I had the opportunity to study at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore for the 2024 Winter Term, and it truly was one of the most memorable and transformative moments in my life. I went with certain expectations of the next four months, but I never could have predicted the personal growth and learning that was ahead!
NTU in my eyes definitely resembled a village unto its own. The campus itself had everything I needed鈥攃lasses, residence halls, canteens and convenience stores, all surrounded by nature. I always felt that there was some part of campus that I had yet to explore, whether it was a hidden study spot or another canteen to eat at. It also felt the most surreal walking past a small waterfall on my way to/from class or being greeted by a lizard outside my door every evening.
The student life at NTU was very vibrant as well. With numerous clubs and activities, there were endless opportunities to get involved. Each residence hall had its own sports and recreational teams. I joined my hall鈥檚 dance team and connected with NTU Christian Fellowship, where I made great lifelong local friends. For exchange students specifically, the GEM club hosted our orientation, campus tour and even a graduation party, making it easy to meet others and making NTU truly feel like home.
Academically, I realized how deeply intertwined education is with local culture, as obvious as that sounds. I was challenged to explore the Singaporean context through various lenses and disciplines, namely Psychology and English. Reading local literature, considering real-world applications, and engaging in discussions with classmates definitely broadened my worldview and opened my mind to ideas I hadn鈥檛 considered before.
More generally, Singapore was definitely a dream come true as a huge food lover and someone who was eager to travel! I found myself overwhelmed by all the food options, often standing in the middle of the canteen or hawker centre, being too indecisive on what to eat. I became an avid fan of Hainanese chicken rice and laksa, and even got to try yusheng, a Singaporean Chinese New Year tradition, which was a new cultural experience for me! I was also fortunate to visit Malaysia, Vietnam and Korea with friends, both soaking in the beautiful scenery and indulging in delicious local cuisine. I got to learn more about different cultures and ways of living, picked up some new bits of language, and came to realize that the world truly has so much to offer.
Overall, my time at NTU was filled with unforgettable experiences, friendships, and lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime. I left Singapore with a broader perspective and a heart full of memories, grateful for the chance to learn and grow in such an incredible place.
