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Alex, Northumbria University, England

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Alex, Northumbria University

We caught up with Alex, an exchange student who joined us in the Fall 2025 semester. During his time in Nagoya, he has immersed himself in the city’s culture, explored its unique culinary offerings, and experienced life at NUCB firsthand. Alex has embraced every aspect of his exchange, and he shares his observations during his time here.

What’s a typical day like for you here in Japan, from morning to night?

In the morning, I go for a walk to a breakfast restaurant close to my accommodation. After that, I head into Sakae and have a look around a few stores. Then I find a café and study for my courses. In the night, I walk through the city centre, as it is a nice, safe, and peaceful city compared to Tokyo and Osaka. The buildings are amazing, and the nice cars come out, and I’m a car guy. Then I head home on the subway and get some rest for university.

What’s your favorite Japanese food so far — and have you tried anything that really surprised you?  

I don’t think I can choose a favourite, as all the food is great in Japan, but if I had to choose one, it would be the ramen, because it’s delicious no matter where you go. The main thing that surprised me was the Nagoya omelet, as I didn’t know it had a filling like rice. It was surprising, but delicious.

If your family or friends came to visit Japan, where would you take them first?  

I would take them to Nagoya Castle in the morning, as it’s a nice walk around the castle grounds and there’s a lot of history there. Since my friend and I like fashion, I would take them shopping in the afternoon at stores like Komehyo and 2nd Street. In the evening, I would take them to Oasis 21 to see the futuristic spaceship-like roof, and then finish the night with a drink at the Nagoya TV Tower, as it has great views of the city.

What was your impression of the NUCB campus when you first arrived?  

It feels open and clean, and it has beautiful buildings. It’s surrounded by gentle hills and lots of greenery, so you get that calm, suburban air right away. The buildings have a modern design, with wide glass windows and bright interiors. The café and dining areas have that cozy “university bubble” feel, with students laughing and working on group projects. On a clear day, the campus is especially beautiful; the walk between buildings gives you views of trees and sunlight reflecting off the modern glass facades.

How do professors at NUCB encourage participation or critical thinking in class?  

Due to the case book method they use here, the NUCB professors don’t just teach you what to think: they train you how to think. You learn to analyse, question, and make decisions under pressure, just like in the real business world.

What do you think you’ll miss most about Japan or NUCB when you return home?  

Japan has this quiet culture of respect - the way people bow slightly when passing, and how everyone is friendly and willing to help you even if you speak little to no Japanese, which is a beautiful part of the culture.

The food culture as well. Even something as simple as a 7-Eleven lunch or a bowl of ramen feels crafted here. You end up missing being able to grab an onigiri at any time of day, or taking weekend trips for miso katsu, ramen, or sushi that costs half of what you’d pay abroad.

I will miss the way Japan and NUCB make you feel -- calm, curious, and capable of more than you thought when you first arrived.

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