Mia shares what it was like to study in one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities — from attending a preparatory German language course to diving into academic life and exploring the country. Mia, who was actually born in Germany, reflects on the application process, cultural surprises, and the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to new friends. Her story is full of practical advice for anyone considering studying abroad.

 🎒In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Mia chose Heidelberg for her exchange
• How she navigated the application process
• What it was like to take German language courses
• Everyday life in Germany 
• Weekend travel and the joy of exploring Europe
• Real talk: the hardest goodbyes and the biggest highlights
• How the experience shaped her dream of teaching Maths in Germany
• Her advice for future exchange students

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories on your favourite podcast platform and share it with someone dreaming of studying in Germany.

Bis bald — see you soon!

More general information about the University of Heidelberg

https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/de

Check out exchange options with 360International at University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/360-international.html

Your options to study German Abroad with the University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/arts/current-students/student-exchange-and-study-abroad0/study-abroad/german.html

Stay informed about opportunities with DAAD Scholarships 

https://www.daad-newzealand.org/en/find-funding/scholarship-database/

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This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

Aleisha shares what it was like to dive into intensive German language learning while discovering a new culture, navigating public transport, and enjoying surprisingly healthy and affordable meals at the Mensa. She reflects on her time in Freiburg, which quickly became a home away from home, and offers practical tips for future scholarship holders.

 🎒 In this episode, we talk about:

• What motivated Aleisha to apply for the DAAD Winter Course
• Her first impressions of Freiburg and German student life
• Culture shock moments — from efficient transport to delicious Mensa meals
• Travels across Europe before the course began
• Lowlights (spoiler: barely any!) and standout highlights
• How the experience shaped her connection to language, culture, and future goals

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories on your favorite podcast platform and share it with someone dreaming of studying in Germany.

Bis bald — see you soon!

Stay informed about opportunities with DAAD Scholarships 

https://www.daad-newzealand.org/en/find-funding/scholarship-database/

More general information about the University in Freiburg

https://uni-freiburg.de

Check out exchange options with 360International at University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/360-international.html

Your options to study German Abroad with the University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/arts/current-students/student-exchange-and-study-abroad0/study-abroad/german.html

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This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

Gemma shares what it was like to live and study in Germany for twelve months — from navigating the application process with 360International to settling into life in Freiburg. With Dutch roots and a strong connection to Europe, she reflects on cultural surprises, academic life, and what “being among ze Germans” really felt like.

Whether you’re curious about studying abroad, applying for exchange, or just love hearing real student stories, this episode is packed with insight, humour, and practical advice.

🎒In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Gemma chose Freiburg for her exchange
• Her experience applying through 360International at UoA
• First impressions and culture shock moments
• What surprised her most about German life
• Lowlights, highlights, and everything in between
• How the exchange shaped her career goals
• Her top tips for future exchange students

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories on your favourite podcast app and share it with someone dreaming of studying abroad.

Bis bald — see you soon!

More general information about the University in Freiburg

https://uni-freiburg.de

Check out exchange options with 360International at University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/360-international.html

Stay informed about opportunities with DAAD Scholarships 

https://www.daad-newzealand.org/en/find-funding/scholarship-database/

Your options to study German Abroad with the University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/arts/current-students/student-exchange-and-study-abroad0/study-abroad/german.html

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This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

Over six immersive weeks, Emma and Josh dove into language learning, cultural exchange, and European travel — and today, they share their stories, surprises, and standout moments. From navigating the application process to experiencing life in a German university town, this episode is full of practical tips and personal reflections for anyone curious about studying abroad.

🎒 In this episode, we talk about:

• How Emma and Josh first got into learning German
• What the DAAD Winter Course is and how the application process felt
• Insights into the intensive language course in Freiburg
• Culture shock moments and how they adapted
• Weekend travels and the feeling of connectedness across Europe
• Honest lowlights and uplifting highlights
• Advice for future DAAD scholarship holders
• How the experience shaped their language skills and global outlook

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories on your favorite podcast platform and share it with someone dreaming of studying in Germany.

