Lisa, Exchange to Zagreb school of Economics and Management

2025/04/25 Fri

Lisa (USA)

Lisa joined the Global BBA Program at NUCB in 2023 after graduating from Kadena High School, Japan.From career fairs and cultural discoveries to navigating new living situations, Lisa shares her honest insights on academics, daily life, and personal growth during her semester abroad.

Why did you want to study abroad on exchange in Croatia?

Honestly, I wanted something different from the usual big European cities. Zagreb caught my attention because it’s still relatively under the radar but offers such a rich cultural experience. ZSEM also has a strong reputation in business education, and being AACSB-accredited was a big plus. It felt like the perfect place to challenge myself academically while exploring a new part of Europe.

What is life like at ZSEM?

ZSEM is much smaller than NUCB, which actually makes it really easy to get to know your classmates and professors. The vibe is super friendly and welcoming. Most of the classes are very discussion-based, and the professors love when you bring in perspectives from your home country. It’s very international—I've met students from all over the world here.

How is the academic workload?

It’s manageable, but you need to stay on top of things. There’s a mix of group projects, presentations, and exams. I like that there’s a focus on practical application, especially in business courses. One of my favorite experiences was attending “Student Future Day”—basically a career fair with over 40 companies. It was well-organized, fun, and surprisingly informative.

What’s life like in Zagreb outside of class?

Zagreb is such a chill and underrated city! Locals love to sit outside, sip coffee for hours, and just enjoy life. I’ve really come to appreciate that slower pace. The public transport is super convenient, and everything feels safe and easy to navigate. Plus, Croatia’s location makes it easy to travel to other countries on weekends.

Any challenges you’ve faced? What are you grateful for?

Living with a roommate has been a big adjustment. At NUCB, I had my own space, so sharing has taken some getting used to! But it’s also taught me a lot about communication and compromise. I’ve learned that I really love traveling—even solo day trips to nearby towns make me feel alive. And I’ve become more flexible, especially when it comes to working with people from different cultural backgrounds. Every week brings a new lesson, and I’m grateful for that.

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.