Student Story - Greece
Takanori Tokoshima
Q: Why did you choose Northeastern?
A: I met the director of admission at my Swiss boarding school. He presented the school and emphasized the strong business program and friendly stance towards international students.
Q: What made you choose the NUin program?
A: I wanted to do something productive rather than wasting my time during the first semester. Northeastern had special agreements for transferring credits with partner institutions thus, it saved me time arranging my credit, which is often hectic and complicated if I had to arrange it by myself. Considering that, NUin was the perfect fit for me.
Q: Why did you choose Greece?
A: Since I wanted to study business, my choices of programs were fairly limited. Given that condition, I conducted my own research evaluating all the partner institutions and I reached the conclusion that the American College of Thessaloniki is an outstanding institution being a member of The Association of International Colleges and Universities and also being accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges. Furthermore, it was great opportunity for me to transition my life in Europe to America. I suspected that living with Americans in Europe would offer me a smooth transition for when I moved to America.
Q: What were your goals for yourself in Greece and were they reached?
A: My primary goal in Greece was a smooth transition from high school to college and achieving high academic performance. Having met all the great people and attained a semester GPA of 3.96, I think I have accomplished it.
Q: Describe your experience starting at Northeastern in January
A: It was a radical change for me. Though I have many American acquaintances, I have never lived in the United States. Knowing the norms and values of America, it has not been very difficult for me to live here, yet it takes a while to adjust to the new environment of the school and the country. So far, the whole experience here has been very positive and an evocative one.
Q: Would you recommend NUin to future NU Spring Admitted students? Why?
A: Yes. I think it is one of the best ways to start off your college career. You will be part of a small group and get to know the people very well. Also, it is a great advantage that when you come back to NU, you will already have friends from the program. I think it made my transition from high school to university very smooth and easy.
Q: What was the most valuable part of your NUin experience?
A: I think NUin wasa great learning experience for everyone. I would say it was best way to meet people and create a foundation of friendship in the university. Since the group was small, everyone knew everyone pretty well and it almost created an atmosphere of family. Everyone was very different and unique. It reminded me that we all are part of large diverse American family and they were by definition, my greatest asset for me to learn and grow with.
Q: What advice would you give to future NUin students? What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?
A: Do take advantage of the location and travel and go discover the world as much as you can. At the same time, make sure that you will put sufficient effort into academic work as well so you won’t waste your time and earn credits for NU. I went to Swiss boarding school and have traveled all over world so I was aware of all the expectations and circumstances before this study abroad program.
