KDI School of Public Policy, South Korea
I went to South Korea to study public policy, but my exchange semester became much more than an academic experience. What I enjoyed about the classes was learning from professors who could connect theory with their own work in international organisations. Just as interesting were the perspectives of my classmates from around the world, who brought their countries’ experiences into our discussions.
Getting to know them beyond the classroom made the semester even better. Through university activities, shared meals, and exploring Korea together, I built friendships that have continued after the exchange. I travelled to different cities, discovered new favourite dishes, and fell even more in love with Korean culture.
By the end of the semester, Korea felt like a place I had a real connection to and one I would love to return to. That’s what made the exchange so worthwhile for me: going somewhere to study and coming away with people and places that became part of my life.

Hertie School, Germany
My name is Dias Zhaksylyk, and my exchange semester at Hertie School in Berlin during
Fall 2025 was one of the most enriching experiences of my time at NU GSPP. Academically,
I took courses in Energy Economics, with a particular focus on Germany, International Trade,
Public Policy, AI Governance, and Contemporary Russian Politics. What made the
experience especially valuable was the opportunity to learn from practitioners with hands-on
experience in the fields they taught, connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world policy
challenges. It also allowed me to apply comparative perspectives to Kazakhstan’s public
policy landscape and reflect on how international experiences and approaches could inform
our own context.
Living in Berlin was an equally important part of the experience. Managing everyday life
abroad independently, including covering living expenses without financial support from the
exchange programme, taught me to become more resourceful, adaptable, and self-reliant. At
the same time, it was a lot of fun: I travelled extensively across Europe, explored different
cultures and cities, and made the most of everything Berlin had to offer.
For a Public Policy student, Berlin itself felt like an extension of the classroom. As a city that
experienced Nazi dictatorship, Cold War division, and German reunification, it offers a
unique perspective on democratic institutions, political transitions, and the long-term
consequences of public decisions. Today, the city is home to Germany’s federal parliament
and government, while landmarks such as the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Reichstag
illustrate how history continues to shape contemporary governance. Berlin’s cultural
landscape is equally fascinating: from Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to its
vibrant contemporary art and creative scenes, the city demonstrates how culture, public
institutions, and collective memory intersect.
As someone who enjoys running, I especially loved discovering the city through its streets
and parks, which became part of my everyday routine.

Tsinghua University, China
My exchange semester at Tsinghua University in Beijing was one of the most memorable experiences of my academic journey. Studying in a new academic environment gave me the opportunity to explore public policy from a different perspective, particularly how China approaches development, environmental challenges, and governance. It was especially interesting to see how these perspectives differed from what I had previously studied. Beyond the classroom, I had the opportunity to explore the country, immerse myself in its culture, and build friendships with people from around the world. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, broadened my perspective, and gave me memories and connections that I will carry with me for years to come.

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore
Our exchange semester in Singapore was a turning point in our academic journeys, changing how we think about public policy and helping us clarify our professional goals. Learning alongside classmates from different countries and professional backgrounds encouraged us to speak up and see policy challenges from new perspectives. Living in Singapore brought classroom discussions to life, as we could see how urban planning and public services shaped everyday experiences. Some of our favourite memories, though, were much simpler: conversations with our College Green unitmates, Cultural Night, living on chicken rice and Thai green tea (we miss both so much!), and going from being scared of the lizards in our house to joking that we had become friends. Those everyday moments made Singapore feel like home.

Hertie School, Germany
Studying at Hertie School in Berlin was easily one of the highlights of my university experience! As a public policy student, I loved having the freedom to choose from such a diverse range of courses, from green finance and military strategy to crisis management. The international environment made every class even more interesting, with students bringing perspectives from all over the world. And of course, there’s Berlin itself! With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, endless things to explore, and opportunities to travel around Europe, there’s never a dull moment. But the best part was definitely the people. I made so many international friends and connections that I still cherish today. If you’re considering going on exchange, take this as your sign to apply!