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Tristan, Exchange Student From Grenoble Ecole de Management, France

Tristan, Grenoble Ecole de Management

We were joined for an interview by Tristan, a Fall 2024 exchange student representing Grenoble Ecole de Management in France. He shared his experience adapting to Japan’s unique academic environment, enjoying the local food culture, and embracing the diverse cultural experiences surrounding Nagoya.

What has been the biggest academic or personal challenge you’ve encountered at NUCB, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest academic challenge I’ve faced has been adapting to the university’s style of teaching. I wasn’t used to class participation-based grading, but it’s been an enjoyable challenge to overcome. I achieved this by recognizing the potential of this learning approach, assigning value to it, and leveraging the advantages it offers.

How do you feel your time in Japan has affected your view of your own culture? Have you noticed any changes in how you see things back home?

In my personal view, Japan has opened my eyes to a new way of thinking and behavior. The level of respect among the people here is incredible. The discipline and hard work evident in every task have reshaped my understanding of focus and determination. However, I haven’t noticed much change in how I view my home country.

What is one unique learning experience you’ve had in Japan that you think wouldn’t be possible at your home university?

One unique learning experience I have had was observing how GBBA students set the tone for class participation early on. This has created an excellent platform for nearly all students to actively engage in class and share their ideas. I am excited to see the open dialogue we experience in class, and it truly highlights the value of shared visions.

How have you found the food culture in Japan, both on campus and in the local area? Any favorite meals or new dishes you’ve tried?

I feel that the food options and culture on campus have introduced me to new dishes and nutritious meals perfect for long academic days. As for the local food, I’ve been enjoying the convenience store offerings and the udon in Nagoya Center. I can really tell that the food is of good quality, with few to no preservatives. My favorite dish so far has to be Japanese curry udon with tofu!

How would you sum up your experience in Japan so far?

To sum up my experience in Japan so far, I would say it’s been incredibly informative, eye-opening, and exciting. The diverse cultures found in the cities around Nagoya are truly astonishing and have shed light on the rich cultural heritage Japan has to offer. As for the university, the experience has been positive, and I’m excited to see how the rest of the semester unfolds. I look forward to bringing the knowledge and cultural awareness gained in Japan back to my home university and into my professional career.

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