Student Exchange Buddies
NTU Global has a team of Student Exchange Buddies (SEBs) who have just returned from their own study abroad and exchange experiences. They have a great understanding of what it is like to be a new student at a new university, and can offer you support, friendship and advice if you are also interested in doing this. Read their top tips on this page.
What our SEBS say
Our team of SEBS can provide advice and support on study abroad, including top tips on the following:
- what to take with you
- how to deal with homesickness
- best places in Nottingham to eat and drink
- best places to visit in Nottingham
- how to make the most of your time.
If you would like to contact one of our SEBs you can find their email address link to their profile below. They are here to help you so please reach out to them.
Beatrice Donkoh - BA (Hons) International Business Management - Germany
Travelled to: University of Cologne, Germany.
Activity: Studied courses in Economics, Business, and Psychology.
“You learn to navigate real world situations alone which helps with your everyday problem-solving skills. It also helps to develop social skills and opens your mind to how people live differently.”
Highlight: Making friends with locals which allowed me to visit places & meet people I could potentially work with in the future.
Top Tip: Ensure you have all contact emails of family, friends, and university staff who can help you. It’s very easy to isolate but there are always people to help.
You can contact Beatrice Donkoh if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Mia Pudge - BA (Hons) International Business with Spanish - Spain
Travelled to: University of Valencia, Spain.
Activity: 1.5 years of study and one semester for an internship in a Spanish speaking business
"It is an incredible experience that moves you out of your comfort zone, teaches you a different type of independence, and you can find new things you love.”
Highlight: I was able to go to Madrid and Barcelona on trips – places that have been on my bucket list! I went to Barcelona for a concert and Madrid during Christmas.
Top Tip: It’s very important to create a good support system at home & also in your host country. Embrace the new culture but still include your own – you will miss them & it’s vital to incorporate that.
You can contact Mia Pudge if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Poppy Isaacs - BA (Hons) International Business - Australia
Travelled to: Murdoch University, Australia.
Activities: Studying courses around sustainable development, political economy, and international relations.
“An amazing opportunity to widen your network & study new courses whilst learning about a new culture and travelling.”
Highlight: A 10-day trip to the North West of Western Australia – a perfect opportunity to get to know everyone better camping under the stars and snorkelling in stunning coral reefs with turtles!
Top Tip: Try to befriend the regular students in your classes as they can give amazing advice and show you hidden places like restaurants and cafes.
You can contact Poppy Isaacs if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Awele Okolie - BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations - USA
Travelled to: University of Maryland, USA.
Activity: Studied law, African politics, American government and politics and Spanish.
“Studying abroad gives you the chance to understand different cultures. It’s an exciting, fun experience which allows you be independent heightening your confidence. You can also travel around your host country or surrounding countries too."
Highlight: Travelling to different states (especially New York) and meeting new people!
Top Tip: Be confident and explore! Say yes to everything and don’t be scared.
You can contact Awele Okolie if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Reuben Rangel - BSc (Hons) Forensic Science - Canada
Travelled to: Trent University, Canada.
Activity: Studied on a range of modules within forensic sciences.
“The friends you make are lifelong. You will be exposed to different cultures and traditions, and you will learn a lot and discover more about yourself.”
Highlight: Winning the Trent International Exchange Award for my outstanding contribution to the Trent International Team and my time volunteering and helping other international students.
Top Tip: Try everything & take any opportunity given even if it seems like you won’t enjoy it – you might end up liking it & create great memories.
You can contact Reuben Rangel if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.
Nikolas Lam Tsz Hin - BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design - Japan
Travelled to: Kyoto University of Art & Design, Japan.
Activity: Studied creative modules and worked part-time for a Japanese company related to interior and fashion design.
“I recommend study abroad as you can develop your profession, build a connection with your host country, and experience a different lifestyle to inspire you.”
Highlight: Working on projects with Japanese technicians, participating in a project showcase in Fabcafé & a mobility project with a Sony designer, and learning traditional Japanese culture.
Top Tip: Learn a little of the language, be open minded, check out the local community, make friends!
You can contact Nikolas Lam Tsz Hin if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.
Ali Deen Atai - BA (Hons) Psychology - UAE
Travelled to: American University of Sharjah, UAE.
