We were joined for an interview by Omar, a Fall 2024 exchange student representing Egypt Japan University of Science and Technology in Egypt.
What expectations did you have before coming to NUCB, and in what ways has your experience matched or differed from those expectations?
I expected NUCB to offer a diverse community of students and professors, and it has exceeded those expectations. As a first-time traveler, it’s been amazing to experience so many different cultures in one place.
How has living in Japan influenced your understanding of Japanese society and culture? Has anything surprised you?
Before coming to NUCB, I admired Japan’s work ethic, dedication, and respect for the environment. What surprised me most was the scarcity of public trash bins, despite the cleanliness everywhere. It highlighted how cleanliness is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and personal responsibility.
Is there a Japanese custom or habit you’ve adopted during your time here? How has it impacted your daily life?
I’ve been adjusting my sleeping schedule to align with daily life in Japan. Unlike Egypt, it gets dark as early as 5:40 PM, and people start their day earlier here. Once I fully adapt, I believe this change will positively impact my relaxation and overall rest.
What’s one thing you wish you had known before coming to study in Japan, especially in terms of academic or dormitory life?
I wouldn’t say I wish I had known anything specific, as I’ve enjoyed experiencing everything as it happens. However, I appreciate how the academic work here has helped me develop valuable soft skills, particularly in presentations.
How has your experience been with the academic style and teaching methods at NUCB? Are there any notable differences compared to your home university?
My university in Egypt, a collaboration between Egypt and Japan, had gradually introduced case method learning in some subjects. However, at NUCB, it’s the primary approach, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. This method enhances critical thinking by tackling real-life business challenges and emphasizes the importance of independent research—an essential skill for today’s business world.