As we say 'Auf Wiedersehen' to the 2024 German exchange students, we continue our series of articles looking back at our Aussie ‘stipis’ from over the generations. Nicola Mathieson was a member of the 2008 'Jahrgang', venturing from her home on the sunny Mornington Peninsula off to snowy Wahnbek in Germany's north. Nowadays Nicola is a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Liverpool.
Year of exchange: 2008 / 09
Group Leader: Chris Munro
School: Flinders Christian Community College
Sponsor: Allens Linklaters
Town / city of exchange in Germany: Wahnbek (a small town near Oldenburg)
I had the pleasure of staying with the wonderful Icken family, who immediately took me in as their eldest daughter. I did my exchange in the tiny town of Wahbek in northern Germany. Wahnbek held the Guiness World Record for the highest and largest Christmas wreath after decorating the local telecommunications tower until the Christmas lights caught fire in 2009.
I studied International Studies at RMIT with a Diploma in Spanish. I also have an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford and a PhD from ANU.
As a part of my undergraduate degree, I completed an internship at the Australian Embassy in Berlin. I then spent a period working in politics including working for the Health Workers Union and in the Ministerial office of Fiona Richardson who was then Minister for Women and the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence. I then returned to academia, completing my MPhil at Oxford and PhD at ANU in international relations.
I am now a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Liverpool. My research looks at foreign fighters in civil wars and anti-fascist movements.
Many of the decisions I’ve made and experiences I’ve had would not have happened without SAGSE and my fellow GASSies. I chose my undergraduate degree because a GASSie in the year above recommended it. Michael Pearce, GASSie and Honorary Consul General for Germany in Melbourne, was my reference when I applied for my internship at the Australian Embassy in Berlin. Mark Rowe’s brother told me to apply to Oxford. My baby brother, James/Matho, is also a GASSie. We’ve hosted two German GASSies, Nane and Lucas. My host sister, Mareike, also married a GASSie, Eric. You get the picture.
I have also stayed close with my host family. I have been back for numerous Christmases, my sister’s wedding, and I am now a very proud aunt to my German niece, Karla. I try to get to Köln every few months to fulfill my aunt duties.
It is great to have an influx of articles from a broad range of alumni again. Please keep them coming and send us an email to let us know about SAGSE alumni out in the world doing amazing things. For our 50th edition next month, we will be talking with the climate activist raising her rainbow family in Berlin.