Sara, Singapore
Sara is studying in the final year of the degree programme in Industrial Technology and Sustainability at KTH. She spent one semester at National University of Singapore.
Why did you choose to go on exchange at National University of Singapore?
I had always thought I would go to Singapore if I went on an exchange. Singapore is well-developed, clean, safe and "Asia's hub" for technology and innovation. Furthermore, I wanted to gain more work experience and applied to the KTH-NOC Singapore programme instead of a "normal" exchange. This exchange is a bit special as it mainly consisted of me doing a full-time internship at a startup company and studying three predetermined entrepreneurship courses at NUS Business School. I, therefore, did not specifically apply for an exchange to NUS, but it was just a plus on the side that the program includes taking courses at the best university in Singapore while doing the internship.
What was the most significant difference between the exchange studies and life at KTH?
I only had one course on campus, the other two were entirely distance learning. So, I wasn't at NUS often during the semester, but I quickly realised that they emphasise how active you are in the lectures. My professor was also very strict about attendance and coming to the lectures on time, something that I haven't experienced at KTH. The most significant difference was definitely that I did an internship there at the same time as I studied courses at NUS. It was intense but also incredibly educational and fun. As for life there, Singapore is a fantastic city, it's always lively with festivals and light shows, and we tried to experience as much as possible.
What are the biggest lessons you take away from your exchange studies?
A significant learning for me was working for the first time in a dynamic work environment at a startup company in Singapore. I learned to be more flexible and deal with unpredictable situations quickly. However, the most significant element for me was the opportunity to collaborate with people with a completely different work culture than the one I was used to in Sweden. This gave me a deeper understanding of global work dynamics and cultural differences.
Was there a lot of preparation before the exchange?
There was some preparation for the exchange. The application did not take that long as the KTH-NOC programme already predetermined the courses. However, I needed to ensure that I could credit the courses with my courses at KTH. However, looking for housing took time. Three of us from the programme decided quite early on that we didn't want to live at NUS because we wouldn't be there that often anyway (on the other hand, you have a guaranteed place). We started looking for apartments in September but signed a contract as late as December because many people don't want to rent for only six months.
What advice would you give to students interested in exchange studies?
I highly recommend searching for scholarship opportunities if you consider studying in Singapore. Singapore is a beautiful place in many ways, but it is also a relatively expensive city, especially if you choose not to live on campus. If you plan to live alone or share an apartment with others, to start looking early on is essential to ensure an affordable home. Finally, I recommend that you take advantage of the many public holidays that Singapore has to explore other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. These countries offer an excellent opportunity to experience different cultures and sights that will enrich your exchange experience.