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Singapore: Student Comments
“My time here in Singapore has truly been a significant milestone in my life. Not only did I explore my abilities but I also expanded my potential. I learned incredible things about human relations, communication, independence, and life outside our familiar world. A study abroad is truly a life experience. I know that I will take the plethora of things I have learned here in Singapore and live life as a better person.” —Niou Annie, UC Irvine “It was remarkable to live in a cultural intersection of sorts. Malays, Chinese, and Indians simultaneously maintaining their culture and traditions while interacting and harmonizing to create a uniquely Singaporean atmosphere. In addition, there were exchange students from all around the world. A Chinese PhD student from Shanghai invited me to make dumplings with a group of his close friends from China-a very special occasion. I remember how amazing it was discussing U.S.-China relations with my new friends with my hands buried in a big bowl of minced pork.” —EAP Student “Being right in the middle of Southeast Asia, studying in Singapore allowed me some unforgettable travel opportunities. I climbed mountains in Borneo, hiked through Malaysian jungles, completed my scuba diving certifications, discovered secret lagoons on paradise Thai islands, gazed upon the mystical ancient temples of Angkor in Cambodia, and saw a volcano erupting in Indonesia.” —EAP Student “The sights, sounds, and especially the smells of Singapore are truly out of the ordinary-the fresh fruit glistening in the equatorial sun, the high-tech buildings towering overhead, the busy pace of buses and trains roaring by, the almost limitless variety of cheap restaurants and sidewalk drinking holes serving Tiger Beer, and the scent of the tropical flowers after a midday rain is what I will always remember.” —EAP Student “Singapore is the great staging base of travel throughout Southeast Asia-weekend trips backpacking to remote villages and lost cities or simply taking a ferry ride to an island resort. I remember one time a few of us went to an ancient temple located on a high cliff overlooking the edge of the ocean with waves crashing below us. We were surrounded by a group of curious monkeys running about our legs and jumping past our heads. In the distance I could hear a group of locals putting on a cultural show of song and dance and I distinctly remember thinking how lucky I felt to have experienced that moment.” —EAP Student “It is one thing to study about a country's language, society, and history from afar, but an absolutely different experience when you study from within the country itself. Being abroad gives you not only an opportunity to go out and experience various new cultures, but it also gives you a chance to cross-examine aspects of your own culture in the States. Believe it or not, there are many subtleties about our culture that are not really evident unless we view it from the outside looking in. Studying in a foreign country also allows you to get a better feel for how various other countries perceive the U.S. in the global setting. If you have any hopes of pursuing a career in the international market, having been exposed to such perceptions beforehand will give you an edge.” —EAP Student “A single semester at the National University of Singapore was certainly not enough. It took almost exactly that long just to get used to the fast-paced, multicultural, colorful environment of Singapore. It takes a year, or even more, to understand this very unique place.” —EAP Student “With the motherly love of our advisor, we had a home away from home in a confusing new country. The excitement never wore off. Everything was an exotic experience: hearing the unique Singaporean accent, attending lectures in balmy vacation weather, strolling in brilliant greenery, shopping the world-class malls. And every weekend was filled with exploratory excursions.” —EAP Student “The first semester whirled past in a dizzy spell. Second semester was very different. I got to experience a side of Singapore that tourists never get to see. Working side by side with Singaporean students, their diligence and drive for their studies astounded and inspired me. I was invited to their homes (where youth didn't mind residing with their family for most of their lives). They confided their worries about their uncertain futures with me. Sometimes they would drive me to the other side of Singapore at three o'clock in the morning just to fulfill a craving for frog leg porridge with milo peng.” —EAP Student “As a student from a Hispanic background, I found it very difficult to accept the fact that I would not be surrounded by any aspect of my own culture in Singapore. The food would be different, as would the attitudes of people around me. But I soon realized that this difference was the whole point of coming to Singapore: total cultural immersion. Anyone can study at their home university, but it takes guts to leave everything behind and to take on the challenge of succeeding in a new environment. I will never regret coming to study at NUS.” —EAP Student “I have always had strong family ties, so being away from my loved ones for an extended period of time has been difficult. Soon you realize that you can make friends wherever you go, and that once you catch on to the way things work, life becomes manageable. My life has been made easy through the relationships I have developed here, and by the EAP coordinator in Singapore. She keeps us [the EAP crowd] busy with fun-filled activities and with weekly meetings. Having a coordinator who genuinely cares about our safety, education, and health is of the utmost importance.” —EAP Student “The classes in the physical sciences at NUS seem more