From Ghana to Tyrol: Esther's unforgettable experiences

A semester abroad at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol opened up new professional and personal perspectives for Esther Asare. She is a sports science student at the University of Ghana and decided to discover the Tyrolean Alps with the support of Erasmus+. From September 2025 to February 2026, she participated in the International Program with the aim of strengthening the link between sports and management.

LEARNING IN AN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Esther Asare made a conscious decision to study in Kufstein. The specialized sports and event management program and the international atmosphere on campus were decisive factors for her. Her goal was clear: she wanted to learn how economic strategies work - and how this knowledge could later be used to develop sports in Ghana.

“I wanted to bridge the gap between my education in physical education and the economic side of sports,” says Asare. “I was particularly interested in courses such as business planning and strategic management.”

Everyday student life was very different from what she was used to at her home university. Instead of a primarily theoretical approach, the focus was on practical applications, real-life case studies, and intensive teamwork. Ideas from lectures were immediately translated into projects and developed further collaboratively. For Asare, this meant taking on responsibility, taking a stand, and finding solutions in an international context.

“Working in multicultural groups was incredibly enriching and greatly improved my professional communication skills,” she reports.

Interacting with students from many parts of the world opened up new perspectives for her - on sports, on cooperation, and also on herself. What was taken for granted in Ghana often seemed restructured, more direct, and more organized here. It was precisely this change of perspective that made the semester particularly valuable for her.

PERSONAL GROWTH AWAY FROM HOME

For Esther Asare, the study day usually began with a walk through Kufstein's old town to the campus by the park. The surroundings, with their view of the Tyrolean Alps, remained something special for her. Her daily study routine consisted of English-language courses, project work, and coordination with her international team. She used her breaks to spend time with her friends and analyze cultural differences.
 
Being far from home strengthened their independence and confidence in their own abilities. Above all, direct communication, punctuality, and clear structures differed greatly from their familiar environment in Ghana.
 
Esther Asare also gained many new experiences in everyday life. Compared to the lively and open community culture in Ghana, social interaction in Tyrol seemed more reserved at first. Different eating habits, a strong awareness of the environment and nature, and clear, direct communication were a change at first. Over time, however, she learned to appreciate these differences and to see the stability of the routines as a valuable source of guidance. She received support from the International Relations Office, which provided organizational assistance before and during the semester. “My biggest learning experience was intercultural cooperation and feeling confident in an international environment,” says Asare.
 
She quickly made friends and valuable contacts at the International Student Residence. Looking back, she feels that her months in Kufstein have noticeably benefited her personal and academic development. Her advice to future students is to look for accommodation early, prepare for winter, and make active use of opportunities such as the Connect Program - she herself benefited greatly from it.
 

 
Links:

• Erasmus+ | Website
• Exchange Students | Website