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
More general information about the University in Freiburg
Check out exchange options with 360International at University of Auckland
Your options to study German Abroad with the University of Auckland
What is Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories?
What happens when students from New Zealand pack their bags and head to Germany for a semester abroad?
In this podcast, students from the University of Auckland share their real-life experiences of studying in Germany — from learning the language, navigating daily life, and attending German universities, to cultural surprises, personal growth, and unforgettable stories.
Whether you're thinking about going on exchange, curious about life in Germany, or just love hearing first-hand travel tales, "Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories" offers a unique look into what it's really like to study and live abroad — in a new language, and a new world.
🎓 ✈️ 🇩🇪
Language learning. Cultural exchange. Lifelong memories.
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Supported by the DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service.