challenging than at UC, but they are more fulfilling because of more class interaction. You are expected to do more learning on your own, but working with groups makes this task simple. In the tutorial sessions (like discussions), students write solutions to homework problems on the board in front of the class. This is good because it keeps you focused on doing your homework every week.” —EAP Student “For me, studying in Singapore means studying applied mathematics and doing research, as well as learning about the various cultures and languages of Singapore. Although some students seem to study all day and all night, it is possible to obtain a balance here between schoolwork, partying, traveling, and exercising. Time management is of the utmost importance.” —EAP Student “There is no need to go outside Singapore to have a good time. The clubs in Singapore are always exciting and there is an endless number of places to visit. From Suntec City to Sentosa Island to Little India, there are always fun things to do in Singapore! You can also travel to other countries, to take even more advantage of your time here in Asia. I have been to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur, and Beijing after only one semester, and I am planning more trips. I suggest that you visit as many countries as possible because, for many of us, an opportunity to be in Southeast Asia comes once in a lifetime.” —EAP Student “The friendships you make here in Singapore are lifelong. I have made friends with the Singaporean locals, other exchange students, and most of all, my fellow UC students. I have learned the most from the local students, as they know how the system works here, and they can show you the ropes. Especially when preparing for exams, make friends with some local students, and ask them what they study and how they study.” —EAP Student “While studying abroad in Singapore, I truly enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and of different ethnic makeup. For example, I became friends with a Malay-Scottish male, who has an ethnic Malay father and a Scottish mother. It was absolutely wonderful to learn about his and other people's unique backgrounds and share stories about our experiences growing up.” —EAP Student “I joined the Cultural Activities Community Service (CACS) club for volunteer opportunities. There are many volunteer activities you can choose from (e.g., take care of patients with mental disabilities, tutor kids at various locations, visit old-aged folks, etc.). I tutored kids at two locations-a student services center and a Christian foster home. From these volunteer activities, I saw a side of Singapore that an exchange student wouldn't normally see. I not only got to see the less fortunate areas of Singapore, but I also understood how the welfare system works. Plus, you also meet some of the nicest people you will meet in your life.” —EAP Student, UC Berkeley “Since traveling out of Singapore was easy and inexpensive, I explored Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and even Australia during my six months abroad. I got a chance to explore many different national parks and landmarks, and to taste exquisite cuisines and delicious fruits. It was also really eye-opening to see the similarities and differences between these different cultures.” —EAP Student “It has changed my life! I can honestly say that my attitude on life has become more positive due to the study abroad experience. Singapore is a prime location to study. Not only is the education up to par with a UC school but the city is very clean and the people are friendly and honest.” —EAP Student “It's the best! You feel like you have learned so much more than you ever can from reading a book. Come to Singapore. It's amazing how and why their layered culture works. And the best perk is that Singapore is the best doorway to the rest of Southeast Asia. Come and be prepared to travel. You don't only get the opportunity to see Singapore, but definitely Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and plenty more.” —EAP Student “Before I went to study abroad in Singapore, I could barely locate it on a map. Now that I have studied abroad there, I can boast that I have traveled around most of Southeast Asia. I didn't know what to expect when I first arrived but I look back now and I can truly say that my college experience wouldn't have been complete without it. I learned so much in the short amount of time I spent there. The people, the culture, even the school system is very different from the U.S. I was fortunate to get assigned to a wonderful Malaysian roommate and I also learned more about Malaysia from her. The people in Singapore are very nice and very smart. Some seem to know more about the U.S. than Americans! The school system there is rigorous and the students study very hard. Being a Management Science major I learned a lot about how they teach business courses and how their perspectives in business differ from ours.” —EAP Student “Not until I participated in EAP's eye-opening study abroad program did I come to realize how big and diverse this world is. The experience has shown me how narrow my perception of the world was. Singapore is a country that offers impeccable landscapes, a low crime rate, and an affluent society. This is as close to Utopia as you can get!” —EAP Student “Singapore is situated in an ideal location for travelers. The experience of Asia can be gained through weekend excursions or holiday trips. How does the idea of an adventurous weekend trip to Tioman Island to snorkel or scuba dive sound? If you are looking for something more culturally enriching, then Vietnam, China, and Thailand are just a couple of hours away by plane. Let's not forget that the serene island of Bali is just down south of Singapore. As an