Pawin joined the Global BBA Program at NUCB in 2019 after graduating from Harrow International School in Bangkok.
He had the opportunity to broaden his academic and cultural horizons by joining Seoul National University (SNU) on an exchange program, offering him valuable insights into South Korea's dynamic academic environment and culture.
Why did you want to study abroad on exchange?
I wanted to expand my horizons and experience innovations in other countries to adapt them to my own. I chose to study in South Korea because it is relatively close to my home country, making travel easier, while offering a completely different cultural experience. Seoul National University (SNU), one of Asia's most respected institutions, was also a major attraction, as it provided a great opportunity to experience education at a high caliber, particularly since it is one of NUCB’s partner universities.
What is life like at Seoul National University?
Life at Seoul National University (SNU) has been both challenging and rewarding. The campus environment is bustling with activities, but there are also plenty of opportunities to engage in extracurriculars, such as the SNU buddy program, which pairs exchange students with local students. This program helped me explore South Korea through organized events like sports days and trips to Gyeongi-do and Gyeongbok Palace.
Can you tell us about one of your classes?
One of the classes I took was "Strategic Management." It was a 2.5-hour class that primarily relied on presentations, which the professor used to elaborate on concepts. This format allowed the materials to be used independently for review. The course was rigorous but very insightful, and I gained a better understanding of strategic decision-making. I also took other courses, including "Marketing Management," "Organizational Behavior," and "Elementary Korean," all of which were very interactive and offered valuable academic experiences.
What are some of the most memorable experiences you had while studying abroad?
My most memorable experience was during the Sakura season. I went on picnics with friends to places like Seoul Forest Park and Yeouido Park. The experience of spending time outdoors with friends during such a beautiful time of year was unforgettable.
How did the experience help you grow personally or academically? Any message to students who are considering studying abroad?
Academically, I improved my Korean language skills significantly. Initially, my Korean was basic, but after taking the language class and immersing myself in daily interactions, I can now understand the language much more fluently and converse in everyday situations. Personally, the experience also helped me become more extroverted and adaptable. I interacted more with others compared to my time in Japan, and my social skills grew as a result of the various cultural differences and challenges I encountered.
I would highly recommend studying abroad through NUCB’s exchange program. The selection of partner universities is fantastic, and the application process is straightforward. The staff is incredibly helpful throughout the process, making it easier for students to focus on the experience itself. Studying abroad will allow you to grow both academically and personally, and it's a great opportunity to build connections, experience new cultures, and gain valuable skills that will be beneficial in your future career.
At NUCB, students can choose from 187 partner schools in 63 countries for study abroad opportunities. They have the chance to learn business in English at top international business schools accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. In this prestigious academic environment, students can develop into global professionals through friendly competition and collaboration with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.