We are joined by Swann, a French student who came to NUCB Undergraduate School on Exchange for one semester from fall 2019.
Toulouse Business School (TBS) is part of a global network of over 100 partner schools offering the opportunity to gain credits on an overseas exchange program.
TBS are also one of our Double Degree Partners where students can gain two degrees within 4-years.
Why did you choose to pursue your studies in Japan? and why NUCB in particular?
I first came to Japan in 2016 with my family and was blown away by the cultural differences and the beauty of both the people and the country, I knew immediately that I wanted to come back on exchange.
I had the option between two Japanese universities. I chose NUCB mainly because of discussions through case studies with people from all over the world. Also, I wanted to learn more about Japanese culture through cultural enrichment activities.
What do you think about the classes and Case Method? What was your favorite course?
Case studies are in my opinion a very suitable method for learning. Having to speak in front of many students may have been stressful at first, however, I quickly adapted to this enriching form of teaching because everyone was so kind.
My favorite class was “Introductory Japanese” taught by Prof. Isono. Learning Japanese was an essential element in my integration during this semester and I really enjoyed it. In addition, the teacher made the course very lively and dynamic.
What do you think about the Cultural Enrichment activities you joined?
I had the opportunity to participate in most of the cultural enrichment activities. These allowed me to learn a lot more about Japanese culture and this in a more concrete way thanks to the fact that these activities are not necessarily easy to access for people who do not speak Japanese.
This is particularly the case with the Ikebana workshop or the Rice harvesting event. My favorite activity was the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage which lasted for an entire weekend.
What do you think about the University services (food, facilities, residences)
I spent the semester at the Sanbongi Dormitory. This was the most practical for me, due to the proximity to the Nisshin/Nagakute campus. In addition to the classrooms, I spent a few hours a week at the library. I really appreciated the variety and quantity of books on offer, as well as the team's help. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Language exchange program to learn a little more Japanese in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.
Did you get the chance to meet a lot of Japanese friends?
I met many Japanese students through the language exchange program and was able to discover a little more about the city and go shopping. But also during the Homestay, during which I spent a weekend with a Japanese family.
These experiences were fantastic because they gave me the possibility to understand Japan much better by being in direct contact with the people, which can be more difficult when traveling. These people were open and very welcoming, and I am still in touch with them.
How do you spend your time outside of the classes?
I spent my first term mainly discovering Nagoya and its surroundings, and the second term in other cities such as Tokyo. I also enjoyed shopping with friends and doing my groceries, which allowed me to use new ingredients for new traditional recipes.