Ready for Singapore

My Preparation for My Study Abroad Semester in Singapore

Ever since I started my studies at MSB, I knew I definitely wanted to spend a semester abroad. The real question was just: Where should I go? It quickly became clear to me that I didn’t want to go to a neighboring country in the already familiar Europe. No, I wanted to experience something completely new and step out of my comfort zone.

When I first came across James Cook University in Singapore, I honestly had a few prejudices in mind. I thought Singapore might be too strict, too regulated, and too uptight — a place where one couldn’t really feel free. But after reading several experience reports from other students and watching some videos, my perception changed completely. Suddenly, I no longer saw Singapore as a strict city but as an incredibly fascinating country where different cultures come together. The more I researched, the more intrigued I became — and after a few days, my decision was made: I wanted to spend my semester abroad in Singapore.

After submitting my application and receiving my acceptance letter, the less exciting part began: filling out forms, submitting documents, and applying for a visa. The visa process wasn’t exactly simple, and to make things even more complicated, I had to get a new passport since my old one would expire during my stay. Still, everything worked out in the end, and step by step, all the bureaucracy was taken care of. At the same time, I started organizing accommodation, vaccinations, flights, and all those little things you have to take care of before a big trip.

The closer the departure date came, the stronger my anticipation grew — but so did my nervousness. On one hand, I was excited about everything that awaited me. On the other, I realized that I would soon be living on another continent for half a year. In the last few weeks before my flight, my emotions constantly alternated between euphoria and anxiety.

My first month in Singapore

Arriving in Singapore was the moment when everything suddenly felt real. My apartment was even nicer than I had imagined, and I quickly felt at home. During the first two days, I was still quite exhausted from the long flight and jet lag, but by the third day, I was already attending my first classes — and exploring the city right after. And what can I say? I was absolutely in love from the very first moment.

I’ve now been studying at James Cook University Singapore for four weeks, and I can honestly only say positive things. Everything — from the organization to the courses — runs smoothly, and the professors are extremely knowledgeable and teach in a very engaging way. What impressed me the most, though, is the international atmosphere. In no time, I made friends from India, France, China, England, Denmark, Singapore, and many other countries. Everyone was incredibly open, friendly, and welcoming.

But even more than the university, the city itself blew me away. Singapore combines the exciting big-city vibe you’d expect from metropolises like New York with a surprisingly calm, almost homely atmosphere. While the downtown area is filled with breathtaking skyscrapers, you can reach peaceful botanical gardens or charming residential neighborhoods with local shops after just a few train stops. My initial concern that Singapore might feel too artificial or “sterile,” like Dubai, turned out to be completely unfounded. On the contrary — the city has a unique character that I’ve never experienced anywhere else.

I could share so many more impressions — like the inspiration that seems to be everywhere here, whether for your career or even entrepreneurial ideas. But I’ll save that for my second report, once I’ve had more time to dive deeper into life in Singapore.

All in all, preparing for my semester abroad came with its fair share of challenges, but every bit of effort was worth it. Now, after my first month here, I’m simply happy that I took this step — and I can’t wait to experience even more in the months ahead.