Bis bald — see you soon!

Stay informed about opportunities with DAAD Scholarships 

https://www.daad-newzealand.org/en/find-funding/scholarship-database/

More general information about the University in Freiburg

https://uni-freiburg.de

Check out exchange options with 360International at University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/360-international.html

Your options to study German Abroad with the University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/arts/current-students/student-exchange-and-study-abroad0/study-abroad/german.html

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This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

Sara shares her journey from the stressful wait for her scholarship confirmation to ringing in the New Year (Silvester!) in Germany’s capital. With a strong interest in politics, history, and journalism, she reflects on how learning German deepened her understanding of European perspectives and opened new academic doors. From culture shock moments to practical advice, this episode is full of insight for anyone considering studying German abroad.

🎒In this episode, we talk about:

• How Sara applied for the DAAD Winter Course
• The emotional rollercoaster of waiting for the scholarship decision
• What it was like to spend Silvester in Berlin
• How her interests in politics, history, and journalism connect with learning German
• Culture shock moments and how she adapted
• Her advice for future DAAD applicants and German learners

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories on your favourite podcast platform and share it with someone dreaming of studying in Germany.

Bis bald — see you soon!

Stay informed about opportunities with DAAD Scholarships 

https://www.daad-newzealand.org/en/find-funding/scholarship-database/

Check out exchange options with 360International at University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/360-international.html

Your options to study German Abroad with the University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/arts/current-students/student-exchange-and-study-abroad0/study-abroad/german.html

More general information about the University of Heidelberg

https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/de

More general information about the University in Freiburg

https://uni-freiburg.de

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This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

Elsa shares how she discovered the opportunity to study in Germany, navigated the application process, and aligned her studies at UoA with her exchange semester. From settling into student accommodation to exploring Europe by train, she reflects on what made Germany feel surprisingly familiar — and what took some getting used to (yes, we talk about Pfand and public transport!).

Whether you're planning your own exchange or just curious about life in Germany, this episode is full of practical tips, honest reflections, and a few laughs about cultural quirks and stereotypes.

  🎒In this episode, we talk about:

• How Elsa learned about the exchange opportunity and applied
• Aligning courses between UoA and Heidelberg
• Finding accommodation and settling in
• Culture shock moments (and why Germany felt like home)
• Travel adventures across Germany and Europe
• Why German public transport is a dream
• What’s up with the bottle deposit system (“Pfand”)
• Stereotypes and surprises
• Elsa’s advice for anyone planning a semester abroad in Germany

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories on your favourite podcast platform and share it with someone dreaming of studying in Germany.

Bis bald — see you soon!

More general information about the University of Heidelberg

https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/de

Check out exchange options with 360International at University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/360-international.html

Your options to study German Abroad with the University of Auckland

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/arts/current-students/student-exchange-and-study-abroad0/study-abroad/german.html

Stay informed about opportunities with DAAD Scholarships 

https://www.daad-newzealand.org/en/find-funding/scholarship-database/

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This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

Welcome to Exchange Stories, a podcast about international study experiences between Aotearoa New Zealand and Germany.

Hosted by Mareike Schmidt - Professional Teaching Fellow in German at the University of Auckland and DAAD Representative - this show features conversations with students who’ve studied abroad or learned German in Germany. They share personal stories, practical tips, and honest reflections on everything from application processes to cultural surprises.

🎒 Topics include:

• How to apply for an exchange semester
• Partner universities in Germany
• Cross-crediting courses
• The DAAD Winter Course
• Language requirements and scholarship advice

Whether you're a student, parent, or simply curious about life between two hemispheres — this podcast is for you.

Subscribe now and join us for inspiring stories and useful insights. Bis bald – see you soon! 🎧

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This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.