Where did you study?
I studied at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore.
When did you study there? What year?
The second semester of my third year bachelor.
Was the university you studied at your first choice?
Yes, NTU was my first choice.
Why did you want to go there?
It seemed like a safe base to explore Asia, since Singapore is safer than The Netherlands. Living in a global city like this seemed like a good way to challenge myself. Apart from that, the level of education is very high at NTU.
Did you get some sort of grant (Erasmus or Study Abroad Allowance) to finance your time abroad?
Yes, I got a grant. This was arranged through Tilburg University.
When did you start preparing for your trip?
A year before I left.
How much money did you spend each month abroad? Where there a lot of unexpected costs?
I spent about €400 each month. I did not come across any unexpected costs.
Did you have a hard time meeting people there? Did you make friends you still talk to?
I didn’t have a hard time meeting people at all. All exchange students are experiencing the same and want to meet friends, just like you. I also shared a room with a Singaporean girl, which enabled me to meet a lot of Singaporean students. I still regularly talk to the people that I was very close with during my exchange. One of my best friends chose to study in Eindhoven during the following semester! In short, I made friends for life.
How was your housing arranged?
I had a shared room on campus. I shared the toilettes and showers with the whole floor. I was lucky to get that room though, because living there was a lot cheaper than finding a house outside of the campus. This has made my exchange very cheap.
Do you feel like your exchange has added something to your study, finding a job, personal growth etcetera?
I think studying abroad for a semester has added value for everyone. In those six months you really get to know yourself, you will face many challenges, you learn to function on your own and you challenge yourself academically as well. I think studying abroad for a semester in Europe is a good move. Everything is different than what you are used to at home. That’s why it’s such a challenge.
Would you advise others to study abroad? Do you have any tips for the people who are either still doubting or that are definitely planning on doing it?
Don’t be scared to go on exchange! They will probably be the best five/six months of your life. Also, don’t hesitate to choose a destination far away from home, because those are the places that can teach you the most valuable life lessons. Also, make sure you will give yourself time to go travelling before – or after the semester (e.g. backpacking!). Many exchange students don’t do this, but you definitely don’t want to miss it.
