Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Unforgettable Experience in NUS January 21, 2026

By (Political Science and Government, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/11/2025 to 11/14/2025 with

National University of Singapore: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really enjoyed my experience at NUS, as I was able to learn a completely new language (Arabic) and master my Chinese skills. Through my courses, I also learned about the everyday lives of Chinese Singaporeans through the personal, intimate stories of real people, which helped me better understand Singapore's culture and history. I was constantly astonished by the city's beautiful landscape! Also, I made friendships with people from all over the world that I plan to keep for life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I didn't have AC in my room, which made my adjustment difficult due to the hot, humid weather. However, I really liked the location of my dorm, as I could easily get to classes.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? My advice is to look for student discount options at museums and attractions, and to use public transportation, which is extremely clean and accessible!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the diversity in classes
  • the friendships I made
* What could be improved?
  • the housing conditions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As the Asian curriculum is very different from the American one, I wish I had known more about the grading system before I went to NUS. I had a little bit of an adaptation period, but it was definitely interesting to get to know a new educational system.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.