Activity: Studied a range of classes including psychology, marketing & economics, as well as Islamic and Arabic heritage.
“I navigated through a culturally rich & diverse environment whilst expanding my global network. The experience led to personal & academic enrichment by pushing myself beyond my comfort zone & studying in a different educational system.”
Highlight: Completing my first university track competition in Dubai – it was a proud moment to place second!
Top Tip: All you need is an open mind and a sense of adventure to truly enjoy your time abroad.
You can contact Ali Deen Atai if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.
Evie Stuart - BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing - Canada
Travelled to: Brock University, Canada.
Activity: Studied 5 classes including data analysis & international management and worked as a marketing assistance at a junior mining company in Toronto.
“At first I was very hesitant about going abroad for 2 years however it has been such a rewarding experience, and by the end of it I didn't want to leave! You meet so many new people making lifelong friends from all over the world, and get to experience some amazing opportunities.”
Highlight: Going to Niagara Falls and walks with friends in Niagara escarpment and attending corporate presentations and conferences.
Top Tip: Don’t overpack, don’t call home too much in the first few weeks if you are feeling homesick, go to every event possible to meet people and see what the university and local area has to offer.
You can contact Evie Stuart if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Saskia Feil-Roots - BA (Hons) Marketing - Sweden and Germany
Travelled to: Linkoping University, Sweden, and ET Education First (work placement), Germany.
Activity: 6-months studying various business modules and an A1 Swedish course. 6-months doing a marketing placement in Berlin.
“Not only can you further your education and have a unique work experience, study/work abroad is an immersive experience and gives you the opportunity to grow, make new experiences, and friends.”
Highlight: Meeting an incredible group of people and going on a once in a lifetime trip to Lapland!
Top Tip: Say yes to all of the opportunities which present themselves during your time abroad and make the most of your time there.
You can contact Saskia Feil-Roots if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Ella Camp - BA (Hons) International Business with Spanish - Spain
Travelled to: University of Valencia, Spain.
Activity: 1.5 years of study and one semester for an internship in a Spanish speaking business.
“I had, hands down, the best time of my life! I believe it is something absolutely everybody should experience, regardless of language skills, course or interests.”
Highlight: The festivals and customs they have in Valencia, Fallas and San Juan!!
Top Tip: Speak to people! Everyone who has spent time abroad will be happy to speak to you about it and help you. You’ll make friends from all over the world – free accommodation for your future travels!
You can contact Ella Camp if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Nicole Kyalo - BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations - Chile
Travelled to: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Chile.
Activity: Classes in Global Studies, Spanish, Latin film, and human rights.
“Chile is a fantastic place to study as it’s so diverse with desert regions, nice cities near the coast, and beautiful lakes and nature. The people are friendly and it’s a great place to practice your Spanish.”
Highlight: Going to Argentina & exploring by walking around the capital, Buenos Aires, especially the area called Recoleta.
Top Tip: Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone – this is how the best memories are made!
You can contact Nicole Kyalo if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Brent Navallo - BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing - Spain
Travelled to: Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
Activity: Classes around health, international tax, cross-cultural management, business in Asia.
“The culture of living in Spain completely changed the way I work and perceive the world. I developed my language skills, and I have made friends for life.”
Highlight: Enjoying the culture and vibe of Spain and all aspects of daily life.
Top Tip: Sort housing early as the Spanish visa requires a house to be sorted before you submit it.
You can contact Brent Navallo if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.
Keren Makela - BA (Hons) International Business with French - France
Travelled to: KEDGE Marseille, France.
Activity: 1.5 years of study and one semester for an internship in a French-speaking business.
“I'd recommend study abroad to other students! You can improve your language skills, learn about another culture, and make friends from all across the world!”
Highlight: Exploring Marseille.
Top Tip: Try and socialise as much as you can!
You can contact Keren Makela if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Tyrone James - BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing - Germany
Travelled to: Otto Beishem, WHU, Germany.
Activity: Studying related classes over two semesters.
“I think taking the opportunity to do something outside of your comfort zone is a great character builder and allows you to see a different part of the world you might have never thought about visiting.”
Highlight: The whole experience! I really enjoyed every moment!
Top Tip: Talk to people whenever you can - most likely they are dealing with things the same way as you and dealing with it alone can be hard.
You can contact Tyrone James if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.