Singapore: Takeaway lessons. Part 1: SMU
-Damn good! You go see luh!
Four months of intense studying, (duh, what else could I expect?),eating,eating,eating (oh that chilli crab,chicken rice and beancurd, you will be missed!) and working as a transfer guide for Russian-speaking tourists in Singapore have definitely left an enormous impact on me. The whole story behind how I made it TO Singapore and INSingapore has just proved to me that financial obstacles should never stop us from pursuing your dreams!
In this post I want to share with MY perception of Singapore. I will try to answer the question that many Singaporeans like to ask: “Why Singapore?”
1st reason: Singapore Management University (SMU).
With my dearest Aliya Karimova and Sabina Issayeva! Together we made it! #goCentralAsiangirlz
A very young, but promising university, with most of the professors coming from Ivy League Universities, a system of no lectures, 3 hours 15 minutes seminars, coziest library and very ‘kiasu’ students, has become my dream right after my SMU exchange friend to KIMEP has told me about it. Yes, it is damn hard to study here,as back in my home university I could get an A+ by 1/3 of the effort I put here, at SMU (and I am talking as an exchange student, who just needs a pass). Before coming I desired a competitive and challenging environment, and I got it. What I loved most about SMU, (attention Smuggers ;) is its dynamic student life (you can see people practicing fencing,boxing,skating,dancing at 9 pm here, and every day there is at least one event, starting from entrepreneurial talks and ending up with free food distribution), group projects (they have it for every class here,siao!) and its Li Ka Shing Library ( you can call me boring, but whatever :P )
a) Singaporean universities are very famous for group projects for each class. This is something that SMU students reading this post should appreciate, as it is group projects that let you interact with different people and learn how to be productive as a team. This team-working skill is something that everyone needs to have, as further on in life we’ve got to know how to get along and do work with all types of people. Hopefully very soon in Central Asia, there will also be group projects for every single class. Personally, I’ve learnt one of the most important lessons in life, which is when working in a team, first identify who is good at what, then assign responsibilities accordingly. Or how my local friend said: “Some students don’t really know what needs to be done, and how, and this is why all u need to do is find someone who knows what’s going on, and split the work between you.” I’ve also learnt that it is impossible to have all the group members do same amount of work, or all of them to be equally involved. It is life, I guess, and all what is left to do is to keep calm, and work with those who are willing to work hard.
My Favorite quote: “Knowledge Reshapes Destiny” right at the entrance of the Li Ka Shing Library
It just can’t get cozier than that!
you can charge your devices on each desk man!
Library was not just my second home, it was my 1st home, as I spent more time here than in my hostel. For students to enjoy studying and actually come to library to study, what SMU did is made library very cozy and food-friendly (yes, isn’t it awesome to eatand study!). Back at home, you even have to leave your purse at the entrance, as well as your coat, here, you can even bring your blanket and slippers with you, and most importantly, your food!
I think every student would agree that the best encouragement during exams is definitely….FREE FOOD!
c) free food! Yes, they have a lot of events, after which they have a lot of food left, and they have welfare drives during study weeks (week before exams). Once we were sitting and studying and a girl was going around and giving away free juices!
d) the best part about studying at SMU was of course getting to know its students! Not only I’ve met such smart students, but I’ve also met incredibly mature students! Some of them already own stocks, some already have or about to launch their start-ups, some got their job offers before graduating, some have really cool blogs, some are successful both in their studies and CCAs (extra-curricular activities), and some are such computer geeks, you can’t even imagine! I can go on praising the students of Singapore, because every single one of them has inspired me in some way or another! One thing that has been proved to me by Singaporeans is that hard work and patience do get you where you want in the long-run!
And it is very possible to both study hard and yet enjoy life! It’s just that the ratio shifts from time to time (especially during midterms and finals), but it is still there!
SMU students who came for exchange to KIMEP (Kazakhstan)! Amazingly, they have inherited Central Asian hospitality trait!
With our adorable host Chloe (to my right), my genius friend Joel (to my left), and my cute Mexican and French friends (guess which one is which ;)
My awesome SMU-KIMEP friends,who have supported me before coming to Singapore as well as during my stay there!#yestointernationalfriendship
e) last, but not least, the diversity that SMU offers is worth admiring! Every semester they get almost 400 exchange students from 40+ countries, and have quite a few Indian,Malay,Sri-Lankan, Indonesian,Filipino,Korean,etc.students as full-time students! Special thanks to the Office of Global Learning and International Students Organization (ICON) for all the buddy events!
If not for SMU, I don’t know whenelse I could’ve met these amazing guys!
Before coming to Singapore, I could not even imagine that together with Singaporean culture, I will learn as much about other Asian and Western cultures!
Langar Day organized by SMU Sikhs Society! You guys rock!
Langar Day – giving away free ( & delicious) Indian food!
Amazing Buddy Food Trail Program organized by ICON & OGL
SMU has given me fascinating opportunities to push my limits, embrace the diversity, and create life-lasting friendships! My special gratitude to those who were,are, and always be there for me, no matter where I go and what I do!
