Kia Ora & Guten Tag: Exchange Stories

Mareike Schmidt
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  • Language Learning

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. ------- Supported by the DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service.

Episodes

  1. Apr 20

    Heidelberg Stories: Mia's Exchange Semester in Germany

    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 exchangeHow she navigated the application processWhat it was like to take German language coursesEveryday life in Germany Weekend travel and the joy of exploring EuropeReal talk: the hardest goodbyes and the biggest highlightsHow the experience shaped her dream of teaching Maths in GermanyHer 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/ -------This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

    32 min

  2. Apr 12

    Freiburg Feels Like Home: Aleisha’s DAAD Winter Course Experience

    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 CourseHer first impressions of Freiburg and German student lifeCulture shock moments — from efficient transport to delicious Mensa mealsTravels across Europe before the course beganLowlights (spoiler: barely any!) and standout highlightsHow 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 -------This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

    25 min

  3. Apr 6

    One Year in Freiburg: Gemma's Exchange Journey

    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 exchangeHer experience applying through 360International at UoAFirst impressions and culture shock momentsWhat surprised her most about German lifeLowlights, highlights, and everything in betweenHow the exchange shaped her career goalsHer 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 -------This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

    33 min

  4. Mar 29

    DAAD Winter Course Reflections: Emma & Josh in Freiburg

    Kia ora & Guten Tag! In this episode, host Mareike Schmidt welcomes Emma Uren and Josh Wang, two students from the University of Auckland who received a prestigious DAAD Winter Course scholarship to study German in Freiburg, Germany. 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 GermanWhat the DAAD Winter Course is and how the application process feltInsights into the intensive language course in FreiburgCulture shock moments and how they adaptedWeekend travels and the feeling of connectedness across EuropeHonest lowlights and uplifting highlightsAdvice for future DAAD scholarship holdersHow 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 -------This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

    59 min

  5. Mar 23

    Language, Culture and History in Berlin: Sara’s DAAD Winter Course Experience

    Kia ora & Guten Tag! In this episode, host Mareike Schmidt speaks with Sara McKoy, a University of Auckland graduate who received a DAAD scholarship to attend an intensive German language course — the Winter Course — in Berlin. 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 CourseThe emotional rollercoaster of waiting for the scholarship decisionWhat it was like to spend Silvester in BerlinHow her interests in politics, history, and journalism connect with learning GermanCulture shock moments and how she adaptedHer 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 -------This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

    29 min

  6. Mar 16

    Elsa Popovici shares about her exchange at University of Heidelberg

    Kia ora & Guten Tag! In this episode, host Mareike Schmidt welcomes Elsa Popovici, a University of Auckland student who spent a semester abroad at the University of Heidelberg — one of Germany’s most historic university towns. 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 appliedAligning courses between UoA and HeidelbergFinding accommodation and settling inCulture shock moments (and why Germany felt like home)Travel adventures across Germany and EuropeWhy German public transport is a dreamWhat’s up with the bottle deposit system (“Pfand”)Stereotypes and surprisesElsa’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/ -------This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

    34 min

  7. Episode 1

    Welcome To "Kia Ora & Guten Tag" - Exchange Stories

    Kia Ora & Guten Tag – Exchange Stories 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 semesterPartner universities in GermanyCross-crediting coursesThe DAAD Winter CourseLanguage requirements and scholarship adviceWhether 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! 🎧 -------This podcast is made possible with support from the DAAD Lectureship Programme.

    3 min

Trailer

About

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. ------- Supported by the DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service.

Information

  • Creator
    Mareike Schmidt
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @Mareike Schmidt