Why are you in Singapore?
‘I knew for sure that I wanted to go abroad during my studies. It’s an amazing opportunity and a valuable learning experience. Going to a country with a completely different culture can really be an eye‑opener. At first I really wanted to go to Hong Kong or Taiwan, but about a year and a half ago my ex-partner and I wanted to go abroad together. The only option then was Singapore. That’s how I ended up here.’
What are you studying there?
‘At this university, you have to obtain the maximum number of credits in a shorter period of three months. We can choose from all courses, except architecture unfortunately. And there’s a compulsory research project.
That research project is my favourite part. It focuses on machine‑integrated wearables – electronic devices worn directly on the body. I also chose two more humanitarian courses and one on integrating AI into designs.’
What do you do in your free time?
‘International students tend to stick together. There’s a group of about sixty international students here. I’ve made eight good friends among them. We often do things together, like grabbing something to eat. In Singapore we hardly ever cook. Since we’re only here for three months, it’s too much hassle to buy pots, plates, cutlery and all that. In the end, it’s cheaper to get food outside.
You meet people every day for lunch or a quick snack. That’s really nice, because everyone is more or less in the same situation, so you can always send a message. It often leads to the most unexpected things. Last week I went parasailing with someone in my circle – we made the plan an hour beforehand. That spontaneity is wonderful.’
What is the biggest difference between Singapore and the Netherlands?
‘How busy everything is. Now that I’m in Singapore, I realise how little free time I actually had in the Netherlands, which feels a bit strange. Here I have to earn thirty credits in three months. That would be impossible in the Netherlands, yet in Singapore I still have time to exercise and see my friends. I do something every evening. I should also mention the weather: it’s very predictable – always warm and humid. At least I always know what to wear.’
What else do you want to do in Singapore?
‘Before coming here, I set myself a challenge. Singapore has loads of Michelin‑recognised food stalls. My goal is to eat at every recognised stall. That’s harder than it sounds, because there’s food everywhere. People here take their food very seriously. Dozens of stalls are Michelin‑recognised, but when you read the reviews you often only see three stars.’
And after that?
‘I’m currently in the final stage of my bachelor’s programme, after which I’ll start my master’s. Before that, I’ll travel to China and Taiwan with a few friends. I have to make good use of my last bit of free time, of course.’
Are you abroad and want to share your story? Send an email to [email protected].
