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Andrea (Timor-Leste)

#Timor Leste

Andrea (Timor-Leste) Copperfield College, Melbourne

Andrea is a first-year student who joined our Global BBA program in Fall 2023. She comes from a small Southeast Asian country, Timor-Leste, and spent a couple of years living in Australia. Now she has chosen Japan to pursue her studies. Read more to see how her experience at NUCB is going so far!

Please introduce yourself

My Name is Andrea Smith da Costa. I come from a small Southeast Asian country, Timor-Leste. I spent my entire adolescence in Australia before returning to my home country for a gap year. During my gap year, I exposed myself to different fields of work: I did a 3 month internship in the communications department; I volunteered as a tutor for Biology and English in Dili International School; I established my own English lessons in my community, teaching preschool and elementary school students english; and lastly, I worked with a private entity in the area of marketing. During my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music and jump ropes.

Why did you want to study in Japan?

Japan’s culture has always fascinated me, with its blend of ancient and modern cities. Regardless, Japan offers low-cost tuition with high-quality education, and it’s home to many professional opportunities.

Where did you first hear of NUCB? What made you choose the Global BBA Program? How was the application process?

I was informed of NUCB by a Professor in NUCB. I was already interested in Business, and it quickly caught my attention when I came to understand the value provided by the Global BBA Program. The application process was very straightforward, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help from Freddy Mason.

What is your impression of the Case Study Method? Did you have any experience at high school with this style?

If midterm and final exams are your worst nightmares then, choosing the case method will boost your ‘Frontier Spirit’. The case method is an effective approach to teaching, because it can help leverage students’ competency in the business world, whether that being working for a company or starting their own company/business.

This teaching approach can equip business students with a realistic view of the business world, preparing them to easily adapt to the challenges and problems they may encounter in the complex business environment. This case method is somewhat similar to the group discussions I had in high school, hence, I was able to quickly adapt this teaching style.

What has been your favorite class / professor / case so far and why?

My favorite class so far is Design Thinking with Prof. Goi. He is a very charismatic and compassionate individual. Having taken Design Thinking, I have discovered a technique that I can use to hone the capacity required for my future endeavors.

How will the case method / NUCB network help you for your future?

The case method is an essential instrument that will eventually shape me to become a leader who possesses the qualities of ‘frontier spirit’.
Most importantly, through the analysis of various business cases, I believe this will equip me with the ability to solve different types of business problems that I may encounter in the business world.

What do you do in your free time before/after class and on weekends?

Recently I have been very fond of reading during my free time. I usually spend my free time reading, studying Japanese, and preparing for my next classes. On weekends, I sometimes hang out with my friends.

What dormitory are you in, what do you think of it?

I am in the Sanbongi Dormitory for girls. I really like this dormitory as I have my own washing machine and a balcony for me to hang my clothes. This has saved me pennies.

Are you part of any clubs or language exchange? How about Japanese Lessons?

I am currently enrolled in the language exchange program. I will start my second language exchange next week, which I am looking forward to.

I am currently in Introductory Japanese 3. My ability to write, read, listen, and speak in Japanese has slightly improved compared to when I first came to Japan.

What do you think of the diversity of NUCB? (students and professors)

I really appreciate the diversity of NUCB because I am able to meet people from various ethnicities. Coming from different backgrounds, we are able to exchange ideas that are international, as each of us are able to share our experiences and opinions based on our individual country.

Do you have any advice for those considering NUCB?

My advice is to study Japanese before coming to study in Japan, as this is something I regret not doing. In terms of the expectation for the case methodology, I highly recommend reading the cases before class and having some appropriate facts to share during the case discussion.
Students who excel at NUCB are those who read the case studies. They are also confident in sharing their opinions and research to the class during the case discussion.

How would you describe the student life here?

The life of a university student in Nagoya, Japan is enriching. Building a new kind of friendship is something I am very grateful for. The friendships I gained from NUCB have expanded my mindset, in terms of being more mature and mindful of the differences that exist in life.

June 2024 Open Campus

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Sanbongi Dormitory

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