Benjamin FOREMAN

Student of The University of Newcastle, Australia
Exchange to Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

If you are interested in travelling Asia, Singapore is one incredible country to do it! I undertook an exchange at Nanyang Technological University where the vast majority of exchange students would travel around the region due to cheap flights and the efficiency of Changi airport (#1 airport in the world), located right in the centre of all locations. From my first hand account it is definitely more the exception to the rule if an exchanger does NOT travel while in Singapore! I personally backpacked through Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand throughout my semester and capped off the end of the exchange experience with a journey through the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, China and Malaysia all with the amazing friends I had made during my exchange.

Along with all of that fun, the study is great too! Nanyang Technological University is very well regarded internationally, ranked within the top 100 in the world. Its campus life is vibrant and active. My days were constantly filled with things to do - both with locals and the 700+ exchange students that joined me on my journey. English is the spoken language throughout Singapore, meaning that in many ways, the country is an amazing window into Asian culture for those that may not speak an Asian language. While Singapore may not give you as much of a culture shock as much as other Asian countries would, it is the unexpected things that create that shock - such as the incredible cleanliness of city, the commendable low crime rates and the civil mindedness of the people that can make many foreigners wonder just how it is all possible.

The nightlife, bars and clubs in Singapore are spectacular, creating an exciting environment for a young person in the city. Many of the nightclubs are at the top of skyscrapers, giving breathtaking views of Singapore's beautiful skyline and harbour.

Along with this, travelling within Singapore as a student is extremely efficient as public transport is cheap, clean and punctual. The MRT system is one of the best in the world and it can take you to just about anywhere on the island. Additionally, there is a huge variety of food. Hawker centres are extremely cheap and scattered all over the island. They close late into the night with some even being open 24 hours, selling the country's delicious food!

Singapore completely astounded me with its education, night life, cheap food, affordable (and efficient) transport system, the diverse culture and its status as an awesome travel hub. If you are considering Singapore, I promise you will not regret it! For me it was the exchange experience of a lifetime. I am forever grateful to have received the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship that made all of this possible. The help of the scholarship has helped shape and grow me as an individual and has provided a global perspective and strong understanding of another country. Thank you!

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