International Programs

Exchange Program

Farida, Egypt Japan University of Science and Technology, Egypt

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Farida (Egypt)

Originally from Egypt, Farida is a third-year student at Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology who brings both energy and determination to her exchange experience at NUCB Undergraduate School. Alongside her studies, Farida is also a professional table tennis player, balancing academics and sports while enjoying new experiences and connections in Japan.


What attracted you to Japan and NUCB?

Japan has been my dream country since I was a child. I have always been attracted to the Japanese people because they are very kind, respectful, and helpful. I also really love the cleanliness and the beautiful natural scenery in Japan, and these things made me more interested in coming here.

As for NUCB, what attracted me the most is the way of studying. It is very different from the system in Egypt. There is more freedom to express your opinions and share your ideas. Also, I found it easy to make international friends because everyone respects different beliefs and cultures. This is something the university always encourages, and I really like that.

What was your first impression of Japan when you arrived?

My first impression of Japan was very positive. I was surprised by how clean and beautiful the country is. The people are very kind and respectful, and everything is well organized, especially the transportation. It made me feel safe and comfortable from the beginning.

What are some of the challenges and opportunities of studying in a multicultural environment at NUCB?

At the beginning, I was a bit shy to express myself, especially because I had to speak in English, which is my second language. But little by little, I became more confident and started to speak more. Now I can participate comfortably in class and share my ideas. I think studying in a multicultural environment really helped me improve and become more open-minded.

Tell us about your weekly schedule.

During the weekdays, I usually wake up at 6:30 a.m. to go to morning practice. After that, I go to the university for my classes. When I return home, I have lunch, then spend some time studying and prepare for the following day's case study.

On the weekends, I like to go out with my friends to relax, refresh, and have some fun.

What has been one of your favorite classes so far and why?

One of my favorite classes so far is the Business Plan course. I really enjoy it because I can create my own ideas and think about how to turn them into a real business. It also improved my problem-solving and presentation skills, which I think are very important for my future.

How would you describe the campus experience?  

I think the campus experience here is really enjoyable and welcoming. I feel very comfortable, and everyone is kind and friendly.
One thing I especially like is the variety of activities available through the student clubs, such as the language exchange program. These activities make it easy to connect with other students and build friendships. We also do fun projects together, like creating videos, which makes the experience even more memorable.
I also really enjoyed the cultural events on campus. The welcome party was one of my favorite experiences because students wore traditional clothing from their countries and shared the stories and culture behind them. It was such a meaningful and enjoyable event.
Another thing I appreciate is the campus restaurant, where we can eat between classes. I am especially grateful that halal food options are available, as this is very important for me.
I am very happy and proud to be studying here.

What have been some of the best places you have visited in Nagoya or Nisshin?

Nagoya Castle was the first place I visited on my first day in Nagoya. I was very excited because it was my first time seeing a traditional Japanese landmark in real life. The castle was very beautiful and impressive, and I really liked the design and the history behind it. It made me feel happy and more connected to Japanese culture. It was a very special moment for me because it was the beginning of my life in Japan.

How do you think your exchange experience will benefit you personally and academically?

My exchange experience taught me a great deal, both personally and academically.

On a personal level, I became much more independent. Living abroad helped me learn how to deal with challenges on my own, from everyday situations to more difficult problems. It also gave me more confidence in expressing my thoughts and opinions without hesitation.

Academically, I significantly improved my presentation and communication skills. I also discovered a more interactive and engaging way of learning, which helped me grow as a student.

Another valuable part of this experience was meeting people from many different countries. Building friendships with students from diverse backgrounds made me more open-minded and helped me better understand both others and myself. Through this journey, I learned to appreciate myself more and gained a stronger sense of confidence and self-awareness.