Jed, Exchange to Nova School of Business and Economics

2025/04/28 Mon NEW

Jed (Uganda)

Jed joined the Global BBA Program at NUCB in 2022 after graduating from St. Mary's International School, Japan. Currently on exchange at Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE) in Portugal, Jed shares a glimpse into his daily life, academic experiences, and what makes studying abroad such a memorable journey.

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

I chose Portugal because I wanted to experience a different side of Europe that’s rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.Portugal offers a unique blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, and I was excited to explore its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful coastline, and vibrant cities.
Academically, the university's strong international environment and practical approach to learning really stood out to me.

What is life like at Nova SBE? What do you like about the campus and location?

Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE) has an amazing campus — just a five-minute walk from the beach! After class, my friends and I often head there to catch the sunset. The campus is super convenient too, with affordable supermarkets and lots of cafes and restaurants nearby, making student life really easy and comfortable.

How would you describe the academic environment?

Nova SBE has a very international and lively atmosphere, with students from all over Europe, especially Italy and Germany. Academically, classes are practical and interactive, with lots of group work that brings different perspectives together.
Each course is taught by a main professor and supported by a teaching assistant for smaller, hands-on sessions. Classes are around 90 minutes long and held two to three times a week, striking a good balance between depth and flexibility. Plus, with both undergraduates and master’s students sharing the campus, there are plenty of chances to learn from different people and experiences.

What does a typical day with classes look like for you?

On an average day, my schedule is fairly structured yet flexible. I usually start my morning by preparing breakfast and lunch at home, which helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle and complete some household chores. After getting ready, I leave around 1:00 PM to head to campus.

My first class begins at 2:00 PM and lasts until 3:30 PM. After a short break, I attend my second class from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Once classes are done, I often stop by a grocery store with friends to grab a snack and socialize a bit. Then I head to the library to study, review materials, or work on assignments until around 7:00 PM.

In the evening, I either go to the gym or head home to cook dinner and unwind. I like to relax by watching a Netflix show or YouTube videos before bed. This daily routine keeps me balanced between academics, health, and relaxation.

Can you tell us about one of the classes you are taking?

One of the classes I’m currently taking is Global Business Environment. In this course, we explore global issues and how they impact societies and businesses worldwide. I especially enjoy learning about European history, which was an area I didn't know much about before.

This class is also interesting because it connects with other courses I'm taking at NUCB, like Leading Asian Business and Doing Business in Japan. It allows me to compare and contrast business practices across different regions. Plus, it has made me much more aware of current events and international relations — key skills for understanding today’s global business world.

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.