Queen Mary University of London Business and Management student, Bousse, has just completed a year abroad at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and reflects on a year full of growth. Top Tips for future students provided at the end!

When I first found out I’d be spending a year abroad in Singapore, I felt equal parts excitement and nervousness. I had heard amazing things about Nanyang Technological University (NTU), from its global rankings to its lush, resort-like campus, but nothing could have prepared me for just how different (and rewarding) this experience would be.

Coming from Queen Mary University of London, a campus nestled in the bustle of East London, Singapore was a complete shift. Clean, compact, efficient, and humid! The first few days were overwhelming, figuring out local transport, adjusting to the heat, and dealing with the jet lag. But once I settled in, Singapore felt like a second home.

Academic Culture Shock (and Growth)

One of the most striking differences between London and Singapore is the academic culture. NTU is rigorous and highly structured. Attendance is often mandatory, tutorials are participation-heavy, and deadlines are not flexible. Professors are respected figures, and students rarely challenge them openly, something that stood out to me coming from a more debate-friendly UK environment.

But this structure also gave me a sense of discipline. I learned to manage my time better, stay on top of weekly readings, and prepare for in-class assessments. I took modules in International Business, Cultural Intelligence, and even Arabic and Korean, the last of which gave me a chance to work on a completely new skill set.

A Global Classroom

The diversity in my classes was enriching. I studied alongside students from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Germany, the US, and more. Every group project came with a learning curv, from figuring out how to communicate across time zones to adapting to different working styles. I remember one particular class where we had to role-play intercultural conflict resolution. That’s when I saw how valuable it is to develop cultural sensitivity, not just as a buzzword, but as a real skill in business and daily life.

Daily Life & Food Adventures

Singapore is a foodie paradise, and that’s not an exaggeration. I grew up in Spain and live in the UK, but neither prepared me for the rich tapestry of flavours you find in hawker centres here. From Hainanese chicken rice to nasi lemak and satay, I tried everything I could. I even found amazing halal spots and got into the habit of hunting for the best halal Korean fried chicken in town.

I also loved discovering quieter places in Singapore. The island is small, but there’s always something new to explore, even a weekend ferry trip to Bintan, Indonesia!

Identity & Community

As a Black Muslim woman, I came to Singapore curious about how I’d be perceived and whether I’d feel a sense of belonging. While I did notice the lack of representation in some spaces, I also found a warm, respectful environment overall. People were often curious and kind.

Finding a hairstylist was definitely a mission. If you know how to braid or do your own hair, you’re already one step ahead. But if not, there are hairstylists but just be prepared that they can be pricey. One thing that really helped me was joining local Facebook groups and getting to know other exchange students on campus. Chances are, someone else is going through the same thing and might know a stylist or even be able to do hair themselves. Community really comes through when you need it most.

Personal Growth (and the Occasional Breakdown)

Not every moment was Instagram-worthy. There were times I missed home especially during Ramadan and other family occasions. I went night cycling till sunrise one weekend and regretted it the next morning when I couldn’t walk properly for three days (true story). But through every misstep, I grew stronger.

I learned how to navigate bureaucratic systems alone, budget better (Singapore isn’t cheap!), and speak up when I needed help. I also became more aware of my own learning style, cultural values, and professional goals. I now know I want a career with an international scope and this year gave me both the confidence and the network to pursue it.

Top Tips for Future Students

• Pack light but bring heat-proof clothes. Humidity is real.
• Download Grab. Singapore’s version of Uber, but better.
• Don’t just hang out with other exchange students. Push yourself to make local friends.
• Make time to travel. From Japan to the Philippines, Singapore is the perfect base for Southeast Asia adventures.

Final Thoughts

Leaving Singapore feels bittersweet. I’m going back with more than just photos I’m taking with me new habits, new friends, and a wider lens on the world. This year abroad wasn’t just about studying; it was about unlearning, relearning, and growing in ways I didn’t expect.

To any student considering a year abroad: go. Say yes. You’ll come back changed and that’s the whole point.