Voices of Jelper Club Members — Noa Gnaba, University of St. Gallen ’26

This time, we had the pleasure of speaking with Noa Gnaba, a third-year bachelor’s student at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. With a Swiss father from St. Gallen and a Japanese mother from Nara, Noa embodies a cross-cultural identity that has shaped both her academic path and professional outlook. After spending her entire childhood in Japan at German School of Tokyo Yokohama, she chose to study abroad in Switzerland to connect with her Swiss side. Currently majoring in International Affairs, Noa is preparing for an exchange semester at IE University in Madrid while also planning for a master’s degree.

In this interview, she reflects on her passion for global governance, her experience navigating international opportunities, and how Jelper Club has supported her journey.

Noa Gnaba

――To begin, could you please introduce yourself?

Noa: I’m a third-year bachelor’s student at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, majoring in International Affairs. In two weeks, I’ll be going on exchange to IE University in Madrid, which I’m very excited about. I’m half Swiss and half Japanese, and since I’m almost done with my bachelor’s degree, I’ve been thinking carefully about my next steps—most likely continuing with a master’s in International Affairs at St. Gallen.

――Why did you choose the University of St. Gallen?

Noa: At first, I wasn’t sure whether to study in Switzerland or Japan. I’d lived my whole life in Japan, attending the German International School in Yokohama, and my family is still based there. I applied to both Ritsumeikan University and St. Gallen, and after being accepted to both, I decided it was time to experience my Swiss side more fully. St. Gallen stood out because of its bilingual program in German and English. German is actually my third language, so it was also a challenge I wanted to take on.

――What inspired you to pursue International Affairs?

Noa: In high school, I joined the Model UN club when I was 14, and it completely changed the way I saw global politics. I loved being able to research a country’s policies, debate with others, and experience diplomacy firsthand. Attending a Model UN conference at the UN headquarters in New York City made a lasting impression on me and solidified my interest in international affairs.

――How did you first learn about Jelper Club?

Noa: Through the Asia Club at St. Gallen. Jelper Club organized an info session about working in Japan as well as Jelper Club. I found it fascinating because Japanese students are rare at my university, and I wanted to share more about Japan and the opportunities available there.

――What has your experience been like using Jelper Club?

Noa: Really positive. I actually got an internship through the platform, and I still check it regularly for new opportunities. It’s been central in helping me think about my future career. I also like the anonymous chat function and the benefits program—I’ve used them to visit places like teamLab and enjoy unagi meals. Overall, I really appreciate the quality of Jelper Club’s services.

――Do you have any advice for other Jelper Club members?

Noa: Definitely keep checking the website, since new internships and opportunities are added all the time. And don’t overlook the benefits—they’re great and add real value to the platform.

――Lastly, is there anything you’d like to share with our readers?

Noa: If you ever come to Switzerland, make sure to stop by St. Gallen and visit Markt Bistro Kebap—it’s my favorite spot!

At Jelper Club, we’re dedicated to connecting students and young professionals around the world with opportunities in Japan’s dynamic job market. If you share Noa’s passion for bridging cultures and exploring international careers, we encourage you to join our community. From internships tailored for globally minded students to a network of like-minded peers, Jelper Club provides the tools you need to take your next step with confidence.

(Editor: Jelper Club Operations Team)