better understanding of the specifics of teaching and research work in an international academic environment.

During the internship, I also actively participated in the academic life of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. During one of the meetings with students and academic staff, I presented the opportunities for international cooperation offered by the NAWA STER and Erasmus+ programs. I also introduced the structure and activities of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, highlighting its research areas and initiatives supporting the mobility of doctoral candidates and students. This meeting provided an excellent opportunity for the exchange of experiences and discussion.

The internship in Türkiye also allowed me to explore the city of Fethiye, located in the southwestern part of the country on the Mediterranean coast. This picturesque port town, surrounded by forested mountains, combines a peaceful atmosphere with a wealth of historical and natural attractions. Fethiye, known in antiquity as Telmessos, has preserved numerous traces of its past — the ruins of an ancient theater, rock-cut tombs, and characteristic sarcophagi that represent the rich cultural heritage of the region. In my free time, I also visited nearby towns, including Kayaköy, known as the “ghost town,” and the stunning Ölüdeniz, famous for its turquoise lagoon and breathtaking landscapes.

My stay in Fethiye was not only a period of intensive scientific work but also an opportunity to experience Turkish culture, traditions, and the everyday life of its inhabitants. Contact with the local community allowed me to experience Turkish hospitality, kindness, and openness, which greatly enriched both my personal and professional experience.

I also had the opportunity to discover the richness of Turkish cuisine — diverse, full of fresh vegetables, spices, and aromatic dishes. I tasted traditional meals such as menemen, gözleme, and kebab, as well as famous sweets — baklava and lokum — which symbolize Turkish hospitality and the joy of sharing tea and conversation.

Immersing myself in Turkish customs, music, and daily rhythms allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life, where strong family ties, respect for tradition, and warmth toward others play a central role.

The internship is carried out as part of the STER NAWA Project “Actions towards the internationalization of the Doctoral School of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin (I-SDUPL)”.