Shubham, Exchange to Monash University

2025/04/25 Fri

Shubham (Nepal)

Shubham joined the Global BBA Program at NUCB in 2021 after graduating from Nagoya International School, Japan. Shubham’s exchange program in Australia has been an enriching experience that has not only expanded his academic knowledge but also helped him grow personally. The cultural immersion, extracurricular activities, and vibrant social scene in Melbourne have provided Shubham with memories that will last a lifetime. His journey serves as a great reminder of how studying abroad can be a transformative experience that shapes both your academic path and personal development.

Why did you want to study abroad on exchange?

Studying abroad has always been on my list because I wanted to experience a new culture, make lasting friendships, and immerse myself in a different educational environment. Australia seemed like a perfect choice because it offers a mix of academic excellence and a laid-back lifestyle. The opportunity to live in Melbourne, a city known for its vibrant culture, was too good to pass up. I also wanted to challenge myself and become more independent, which studying abroad naturally encourages.

What is life like at Monash?

I live in a suburb of Melbourne, and I’ve found Australians to be incredibly friendly and easygoing. The culture here is relaxed and flexible, which makes it easy to adapt. A big part of the social life is centered around BBQs and gatherings, where people come together to socialize and make new friends. I’ve participated in many of these events, and they’ve been a great way to meet people and bond over food. One interesting tradition at my school is attending live music performances every Thursday night at a local venue, the Nottingham Hotel. It’s a great way to unwind after a busy week and enjoy some local music while meeting fellow students. The live music sessions create a sense of community, and it’s fun to sing along with others, creating memories that will last.

How do you spend your free time?

Weekends are my time to explore and relax. I enjoy walking around the city center and visiting landmarks like the botanical gardens and libraries. Sometimes, I join school-organized club events, such as learning to surf with the Monash Boardriders. It's an exciting way to try something new and meet like-minded people. Additionally, I make it a point to spend time with my housemates. We have a unique tradition where one person from the shared house cooks dinner for everyone each week. This allows us to connect and share a meal together, even though we all have busy schedules. It’s an important social activity that helps strengthen our bond.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved in?

I’ve become quite active in extracurricular activities, joining two clubs: Monash Boardriders and Monash Outdoors Club. Both clubs regularly host events and trips. The Boardriders club focuses on surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding, while the Outdoors Club is all about hiking and camping. Both groups provide fantastic opportunities to explore the outdoors and meet new people. I’ve also started going to the gym consistently over the past month, which has been a great way to stay fit and clear my mind. To complement my gym routine, my homeowner provided me with a bike, so I take short rides after gym sessions. It’s a relaxing way to wind down and improve my overall fitness.

How did the experience help you grow personally or academically? Any message to students who are considering studying abroad?

Living in Australia has been a fantastic learning experience. I’ve become more resourceful, flexible, and independent. Being away from home has forced me to adapt to new environments and handle challenges on my own, which has made me more confident in my ability to navigate different situations. Academically, I’ve gained a broader perspective on education, experiencing a new approach to learning and collaborating with students from different backgrounds. It’s helped me grow both personally and academically, enhancing my problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

My advice for students thinking about studying abroad is to embrace the experience fully. It’s an incredible opportunity to meet new people, discover a different culture, and challenge yourself in ways that you never thought possible. Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone—whether it’s trying new activities, making new friends, or learning a new language. The growth you’ll experience during this time will be invaluable and will stay with you long after your return.

NUCB's Exchange Program

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.