individual who has never traveled internationally before, the year program at National University of Singapore provided an opportunity for me to visit the world-renowned Opera House in Australia, the tallest twin towers in the world in Malaysia, the Grand Palace in Thailand, and my "homeland," Vietnam. All in all, the travel experiences alone are worth a lifetime of memories-all made easy by studying and living in Singapore.” —EAP Student “I was born and raised in San Francisco and attended UC Berkeley. Content with what the Bay Area offered, I rarely looked elsewhere to broaden my views, to enhance myself, or to fulfill personal objectives. However, after studying at NUS and then traveling to six other Southeast Asian countries, I realized that I have to go farther than my home to discover my full potential.” —EAP Student, UC Berkeley “My time abroad played a dual role: my greatest challenge and my grandest achievement. Although I removed myself from home-where I was most comfortable and secure-in the process I met people from all over the world; studied for a final exam on a deserted and serene island in Indonesia; volunteered at Singapore Boys' Town and learned more than I taught; became a research assistant to a professor of organizational behavior; amplified my interest in international business; participated in a volleyball tournament; and interacted with generous, open-minded people. As a business major applying for jobs and looking optimally toward a master's in business administration, I am aware that studying and living overseas is an advantage.” —EAP Student “In the language courses that I took, there were foreign students from all parts of the world. The fact that our only common language was the language of our instruction forced us to practice it on a daily basis.” —EAP Student “Studying in Singapore is a great opportunity for any student. The country is multi-racial and everyone is friendly, open, helpful, and excited to meet new people. I have personally felt quite at home living with the locals in the residence halls at the National University of Singapore. NUS is a renowned university with a wide breadth of classes and social activities that are equivalent to the UC's. Singapore is also a great spot to begin exploring other Southeast Asian countries. The proximity and ease of travel to surrounding countries have made my experience abroad even more worthwhile. I have had a great time in Singapore and will be sad to leave.” —Lana Aprato, UC Los Angeles “Your trip to Singapore will be memorable and life-altering. This is a chance to redefine yourself, find out what you are made of, and seek the opportunity to succeed in a new environment. If I can handle the transition, anyone can. Take the chance and come to the National University of Singapore.” —Brandon Brown, UC Irvine “I played games with Hmong children in Vietnam, walked the Great Wall, visited more temples than I can count in Thailand, and conducted publishable research in Singapore. Now I have a lifetime of stories to tell and I have a life full of adventures to come! I have made friends all over the world, and now my future career plans include international research. Choosing to study abroad was the best decision that I have ever made.” —Brandon Brown, UC Irvine “With much talk about how small the world is becoming, my EAP experience reminded me that the opposite is also true. The world is still a very big place with many things to see, people to meet, cultures to experience, and challenges to overcome. With international events having a more direct impact in every locale of the globe, EAP gave me an incomparable opportunity to broaden those proverbial horizons!” —Junayd Dyck, UC Berkeley “Despite the massive amounts of initial paperwork, my life here is definitely changed for the better. I feel like a more complete and strong person. Sure, I miss my friends, family, girlfriend, and dog, but I have not missed the "American luxuries" and unnecessary ways of life. Being here has changed me to appreciate people and my relationships with them more than ever before. Shaping the internal individual is also more important than clinging to comforts. This experience has definitely been life-changing, and I would not give these irreplaceable six months back for any experience back in the States.” —Jeremy Fusselman, UC Santa Barbara “In terms of celebrations and enjoyment, Singapore is filled with festivities year-round. In terms of the hostel life, lifelong friends are easily made during the stay in the residence halls. For sports lovers, an array of activities ranging from archery to tae kwon do are here. If you are the party-going type, there are all sort of pubs, running from the classy jazz bars to the more popular retro discos. There is a huge variety of live music, including Latin, trance, house. Anything you can think of is here in Singapore. Singaporeans know how to work hard, study hard, and party hard! Let's just say that a semester or a year in Singapore is well worth considering.” —Tam Huynh, UC Riverside “There is much to learn while studying abroad, both in the classroom as well as outside the classroom. The greatest benefit from your time spent abroad is the maturity and confidence you will gain from being on your own. My time spent abroad was very fulfilling because of the challenges I faced and conquered. I have tried my best to express these experiences in words, but words can only convey so much. Now it's your turn to see what going abroad could do for you.” —Joseph Le, UC San Diego “My time abroad sometimes seemed almost too surreal to even comprehend. I sometimes have to remind myself that it wasn't all just a dream. Ultimately, your experience depends on your ability to have an open mind and to be free of expectations. There are limitless opportunities