Studying in Singapore: An Interview with Rachael
Rachael is a history student and spent the first semester of 2022-23 at the National University of Singapore. One of our Global Office Interns interviewed her about her experience abroad.
What have you enjoyed most about studying at your host institution?
Studying at the National University of Singapore was a life changing experience. Having a new country, climate, and culture all thrown at you at once is challenging but refreshing. NUS has a much larger campus than St Andrews. Being able to wear shorts every day definitely shocked the senses less than the breeze on west sands, and adapting to a new academic culture reformed my understanding of what it means to be a student to others living around the world.
What have you enjoyed most about living in your host country?
Can I say the food? So many elements of Singapore are breath taking. The architecture is baffling. From the high-rises like CapitaSpring to the nineteenth-century Chinese quarter with two-story buildings speckled with endless terracotta roofs. The wildlife was beautiful, huge butterflies, orchids, giant otters, and monitor lizards just walking down the road in Gardens by the bay. It was a welcome shock to the senses to experience Singapore as a meeting point for many south-East Asian foods, religions, and ways of life.
Did you get the opportunity to travel while abroad? If so, where did you go?
Yes, whilst studying in Singapore, I had the opportunity to travel to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. A bus runs from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, making it easy to travel to Malaysia on the weekend. During reading week, I travelled around Thailand with friends I made in my accommodation and classes. I also had the chance to visit Indonesia and travel solo around Bali.
How did you cope with adjusting to a new university? Do you have any tips for future students doing exams or coursework at your university?
I was initially overwhelmed by the time difference, the heat, and the sensation of knowing nobody in a vast city. However, joining clubs and making friends at mealtimes or whilst in seminars makes such a difference. NUS provides a buddy programme to match you with another exchange student, which is a lovely way to connect with others. Staff and students are welcoming to exchangers, making it a smooth transition process.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone preparing to study abroad?
Being organised is important to help you cope with the administrative tasks you must complete before leaving for your host country. I found that asking St Andrews Global to put you in contact with a student who has completed Study Abroad in your host country reassured me and answered a lot of my questions. Try not to plan too far ahead. Plans often change with regard to housing, travel and study when you are abroad, so it’s better to be prepared for what you predict will happen but to approach these issues as they arrive.
Did you learn a language while abroad? How did you learn it?
Most people in Singapore are fluent in English and a second language, such as Mandarin or Malay, so learning a language wasn’t essential for me. However, in Singapore, there is a slang language called ‘Singlish’, meaning Singaporean English, that most students converse with all the time. Singlish is a shortening of English words and phrases to suit the needs of Singaporeans. It takes some getting used to, but it’s also rewarding when you can mingle with other students and understand their fast-paced conversations.
Thank you to Rachael for sharing her experience with us, and to our Intern for conducting the interview. If you would like to hear more about Rachael’s experience, or about Study Abroad in general, please email [email protected]