Summer of 2024

Antonia Vermassen Steel:

In a team of four UGent students, I began preparing my Humasol internship in October 2023, ahead of the on-site work carried out in July and August 2024 at the Ecoplastile factory in Kampala, Uganda. Guided by Humasol, we completed a literature and technical study during the academic year. Ecoplastile is a plastic recycling company, and the internship allowed me to deepen my knowledge of material science engineering, particularly plastic recycling, degradation processes and the production of recycled products, while also strengthening my skills in project & business planning, problem-solving and cost-effective working.

The internship improved my teamwork, communication and project coordination skills. I’m proud of our team and our shared motivation to create added value for Ecoplastile. Working closely with both my fellow students and colleagues at Ecoplastile reinforced how much I value connection and collaboration across different backgrounds and cultures.

Kasper Huysentruyt:

My internship with Humasol was transformative in many ways. I initially joined to gain hands-on practical experience, which I achieved through the design and construction of a machine to wash dirty, post-consumer plastics. However, during the internship, many of the most valuable lessons concerned teamwork, social context, and global citizenship. Through close collaboration with colleagues at my host partner in the Global South, I developed greater independence and confidence in my abilities as an engineer. This experience has significantly strengthened my teamwork skills, which will be essential in my future career.

A particular highlight was when the CEO sought advice on the long-term vision for the WastePays plastic collection app, as it expanded my knowledge of business operations in a global context and confirmed my interest in business consultancy. Working in an English-speaking, international environment exposed me to new perspectives and challenges that will bring added value to my professional career. Personally, the first weeks were sometimes overwhelming, filled with new impressions that were both draining and exhilarating. However, these challenges led to an enriching experience, allowing me to grow as an individual.

One key lesson I learned, was the importance of connecting with the community. Speaking with Ugandans in their language often evoked smiles, and I gained valuable insights from their views on life, ethics, and global issues. Building these relationships made my experience far more enriching, and I encourage future students to embrace this aspect wholeheartedly.