and adventures abroad. I would recommend Southeast Asia, especially Singapore.” —Michael Loh, UC Irvine “As a result of my experiences at National University of Singapore, I became more motivated to learn, excel, and pursue my interests. I hope to take what I learned and apply it to my psychology honors thesis at UCLA. Studying abroad has opened up doors for me to further improve my academic record, develop my research skills, and prepare for graduate level work as I strive to conduct research and publish my studies in journals.” —Thuy Thi Nguyen, UC Los Angeles “Although September 11 occurred while I was in Singapore, I still felt safer there than if I were in the U.S. Many Singaporeans expressed their sympathies and shared the same reactions that the world had. When I have the chance, I definitely will return to visit Singapore again.” —Tri Nguyen, UC Berkeley “By going on EAP, I learned more in one month, just by living and experiencing a different culture, than I ever could have by staying at home and going to lectures for a year.” —Jason Packman “In the intense vibrancy of Singapore, I found myself in a unique position. Unlike other countries that offer a complete contrast to American culture as black is to white, Singapore-with its unique blend of East and West, and new and old-offers to exchange students more nuances of color. I found myself in the cradle of the new international community: business, arts, culture, and academia.” —Han Ngoc Pham, UC Los Angeles “I loved every minute of it! There is nothing like being in another country and living a very exciting and abundant life. I was challenged to be more independent, creative, and open-minded. As a result I gained self-confidence, an understanding of who I am, the benefits of being Asian-American, and relationships with people from all over world. Singapore has been a fascinating place to study due to the diversity in culture. It is also interesting to see how a small and relatively young country operates. Go to Singapore with an open mind and you will gain the world.” —Grace Teng, UC Los Angeles “As an exchange student, I enjoyed more privileges than the typical tourist did on a one-week vacation. I was immersed in the Southeast Asian culture for five months. I learned how to live in a different country, how to get around using the bus and the Mass Rapid Transit, to decipher "Singlish," to be open to the various kinds of food, to travel around other parts of Southeast Asia, to be familiar with the school system, and to get to know many of my Singaporean classmates. I wanted to study in a safe, clean, stable, and multicultural environment with an excellent university. I found all those things and more in Singapore.” —Mary Suzette Tuason, UC San Diego “I can say that I didn't meet a single person who wasn't friendly to me. And the part I miss the most about Singapore is the people I've met and become friends with.” —Jessie Wang, UC Berkeley “Only by being a part of EAP Singapore can you truly get an international education, sharing the classroom, hostels, and many life adventures with Singaporeans, Malaysians, Indonesians, Mauritians, Northern Europeans, and Canadians among the many other international students. Eating breakfast every morning was like attending a UN meeting, with more than 15 countries and even more perspectives being represented. By having been a part of EAP Singapore, I now have renewed optimism and confidence to make change in the world.” —Erica Yamamura, UC Los Angeles “In a country that is only 26 by 14 miles, four million individuals live their unique, respective lives in relative harmony. Short-term visitors get to see the flashy side of Singapore that is full of excitement-but to be accepted as a part of their daily lives and struggles is a special honor that should be infinitely cherished.” —Annie Niou Yi-En, UC Irvine “I experienced so many different types of cultures and traveled to more places than I ever have in my life, but I also made some of the greatest friends, who I will keep forever.” —Annie Cho, UC Berkeley “My favorite memory while I was traveling is with my close friends who I met in Singapore. There were eight of us traveling together to Thailand and Laos. We decided we would travel to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. We rode elephants, went whitewater rafting, and saw many wats (temples). One of my favorite experiences within this trip was when we went on a boat ride to Laos. All eight of us were strapped into this small boat about the same size as a kayak, with all of our belongings, for seven hours straight.” —Maria Uy, UC Berkeley “Unlike the States, the time it would take you to drive from San Diego to Los Angeles can get you across three different countries in Southeast Asia. I managed to educate myself both inside and outside the classroom; traveling to Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Laos. My favorite memories from all these trips have one thing in common: the airport and the train station. A salad bowl of ethnicities, nationalities, languages, and cultures, these hubs of arrivals and departures represent everything that traveling abroad is about: exposure to a whole new world.” —Vida Vongvanith, UC Berkeley “I recommend taking lots of sociology, psychology, and social work classes while in Singapore. Through class tutorials, I made local friends and got the chance to compare cultures. Our discussions focused on a variety of subjects, including race, religion, media, and family values. Singapore is the perfect location for exploring the rest of Asia. I trekked with hill tribes in Thailand, climbed mountains in Borneo and Sri Lanka, and went scuba diving all over. Singapore was definitely the time of my life!” —Natalie Webb, UC Santa Cruz
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