International Student Interview01 | STUDY in JAPAN VIRTUAL FAIR 2024

International Student
Interview

I found the kind and encouraging environment to be really helpful.

Juliana

Country

Germany

School

Nagoya University of Commerce and Business (NUCB)

Major

Global BBA

Contents

Introduction What sparked your interest in Japan? How I Prepared Myself for Life in Japan My University Experience in Japan Life as a Student in Japan Career Plan: Shaping My Future Tips for Students Considering Japan for Their Studies

Introduction

My name is Juliana, and I’m a third-year Global BBA student at Nagoya University of Commerce Business (NUCB).

Born in Germany to Ecuadorian and German parents, I’ve always been drawn to diverse cultures. My experiences in Ecuador and my passion for languages sparked my interest in international studies. NUCB’s international environment, case-based learning, and central location in Japan made it the perfect fit for my academic and personal goals.

What sparked your interest in Japan?

My fascination with Japan began with its reputation for innovation and its rich cultural heritage. But what truly captivated me was the country’s renowned skincare industry. As a skincare enthusiast, I was drawn to the idea of experiencing firsthand the unique formulations, natural ingredients, and time-honored traditions that have made Japanese skincare products so popular worldwide. The prospect of immersing myself in a culture that places such a high value on beauty and self-care was truly exciting.

How I Prepared Myself for Life in Japan

I decided to move to Los Angeles and enroll in a UCLA Extension program after finishing my high school education in Germany. I wanted to improve my English before attending an English-only university, especially as NUCB places a strong emphasis on active participation and peer exchange in the classroom.

Living in a student dormitory in Los Angeles helped me become more self-reliant and gave me a taste of what it would be like to live in a dormitory in Japan. More than worrying, I was filled with thankfulness and eagerness to start over in Japan. I was also looking forward to getting to know all of my classmates, who come from a variety of backgrounds and can relate to one another.

My University Experience in Japan

I found the collaborative and participatory aspect of my classes at NUCB to be an enjoyable change from the usual lecture-based and exam-oriented high school curriculum in Germany.

I thought the case studies and conversations to be especially interesting since they offered chances for critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. I enjoyed how my university’s personnel have a close relationship with the students, where issues and concerns are quickly addressed, as well as the safety on campus, which in comparison to my past experiences was not as high.

The emphasis on attendance and punctuality surprised me at first, but I soon saw that it encouraged respect for the classroom, my classmates’ and instructors’ efforts, and the learning environment.

Life as a Student in Japan

Taking part in the NUCB language exchange program was a worthwhile experience that gave me the chance to interact with Japanese students and get fully immersed in the community. I soon discovered that when combined with sincere interest and a desire to interact, language obstacles were not impossible to overcome.

Although it required some time to get used to the fast-paced lifestyle in Japan, I found the kind and encouraging environment to be really helpful. I advise incoming students to be open to new ideas, welcome difficulties, and actively look for chances to interact with people. You can meet new people and have a world of fresh experiences when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Career Plan: Shaping My Future

My perspective and horizons have been greatly expanded by my education at NUCB.

My lecturers’ perceptive viewpoints and my classmates’ varied backgrounds have been helpful in the development of my leadership, communication, and critical thinking abilities. The collaborative approach to education has also given me a comprehensive grasp of issues related to global business.

I think the information and abilities I’ve acquired, together with my experiences in Japan, will be extremely helpful to me as I work toward a future in the skincare sector. I’m sure that my capacity to work in a variety of cultural contexts, comprehend customer preferences, and use creative thinking would help me stand out in this competitive market.

Tips for Students Considering Japan for Their Studies

I wholeheartedly advise studying abroad in Japan
if you’re thinking about doing so! The benefits of adjusting to a new language and culture surpass the challenges faced.
Have an open mind, enjoy the moment, and don’t be scared to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Gaining friendships,
understanding different cultures, and developing yourself will be priceless.