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.
Adam Gibson - BSc (H) Economics - Spain
Travelled to: EAE Business School Barcelona, Spain.
“It was an incredible experience where I met so many new friends and did things I'd never had the opportunity to do before. I got to explore every part of the city, attend local events, try new food, and learn a new language.”
Highlight: Meeting all the other exchange students.
Top Tip: Say YES to everything.
You can contact Adam Gibson if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Adèle Curl - LLB (H) Law - USA
Travelled to: Montana State University, USA.
"I would recommend that every student does a study abroad. You have the chance to meet lots of new people, experience a different culture and try lots of new things.”
Highlight: Skiing and snowboarding in Montana. Seeing the Northern Lights. Hiking in Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. Making so many wonderful friends.
Top Tip: Step out of your comfort zone – only good can come from it!
You can contact Adèle Curl if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Brandon Moran - BA (H) Business Management and Accounting & Finance - Japan
Travelled to: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan.
“Studying abroad helps you discover yourself and develop personal and social skills, as it exposes you to new and diverse experiences that you may never encounter in your home country.”
Highlight: The friends I met from all over the world during my exchange. I have met new people that have opened me to many new things and will forever be in my life.
Top Tip: Communicate with fellow exchange students you can relate to during your time abroad, and connect with local students who can offer guidance and friendship to help you experience the culture and discover fun things to do.
You can contact Brandon Moran if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Canmidley Koffi - LLB (H) Law - Austria
Travelled to: University of Graz, Austria.
“I recommend study abroad because it helps with self-discovery and you get to explore different cultures and expand your horizons."
Highlight: Meeting my friends and travelling around.
Top Tip: Be unapologetically yourself.
You can contact Canmidley Koffi if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Elizabeth Mills - BA (H) Finance, Accounting & Business Management - South Korea
Travelled to: University of Seoul, South Korea.
“It’s a unique opportunity to experience a different culture, meet new people, and see the world from a new perspective. Living and studying in another country helps you become more independent, adaptable and confident.”
Highlight: The personal growth I went through. Living in a new country pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become much more independent and confident in myself.
Top Tip: Be open-minded and step out of your comfort zone. You’ll be in a completely new environment, so it’s important to try new things and be open to a different way of life.
You can contact Elizabeth Mills if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Ellie Mason - LLB (H) Law - Italy
Travelled to: University of Turin, Italy.
“It pushes you to get out of your comfort zone and try new things whilst embracing a different culture. It’s a great way to gain your confidence and meet new friends from all over the world.”
Highlight: A trip I took with friends to visit some cities in Slovenia, as well as Venice and Verona.
Top Tip: Take every opportunity you can, even if you’re unsure. It’s great to try new things and the perfect way to meet new people!
You can contact Ellie Mason if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Kieran Reid - BA (H) History - USA
Travelled to: University of Northern Arizon, USA.
“It was the greatest five months of my life. I made many friends for life. It has reshaped how I wish to live my life after University."
Highlight: Meeting new people and hanging out with them, from nights out to long road trips.
Top Tip: Say yes to everything. You have the opportunity of a lifetime so do as much enjoyable stuff as you can get a hold of. Do not go back home having not made the absolute most of it.
You can contact Kieran Reid if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Kuba Koziel - BA (H) International Business - Spain
Travelled to: TBS Barcelona, Spain.
“It was hands down the best period of my whole life and I miss it every single day. The feeling of studying abroad, meeting people from all around the world, embracing a new culture and connecting with people you typically wouldn’t have the chance to meet here in the UK. Simply put, it was life changing.”
Highlight: Meeting my best friend and being able to live with him next to the Sagrada Familia – one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen!
Top Tip: Embrace it and don’t be afraid to try new things because the time flies by so quickly.
You can contact Kuba Koziel if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Maya James - BSc (H) Sport Science and Management - USA
Travelled to: Dean College, USA.
“Study abroad enables you to network and to create connections within the industry you would like to go into, and opens your eyes to new experiences, cultures, and people from all over the world.”
Highlight: Getting to work alongside industry professionals, presenting projects and pitching ideas to them.
Top Tip: Try and get involved as much as possible on campus and make the most of the experience.
You can contact Maya James if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Mia Pudge - BA (H) International business with Spanish - Spain
Travelled to: University of Valencia, Spain.
"It is an incredible experience that moves you out of your comfort zone. It teaches you a different type of independence and you can find new things you love, trying a new culture and making friends from all around the world."
Highlight: Going to Barcelona for a concert and Madrid during Christmas.
Top Tip: It is very important to create a good support system from your home and also in the host country. Embrace the new culture but still include your own.
You can contact Mia Pudge if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Weronika Stelmaszuk - BA (H) International Business - Italy
Travelled to: Universita degli studia di Padova, Italy.
“Language isn’t a barrier, despite that being a major concern for students. You get to travel, delve into a whole new societal structure, meet so many new people, try so many new things (academically and leisurely). In short, you come back a whole new person.”
Highlight: Skiing in the Alps!
Top Tip: Try everything, even if you think you won’t like it or benefit from it.
You can contact Weronika Stelmaszuk if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.
Yasmin Davey - BSc (H) Psychology (Mental Health) SW - Spain
Travelled to: Universitat de Valencia, Spain.
“It was an opportunity that opened many doors not only for my professional career but for my personal growth. I gained invaluable lessons both within and beyond the university, lessons that I can apply to every stage of my future.”
Highlight: Being in a random local bodega, playing cards, and feeling totally at home with a group of people from all across the world. (So cheesy but a huge turning-point for my confidence!)
Top Tip: Keep well organised, be kind to yourself when things go wrong and trust the process.
You can contact Yasmin Davey if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their experience.