Kia ora & Guten Tag! In this episode, host Mareike Schmidt welcomes Mia Horridge, a future maths teacher from the University of Auckland who spent an exchange semester at the University of Heidelberg.

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.

Kia ora & Guten Tag! In this episode, host Mareike Schmidt welcomes Aleisha Wallabh-Smith, a University of Auckland student who received a DAAD scholarship to attend a six-week Winter Course in Freiburg, Germany.

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.

Kia ora & Guten Tag! In this episode, host Mareike Schmidt chats with Gemma Dykshoorn, a University of Auckland student who spent a full exchange year at the University of Freiburg in Germany.

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.