Shanghai, 2 August 2002
There is only one way to begin this report; by thanking IAESTE for giving me the opportunity to visit China and combine work experience with traveling.

My practical traineeship took place at East China University of Science and Technology at Chemical Engineering Research Center. It lasted four weeks, from 8th of July till 2nd of August. The job offer concerned a research about IP hollow fiber membranes used for gas separation.

The first part of the research included the manufacture of IP hollow fiber membranes by the dry/wet phase invention using different solutions. Second and most important part of the procedure followed at this research was studying the selectivity and the permeability of IP hollow fiber membranes. For these experiments the gas flux of O2 and N2 was measured.

Taking part at this research has been a great experience for me because not only was it educative but also very interesting.

Last but not least I have to mention and thank Professor Dr. Zhen-Liang Xu and his Master students for their help and support whenever I needed it.

This practical traineeship was important for me for another reason as well. Because I had the opportunity to visit China, study its culture and meet the Chinese people. I have discovered the real beauty of Shanghai and I have experienced the way of living in this modern city of China. I have also been in Beijing where I visited so important historical places such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

In conclusion, I think that my decision to apply for a job offer in iaeste ended up to be an experience of a lifetime for me. So I strongly recommend all students to seize this opportunity given and support the work of this international organization.
Efthymia Kaprara
Department of Chemical Engineering
Polytechnic School
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki