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Mathilde, Audencia Business School, France

Mathilde, Audencia Business School

We were joined for an interview by Mathilde, a Fall 2024 exchange student representing Audencia Business School in France.

What expectations did you have before coming to NUCB, and in what ways has your experience matched or differed from those expectations?

Before coming to NUCB, I didn’t really have a lot of expectations; I was open to the unknown and curious to see how things would unfold. But I have to say, I've been very pleasantly surprised. First of all, the campus itself is amazing it's really big and surrounded by greenery, making it a beautiful place to walk around. The teachers are incredibly nice and interesting; they’re passionate about their subjects and genuinely supportive. And the student community has been super welcoming, making it easy to connect with people from all around the world.

How has living in Japan influenced your understanding of Japanese society and culture? Has anything surprised you?

Living in Japan has really deepened my understanding of Japanese society and culture, and I’ve come to love it even more than I expected. Experiencing daily life here, I've gained a better appreciation for the values of respect, harmony, and attention to detail that are so central to Japanese culture. The sense of community and the way people consider each other’s needs, even in small interactions, really stand out to me. One thing that surprised me is just how organized and efficient everything is, from public transportation to everyday services it's impressive! Overall, living here has given me a new perspective and genuine appreciation for the Japanese way of life.

Is there a Japanese custom or habit you’ve adopted during your time here? How has it impacted your daily life?

Yes, I have! Aside from stopping eating and drinking on public transportation, I’ve also become more mindful about keeping noise to a minimum in public spaces, which I’ve noticed is highly valued here. Another habit I’ve adopted is removing my shoes indoors, even in my own home it feels cleaner and adds a sense of comfort. These customs have subtly changed my daily routines, making me more considerate of the shared spaces around me.

What’s one thing you wish you had known before coming to study in Japan, especially in terms of academic or dormitory life?

One thing I wish I had known before coming to study in Japan is just how different the approach to academics can be, especially with the interactive and discussion-based style at NUCB. It’s less about traditional lectures and more about case studies and group discussions, which means staying actively engaged and prepared for each class.

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 experience with the academic style and teaching methods at NUCB has been great, and it’s definitely very different from what I was used to at my home university. NUCB’s approach is highly interactive and case-study based, with a strong focus on class discussions and student participation. Rather than just listening to lectures, we’re encouraged to share our opinions and engage in debates, which makes learning more dynamic and practical. This style has not only made classes more interesting but has also helped me develop a more analytical approach to problem-solving.

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