EIT student Jazz Singh during his three weeks in Regensburg.

Only three weeks after Jazz Singh arrived in Germany for his exchange semester, he had to pack his bags to return to New Zealand.

The 20-year old EIT Bachelor of Business Studies student had previously received a Faculty Dean’s Study Abroad Scholarship to study for half a year at the Regensburg University of Applied Sciences (OTH).

“I was really disappointed that I had to leave as I started to love it in Regensburg. The university was modern and amazing and I was making good friends. But it was by far the wisest decision to make for my safety,” says Jazz now, after two weeks of self-isolation.

Jazz had already visited some heritage sites and he got a taste of Bavarian culture and its people. His German buddy Miri had taken him to try some traditional Bavarian dishes such as Schweinebraten (roast pork dish) and sausages at the “Historische Wurstkuchl” which is known as the oldest restaurant in the world. The students and their buddies also went bowling, ice skating, to a Bavarian breakfast, student parties and on a brewery tour.

When the situation deteriorated, OTH contacted EIT who advised Jazz to return to New Zealand. “EIT staff were really supportive which made my decision much easier,” says Jazz.

In Germany, lockdown restrictions were implemented by 12 March, similar to NZ lockdown level 4 rules. “We were affected heavily as the semester had been postponed and most of our planned activities and trips were cancelled. I wasn’t scared but it was really concerning,” says Jazz.

On 19 March, Jazz arrived back in New Zealand. “At the airport we were tested if we had any symptoms and had to give our contact number with the details of where we were going to self-isolate. We were all individually educated about the two-week self-isolation period and what to do if we started to show any of the Covid-19 symptoms.”

Jazz went into self-isolation for two weeks and was regularly contacted by the Healthline regarding his health status.

Jazz hopes to be able to return back to Germany one day. “I am thinking of doing my Masters in Germany or another European country or going to work or travel there for some time after this pandemic is over.”