Overseas Experiences

" I am part of the NOC Silicon Valley programme, where I spent 1 year abroad in Silicon Valley for an internship at Rinse, a laundry delivery startup. I was doing full-stack development work, developing web apps and mobile apps for the company.

My experience in NOC was a bumpy one filled with ups and downs, but ultimately, it was a great learning experience where I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and adapt quickly on many fronts, such as adapting to new living conditions and adapting to working with people of a different culture.

I got to network with many working professionals in the tech industry, and being in Silicon Valley, we were naturally surrounded by the best technologists in the industry. Being able to meet and work with these professionals greatly shaped my perspective and knowledge base, which serves as a great accelerator for my career. It was easy to get inspired by some of the cutting-edge work that these people are doing, either for their full-time job or as side projects. "

" I was a mechanical engineering cum project intern at STABL Energy, which does energy storage of renewable energy by reinventing the central inverter. Green energy is something considerably more developed in Europe than in Singapore, hence it was very eye-opening to hear about all the innovations in that region.

By working with a very diverse group of people very different from myself, I learnt how to be a much better communicator, and to think like an entrepreneur with a never-say-die attitude. By working with a team with an entirely different background from me, I was heavily inspired by their different ways of thinking and working styles, in turn allowing me to reflect and improve on myself.

Besides working, leaving our comfort zone by living overseas also made me grow very quickly, to become a more independent and adaptable individual.

Overall, NOC has broadened my world view and challenged me to continuously grow and improve through different challenges and experiences. "

" I went to TU Delft in the Netherlands, on an Aerospace engineering program. I chose this university because of its reputation and rigour of the aerospace modules not found in NUS. SEP was extremely eye-opening, from living alone independently, learning about new cultures and travelling all over Europe. It gave me the chance to deepen my experience and worldview, learning about the cultures and practices of other exchangers and locals. One of the things I treasured the most there was the ability to dissociate myself from the usual hustle and bustle of Singapore, and realise that the world is that much bigger. Being able to sit in the grassy parks, basking in the sun sipping a drink was never something I was able to appreciate in Singapore; but my time during SEP has allowed me to recognise when to slow down, take a pause and enjoy the magnificent view. "

" SEP is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad for one semester. I went on exchange to Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the most highly ranked science and engineering university in South Korea. Academically, KAIST offers very rigorous classes. However, as E-Scholars, going on exchange is a way to clear credits without the same stress as regular semesters, and personally, I found it a great change of pace.

Other than studying, I also had the chance to travel around Korea. KAIST is located south of Seoul, making it easier to visit different cities, even as short day trips. I found the independence of planning and travelling on my own, or with friends, an extremely enriching and rewarding experience, and made a lot of memories on the way.

Meeting new people, be it other international students or local students, was another one of the highlights of exchange, since I got to learn about many other cultures, not just Korean culture. Overall, SEP is an unforgettable experience, and I definitely recommend going on exchange! "

" Hi! I’m Yew Chong, a Year 3 Mechanical Engineering student taking an Aeronautical Specialisation. I went to Purdue University, USA, from January to May in 2022, during the Spring Semester. During my exchange, I took 3 core modules and 2 technical electives. Purdue is an engineering school known for aeronautical and astronautical engineering, and the alma mater for Neil Armstrong and Amelia Earhart.

Having an overseas experience during my university years was an eye-opening experience. It was a good opportunity to explore beyond my comfort zone, making new friends and travelling to the different states in America. I would definitely recommend going to Purdue, not only to learn from the excellent professors and immerse in the aeronautical engineering environment, but also to enjoy the different sights and sceneries both in the city and countryside. "