Here in SMU, the pressure mounts to go on an exchange and yet, some curiously still choose to remain, why? Join Sinthiya as she explores Singapore, discovers local gems and proves that adventure and fulfilment can be found close to home after all.
London? Paris? Australia? The US? Unfortunately, none of these countries are the answers to the question that I have been bombarded with in the past four years here at SMU: “Are you going on an exchange?”. The typical uni dream is to have the golden opportunity to go abroad and experience the university culture outside their normal life. At least, so was the case for me.
Having lived nearly all my life in Singapore, my initial thought was to uncover new horizons through travel and to meet new people, but not just through exchange—I wanted to study college abroad, somewhere far away to get the real “living away from home experience”. Alas, due to the adversity well known as COVID-19, I convinced my parents the safer bet was to stay in Singapore. They funded my education - but I am Asian. I was coaxed into staying. But I always told myself I could do the next best thing—go on exchange! However, it is with great regret (or maybe not?) that I must inform you, I did not go on exchange.
Why, during my 4 years at SMU did I choose not to embark on this journey even though that was the hope that kept me pushing through? Well, being an IS major, module mapping was nearly a nightmare. Alongside academics taking a hard hit on the GPA, I didn’t wish to risk it. Plus, there were financial aspects to consider because exchange wasn’t just about living in one city and attending university, it was about experiencing life and travelling!
So, when the time came around the beginning of year 3, all my friends or classmates could talk, think, and breathe about was exchange. Where they were applying to, what their expectations were, where they would travel to and all that glam. While I was thrilled that they would get to experience this magical time, there was also a gaping hole that started to grow in my heart. I would be left behind with nothing to look forward to but the same view of campus green from a window seat in the library as I crammed for my exams, assignments and projects.
Then, there was the actual time when they all went on exchange. There was a constant stream of stories from people from my batch whom I didn’t even know but knew well enough to see their Instagram stories documenting their adventures of beautiful beaches, finger-licking food and stress-free parties. All I could think of was: “I wish that were me.”
But, after a couple of days of moping, I realized that it’s not all that glamorous. Yes, there were good times for them, but there were also difficult times. They did miss home, friends and family and most of all: familiarity. Moreover, the living situations weren’t always ideal, either issues with roommates or the fact that food wasn’t the best. Here in Singapore, we have a wide range of options, from cuisines to the price, but there is no guarantee for the rest of the world to be the same. And that’s when it hit me like lightning: I should make the most of what I have here.
So, I became a tourist in my own country. I would seek out the little nooks and crannies nearby SMU, which were frequented by travellers and locals alike, and discover hidden gems in the East and West when time permitted. In between classes, either alone or with friends, I would treat myself to a hearty meal from a different location while at night, I would devour a delicious meal from a bougie restaurant. Being so close to the city from SMU granted me access to countless spots close to the city’s exotic skyline, which I never get tired of for its breathtaking view.
On the weekends, my family and I would explore the plethora of nature parks that Singapore has and treat ourselves to a nice day of either shopping or enjoying the gastronomic food choices. As my friends from abroad and on exchange would call to narrate their tales and perhaps crib a little bit of a good home-cooked meal, I would try to console them. Secretly though, I would be super grateful about all the comforts and luxuries I have in Singapore with my family. Not having to take care of all the chores by myself like grocery shopping, laundry the dreadful dishes, the beautiful courtesy of not having to pay rent, and of course, the comfort and warmth of banter with your family.
Moreover, there were so many places close enough to Singapore to travel to. When speaking to the exchange students from abroad who had come to SMU, I realised that many places in Southeast Asia have their charm. Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and so many more, which you can return to within a few days! After the long wait for the exams to be over, I loved taking a trip to the Philippines with my trio of friends, an experience that money simply cannot buy.
Nevertheless, I did miss my friends endlessly and would constantly wonder what they were up to or reminisce when we would hang out and do fun things. Yet, this granted me the opportunity to connect with more people and experiment with things I didn’t have time for, like joining a club activity on campus or learning how to play the guitar.
When my friends did come back from their exchange, they narrated all the tales I was so excited to hear, but I was also filling them in on my adventures in Singapore that I realised was not short of wonderful itself. So, yes, not being able to go on exchange was a bit of a heartbreak, but when one door closes, a window opens, and it’s up to us to enjoy the view or not. It is what we make of the situation.
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