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Muhammad, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan

Muhammad, Lahore University of Management Sciences

We were joined for an interview by Muhammad, a Fall 2024 exchange student representing Lahore University of Management Sciences in Pakistan.

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

One of the biggest challenges I faced at NUCB was stepping out of my comfort zone to live in a foreign country far from my friends and family. Having never lived abroad for an extended period, I initially found it daunting to adjust to a new environment, especially after leaving behind a strong support system and active social life back home.
However, I quickly discovered a welcoming community at NUCB. The university organized several events tailored for exchange students, making it easy to meet peers from diverse backgrounds. Through these events, I not only made amazing friends but also had countless opportunities to socialize and build lasting connections. This experience helped me adapt to my new surroundings while enjoying the journey along the way.

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?

I believe anyone who visits Japan is inevitably struck by the cleanliness, punctuality, and politeness that define daily life here. Coming from Pakistan, I feel that we could strive to improve in these areas. In my country, and often across the world, people tend to prioritize individual success, sometimes at the expense of collective progress.
In contrast, Japan places a strong emphasis on the betterment of society as a whole. This is evident in the dedication of salarymen who work tirelessly, pedestrians patiently waiting for the green light even when there are no cars in sight, and train conductors ensuring punctuality down to the second.

These examples have left a profound impact on me. I hope to carry these lessons back with me to Pakistan and incorporate them into my own culture in meaningful ways.

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

While the academic rigor here is comparatively lighter than at my home university, I’ve found the teaching style in certain classes to be particularly valuable for my learning. The smaller number of assessments—typically limited to writing reports and participating in class—helps keep the workload manageable while fostering deeper engagement with the material. This approach allows students to focus on meaningful learning rather than being constantly preoccupied with completing assignments or revising for tests, which can sometimes hinder true understanding and even encourage unfair practices.
The balance I’ve experienced here has been refreshing and has allowed me to learn in a more focused and effective way.

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?

The food in Japan never ceases to amaze me. With countless options available, nine times out of ten, you can simply close your eyes and choose randomly, and still have a great meal. In my opinion, what truly sets Japanese restaurants apart is their exceptional customer service. The food is always prepared to a high standard because the cooks take great care to ensure there are no complaints.

Beyond the food, the service is equally remarkable. I’ve been consistently impressed by the way staff interact with customers: the warm "Irrashhaimase!" (Welcome) as you enter, their polite demeanor, and their humble attitude when speaking with you, all without any expectation of tips. This level of service is among the best I’ve experienced. On campus, I usually cook my own meals, which helps keep my costs low and is convenient for me.

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

Overall, the past couple of months have been more enriching than the past few years combined. Living on my own, immersing myself in a different culture, and opening my mind to new practices and perspectives have all profoundly changed how I view the world. The opportunity to interact with over a hundred exchange students from more than forty countries has been an unforgettable experience, and I’m grateful to the university for providing this. I don’t believe any other university I considered offers such a large and diverse exchange program as NUCB does. Over the remaining two months, I will continue to learn more about Japan and deepen my understanding of this fascinating country, further broadening my perspectives.

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