Coffee Connections

I meet many students, researchers and other professionals during my travels representing the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). They come from diverse backgrounds, and their careers and fields of interest span a wide range of subjects, but they all love Germany. Our most memorable conversations happen during coffee breaks when I hear personal stories and learn about their unique experiences. I decided to share these coffee talks via a podcast, so that the work and experiences of our DAAD Ambassadors and other inspiring individuals with a German connection reach you, wherever you are. Happy listening! This podcast is a side project to my daily work as the DAAD representative for the Western region of the United States. This podcast is created, hosted, and edited by me. Opinions voiced in interviews are my own. If you want to know more about the study, research, and funding opportunities in Germany, visit www.daad.org

Coffee Connections is a education podcast hosted by Hanni Geist, with 52 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Hanni Geist hosts Coffee Connections, a education show with 52 episodes published.

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  Coffee Connections

  E51 - RISE Germany | From Internship to a PhD & A Novel | A Conversation with Lili Zeng

  Jun 26, 202622 min

  After a hiatus from recording and editing, I’m back with an interview with Lili Zeng, a Canadian physicist, recent PhD graduate from McGill University, and author of the debut novel Dear Haider. Lili reflects on how her 2011 DAAD RISE Germany internship introduced her to research, shaped her academic journey, and inspired the setting for her novel. We discuss the value of exploring different career paths, balancing science and creativity, mental health, and how international experiences foster both personal and professional growth. Lili also shares practical advice for future RISE applicants, memorable experiences traveling through Germany, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can open unexpected opportunities. Whether you're considering research in Germany, pursuing a career in STEM, or looking for inspiration to follow multiple passions, this episode has something for you. Have a Listen! Find out more about Lili and her novel https://lilizengphd.com/

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  Coffee Connections

  E50 - 100 Years DAAD | Conversation with Su Friedrich

  Nov 7, 202529 minS0

  Celebrating 50 episodes of Coffee Connections! For nearly five years, I’ve shared stories from people building bridges between the U.S. and Germany, many supported through DAAD funding. For this milestone — and DAAD’s 100-year anniversary — I spoke with filmmaker Su Friedrich, granddaughter of Carl Joachim Friedrich, one of DAAD’s founders. In a beautiful twist, Su had no idea her grandfather helped create the very program that later supported her own artistic journey. I’m so grateful for everyone who’s joined me on this path. Here’s to 50 episodes... and many more. Have a listen! Check out Su's work at https...

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  Coffee Connections

  E49 - 100 Years DAAD | Conversation with RISE pro Alumnus Aarish Lakhani

  Aug 1, 202520 minS0

  In this episode, I speak with Aarish Lakhani, DAAD RISE professional alumnus. RISE professional offers summer research internships in Germany to master's and PhD students at companies in non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry. Aarish is a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Illinois, and he participated in the program last year. Aarish shares his experience with the program at Fraunhofer Institute in Bremerhaven, working on wind energy projects, creating a deep learning model for wind turbine power production. He highlights the cultural differences between Germany and the US and the importance of learning German and the...

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  Coffee Connections

  E48- 100 Years DAAD | Conversation with Diplomat Oliver Schramm

  Jul 14, 202538 minS0

  In this episode, I spoke with Diplomat Oliver Schramm, Consulate General of Germany San Francisco, from 2021 - 2025. Have a listen!

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  Coffee Connections

  E47- 100 Years DAAD | Conversations with German University Representatives

  Jun 12, 20251h 16mS0

  Check the podcast page on daad.org for a transcript of this episode. In this episode, I talk to representatives from 10 German universities, as well as a representative of the alliance of 9 Technical Universities in Germany. We discussed the attractiveness of German universities for international students, highlighting the quality, affordability, and diversity of educational opportunities. Each representative shared details about their region and why their university is attractive to international students. Please note that the selection you will hear in this episode is coincidental and is based on availability and the right setting at the conference. Universities in this episode: ...

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