Report about studying at German Sport University Cologne, Germany
Ⅰ. About the travel support
From June 29th, 2024 to September 12th, 2024, I had the valuable opportunity to engage in an academic experience as a postgraduate student visitor under the supervision of Dr. Christoph Breuer at the German Sport University Cologne in Germany. This experience was made possible through the generous support of Waseda University’s SGU AY2024 Travel Grant Program, which provided funding to cover my round-trip airfare and accommodation, enabling me to pursue my studies in Germany.
Figure 1 The Flight Route
Ⅱ. About the German Sport University Cologne
The German Sport University Cologne (Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln) is a renowned institution specializing in sports science and related disciplines, recognized as a leading authority both nationally within Germany and internationally. Founded in 1947, the university is famous for its interdisciplinary approach, combining natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to explore all aspects of sport, exercise, and health. Located in Cologne, the campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including research laboratories, sports venues, and training centers. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, fostering innovation and excellence in areas such as sports medicine, biomechanics, psychology, and coaching.
Figure 2 Campus 1
Figure 3 Campus 2
Ⅲ. About studying at German Sport University Cologne
I was admitted to the Institute of Sport Economics and Sport Management, where I was provided with a workspace in the faculty room and full access to the library. On my first day at the university, I received a key to the faculty building, and a Japanese doctoral student graciously gave me a guided tour of the campus. Two days later, I presented my preliminary research findings and received valuable feedback from faculty and peers. Every weekday, between 8 and 9 a.m., the lab members are consistently present at their designated positions. The team demonstrates strong collaboration skills and excels at securing projects from external organizations and companies beyond the university. Furthermore, their enthusiasm for learning, coupled with effective time management and strong self-discipline in the laboratory, are noteworthy strengths. These qualities have played a crucial role in producing a substantial volume of high-quality publications, leaving a lasting impression on me.
Throughout my stay, I held regular meetings with Dr. Breuer to discuss my research progress and future plans. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit a local football club’s training session, participate in other laboratories’ presentations, and engage with various academic activities. In addition, taking advantage of Cologne’s location as a major transit hub in Europe, I also attended and presented at the 32nd European Sport Management Conference (EASM 2024) in Paris, France.
Figure 4 Visiting club training
Figure 5 With Dr. Breuer
Figure 6 My presentation at EASM 2024
Ⅳ. Life in Cologne
During my stay, the UEFA EURO 2024 was held at that time. Cologne was one of the host cities. It provided a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated football culture, and I had the chance of experiencing it. For the final match, I traveled to Berlin, where I watched the final game in the Fan Zone set up at the Brandenburg Tor. The experience of immersing myself in the passionate football culture of Germany, a country renowned for its enthusiasm for the sport, was unforgettable.
Cologne, as the fourth-largest city in Germany and a major transportation hub in the eastern part of the country, served as an excellent base for exploring nearby towns. One of the places I visited was Leverkusen, where I attended a Bundesliga match at the home stadium of Bayer Leverkusen. Remarkably, Leverkusen had won the Bundesliga championship for the 2023–2024 season. The match I attended was against RB Leipzig, a formidable opponent, which made the game highly competitive and thrilling to watch.
In addition to spectating sports, I also had the opportunity to participate in recreational activities. My friends in Cologne brought me to play tennis at a local community club several times. It was my first experience playing on a type of court surface that was entirely different from what is typically used in Japan, which added a unique and memorable dimension to the activity.
Figure 7 Screen at Fan Zone in Brandenburg Tor
Figure 8 BayArena in Leverkusen
Figure 9 Tennis court in the local club
Ⅴ. To Conclude
In summary, the stay in cologne has been one of the most unforgettable and valuable experience in my life, both academically and personally. Studying with one of the leading laboratories in the field of sport management not only equipped me with essential skills but also instilled in me the courage to face future challenges with confidence. Despite it not being the best time for me to participate in the exchange program, I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Hirotaka Matsuoka, for his encouragement to seize this opportunity. Lastly, I would like to extend my huge thanks to Waseda University for offering this program and to the dedicated staff at the Higashifushimi and Tokorozawa offices for all their support throughout this journey.
