Kai Mizuno, a third-year student in the Faculty of Management, embarked on the double degree program at the end of August. Through this program, he is studying specialized business courses in English at ICN Business School in France, followed by an internship at a French company. His goal is to earn two degrees while gaining invaluable international experience. We interviewed Kai, who has been in France for about a month, to learn about his experiences and aspirations as he settles into his new environment.
I saw obtaining a degree in France as a unique opportunity to access business networks and career opportunities across the EU. France, being a member of the European Union, provides a gateway to companies and markets throughout Europe. By participating in this program, I hope to build a professional network that extends beyond France and positions me for a career in Europe as a globally competitive professional. The double degree program offers an excellent foundation for achieving these goals.
One thing that surprised me is how much Japanese pop culture is appreciated here. Walking through the streets, I often see signs and advertisements featuring characters and anime familiar from Japan. It’s clear that Japanese cultural exports—like anime, manga, games, and fashion—have gained a strong following in France. For instance, I was reminded of this when President Macron paid tribute to Akira Toriyama, one of Japan’s most influential manga creators, on social media. It showed how deeply embedded Japanese culture is in French society.
My immediate goal is to improve my English skills. Although I was confident in my listening abilities before coming here, I’ve found it challenging to keep up in class, especially with the French accent. With the support of classmates and instructors, I’m working hard to adapt and enhance my language proficiency. Strengthening my English is crucial not only for succeeding in this program but also for building my confidence in a global business environment.
The Double Degree Program is a unique study abroad opportunity that enables students to earn degrees from both NUCB and a partner university upon graduation. By engaging in advanced business studies in English alongside local university students, participants gain invaluable skills and knowledge, building a strong foundation for their future careers as global business professionals.
Our 7 Double Degree Partners:
Audencia Business School (France)
NEOMA Business School (France)
ICN Artem Business School (France)
Toulouse Business School (France)
Grenoble Ecole de Management (France)
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan)
Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick University of Limerick (Ireland)