Larisa spent a term in Singapore studying at the National University of Singapore.
One of my favourite activities was snorkeling! Here, I was enjoying the views of the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand.
An exchange friend and I amazed by the view of Kelingking beach on the Nusa Penida Island, which is a boat ride away from Bali, Indonesia.
Joo Chiat Road in Singapore, famously known for their heritage site buildings that shine brightly in many colours.
I visited the beautiful Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, an ethical sanctuary that rescues elephants and lets them peacefully live their lives.
The most stunning Buddhist temple, Wat Arun, settled in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand during the evening hours.
A peaceful boat ride in the Mekong River in Vietnam, one of the most soothing experiences of my life.
A day trip to see Mount Fuji in Japan. Sadly, the clouds were covering the view! It was all good though since I was able to catch the last few cherry blossoms of the season.
I visited the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea! It was a beautiful place, and I rented a Hanbok to wear during the day.
The best view of Singapore’s landscape at this panoramic viewpoint. This was taken on my last night in Singapore before my flight home.
Larisa, Bachelor of Public Health, Co-op, 3A
Since high school, I have aspired to study abroad and immerse myself in the experience of challenging myself to adapt to a new life. When selecting my host country, I envisioned a destination in Asia, known for its exquisite cuisine, remarkable infrastructure, and strategic location for travel. I ended up being matched to Singapore and it was the best destination!
While studying at the National University of Singapore, my daily life as a student was a blend of academics, forging new friendships, and creating unforgettable memories. The nightlife was vibrant, with many university activities taking place in the evening to avoid the daytime heat. The campus food scene was exceptional, providing many opportunities to socialize over meals and explore a variety of Asian cuisines. I discovered that Singapore has four distinct mealtimes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper. Supper, a late-evening meal, became a regular routine for my friends and me. We would snack together and enjoy late night walks while conversing about anything that came to mind.
Beyond the campus, there were endless opportunities to explore the country, and navigating Singapore was made effortless by the efficient SMRT and MRT systems. I appreciated the public transportation and the walkability of the city, which made discovering Singapore's charms even more enjoyable. A fond memory I had was renting a bike at midnight near the Marina Bay Sands and cycling back to campus with a group of exchangers. Despite returning at 3 AM, it was an exhilarating moment.
Of course, going on exchange had its tough times. After a grueling 30-hour journey and getting the keys to my dorm, I had the immediate regret of going on exchange alone. I worried about making friends and finding time to travel, all while maintaining my connections back home. This feeling was similar to my first year at Waterloo. While everything was exciting and new, it was also daunting to think of all the responsibilities required to take care of myself. My advice to any future exchanger would be that the exchange process is not linear, and there will be highs and lows. My greatest moments could only be achieved by overcoming my challenges. There are also many support networks available, and I was able to find the greatest friendships through group chats, fellow exchange classmates, and meeting friends of friends.
To sum it up, embrace exploration, be curious, say yes to new experiences, and most importantly, live in the moment! I encourage every student to consider a semester abroad and create lasting memories that will be cherished forever.