CAO Yuanyuan, a doctoral student from the Graduate School of Sport Sciences went on an exchange program at German Sport University Cologne from December 2022 to March 2023. This program was based on a bilateral collaboration agreement between the two institutions and was sponsored by the Top Global University (TGU) Program.
Please read about her experience below!
Ⅰ. About the travel support
I visited German Sport University Cologne as a guest student from December 13th, 2022, to March 12th, 2023, through the Health Promotion: The Joy of Sports and Exercise’s AY2022 Travel Grant Program for Graduate Students. This program covered the travel expenses such as airfare, accommodation fee, and miscellaneous costs of my trip, which reduce the economic pressure of my study in Germany. This visit aims to interact with talented researchers from all over the world and learn from Professor Sebastian Uhrich about consumer behavior research. I would like to tell you about my experiences in these three months.
Ⅱ. About German Sport University Cologne
German Sport University Cologne, founded in Cologne in 1947, combines qualified teaching and international research of the highest level. It is the only university in Germany that is dedicated exclusively to the world of sport and exercise science. It is located at the Müngersdorf Sport Park in the countryside. Even though it is not located in the city’s center, it is very convenient to access the university by bus or tram. I always went to school by bike; it took me about 20 minutes from my accommodation. I could feel the fresh air when I got close to the school since there were a lot of trees around the school. It has almost perfect sports infrastructure. When I walked around the school, I saw students playing sports almost everywhere in the school. Besides sports facilities, the study facilities are also good at German Sport University Cologne. The library is tidy and comfortable. There is a coffee shop at the front door of the library. Many students crowded there with a cup of coffee at noon to discuss their studies and take a break.
The main building of German Sport University Cologne
The boulevard leading to the university
Ⅲ. About studying at German Sport University Cologne
In the three months, I was studying under the supervision of Professor Uhrich. When we first met, he introduced his projects to me and asked me whether I would like to conduct my research or join their projects. Since the project I was interested in was at the end, I still needed to conduct my research topic. I chose to conduct my own research under his supervision. I revised the manuscript based on the suggestions of Professor Uhrich and submitted it to an international journal. Since there was no regular meeting in his lab, I could make an appointment for the meeting any time I need help. He gave me personal guidance on my research. Discussing my research proposal with him in his office was really memorable. Finally, I decided on the research topic of my second study with his help. On the days without meetings, I spent my time in the library; it’s an excellent place to study, quiet and comfortable. I could concentrate on my study there for a long time.
In addition, I selected two compact classes in the winter semester. The professors of these two classes were invited from other universities. The first class, named “Economics of sport participation, health, events, and elite sport,” was taught by Dr. Cristina Muniz Artime from the University of Oviedo in Span. The second class, “Economics of team sports,” was taught by Dr. Dennis Goats from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in the USA. For me it was really fortunate to be able to attend classes at the German Sport University Cologne with professors from schools in other countries around the world. I learned a lot from the professors, and I was also surprised by the learning atmosphere in the class. Everyone responded actively to the questions asked by the professor. The whole class was a lot of fun. I learned a lot from other talented students and made friends with them.
The classroom The library
Ⅳ. Life in Cologne
Cologne is a lively city with kind people. There are always people ready to help you when you have troubles. When I couldn’t understand German in the canteen, the student next to me helped me translate enthusiastically. When I took the subway with big luggage, someone asked me if I needed help. When I was checking out at the supermarket, the person who bought a lot made me stand in front of him. When my computer didn’t work at class, my classmate invited me to work with her. I am very happy that I met so many kind people.
In addition, I am very lucky that I experienced two big festivals in Cologne during my visit. The first one is the Christmas and New Year holiday. When I arrived in Cologne, there were Christmas markets in the downtown. The market was decorated with beautiful Christmas trees and Santa Claus. I heard that Christmas trees are originated from Germany, and almost every shop has one in Cologne. The hot wine and snacks in the markets were very delicious. On new year’s eve, people in Cologne got together around the Cologne Church and set off fireworks which were very beautiful and spectacular.
The second festival is Carnival. During the carnival, everyone wears exotic costumes to parade in the streets. My friend and I went to see the Carnival Parade on “Rose Monday” and we were greeted with rows of floats passing by and tons of candy and chocolate being showered on us. The atmosphere was so cheerful that it seemed all the stress could be released.
Christmas Market
Carnival Festival
Ⅴ. To conclude
In a word, it’s a really wonderful experience in Cologne, Germany. I love the city, the German Sport University Cologne, the teachers and friends in the school, and the kind people and the delicious food in Cologne. I really appreciate that Waseda gave me a chance to go to Germany. I want to thank Professor Urich, who helped and supported me all the time. He not only taught me research methods, but also the thinking patterns before starting research. I also want to thank my supervisor Matsuoka Sensei, an excellent professor who always encourages us to go abroad and learn from others. Additionally, I want to thank my colleague Toya, who helped me a lot when I stayed in Cologne. Last but not least, thanks to the staff in the Tokorozawa office at Waseda. They helped me throughout the whole process of my trip to Germany, which makes me feel at ease in Europe.
