From September 2003 to May 2004, Wasan Pattara-atikom had the opportunity to participate in an internship at Networking Laboratories, NEC Europe in Heidelberg , Germany . During this internship, Wasan researched QoS in Wireless LANs. The goal of his research there was to conduct performance and sensitivity analysis to identify critical parameters in the first production of next generation mobile phones with wireless LAN capability. His internship in Heidelberg provided the European perspective on research for industry, allowed him to interact with other professionals in the field, and deepened his knowledge of QoS in Wireless LAN which is the topic of his dissertation study.

This internship opportunity derived from networking and contacts whom he met when he attended professional conferences. During these conferences, he met well-known researchers in the field and was able to pose questions and listen to their thinking. After the conference, he made follow up contacts with these individuals who assisted him in establishing this internship.

During his time in Germany , Wasan was able to travel and visit neighboring countries and to explore the landscapes and their ways of life, e.g. Austria , Belgium , Poland , and Czech Republic. After having studying seven years in the United State , this internship created a unique opportunity to experience alternate cultural products, practices, and perspectives. Because of the contribution of this internship, Wasan is now prepared to complete his degree and enter the world upon graduation with different personal and professional understandings.