Finding confidence in Cologne

Olivia Wilson‑Sharp discovered new perspectives, lifelong friends and incredible experiences on exchange at the German Sport University Cologne.

Olivia Wilson-Sharp

Why I chose my host uni:

German Sport University Cologne (GSU) wasn’t my original choice, as I was initially planning to attend San Diego State University in the US. However, due to visa changes and uncertainty around safety and the political climate in America at the time, I had to reconsider my options. GSU offered me a place as they had availability, which I gratefully accepted.

In the end, it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. My stepdad is from Germany, so I had previously visited a few times and have family and family friends there, which made the idea of studying in Germany even more appealing. The welcoming support from Gerard King, Head of the International Department at GSU, really stood out and reflected the friendliness of the people in Cologne. Kirsten Lovell from AUT Global was also incredibly helpful throughout the process of changing my exchange to GSU, which made the transition smooth and reassuring.

How I found applying to my host uni:

The application process for GSU was quite straightforward. Most of it involved filling out a few forms with my personal information and applying for accommodation in the student dorms. Choosing classes was a bit more challenging, as there was a lot of variety to choose from. There were fewer options that directly aligned with my management degree, and even after selecting them there was no guarantee we would get into them once we arrived. However, it all worked out in the end and it was a great opportunity to try subjects that were a little different from what I usually study.

I needed to arrange a few things before leaving, including a student visa, flights and health/travel insurance. The most difficult part of the process was obtaining my visa. I had to apply online for an interview and then travel to Wellington for an in‑person interview before it was granted. I also needed to organise health insurance, although there was a highly recommended provider, which made the process relatively straightforward.

The visa process was fairly straightforward, though a bit lengthy. After applying online, I had to fly to Wellington for an in‑person interview at the German Embassy to have my visa approved. I was issued a Non‑Immigrant Visa, class J‑1, which allowed me to study at GSU.

How I found learning in a different academic system:

I really enjoyed learning in a different academic system, especially in Europe, as there was so much to explore and many new perspectives to gain. I loved the variety in the curriculum, which allowed me to broaden my knowledge across different topics within my sports degree. It was a new challenge balancing uni life with having fun and exploring a new country. Another big adjustment was the workload – each course had small credit points, so I ended up taking around 15 classes in total, about 10 per week, which was very different from what I was used to at AUT. I also really enjoyed meeting my German classmates and professors – they were friendly, welcoming and always happy to help when I needed it.

What I gained from this experience:

Confidence, lifelong friendships, new perspectives and the best decision I ever made.

Doing an exchange in Cologne, Germany, was unexpectedly the most amazing experience. I only decided to go eight months beforehand, so I wasn’t exactly prepared. As someone who’s normally quite introverted, stepping so far out of my comfort zone was daunting – but it turned out to be incredible. I made my closest friends in my dorm and across campus, which made adjusting so much easier. Living and sharing experiences with friends on the same journey was surreal.

Studying in Europe was exciting and completely different from home, with so many opportunities to explore. I made the most of the chance to travel, visiting seven countries and around 14 cities by train or short flights. Living independently for the first time taught me so much – from cooking and grocery shopping to doing laundry and managing my finances – and it also made me appreciate how comfortable and convenient life back home really is.

Cologne itself was unforgettable. Experiencing the city during Karneval and the 11/11 celebrations was absolutely insane – the energy, costumes and atmosphere made it a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience and really added to the adventure. Academically and personally, the exchange challenged me in the best ways and gave me skills, memories and a new perspective on life that I’ll carry forever. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.