The moment I landed at Changi Airport after a 24-hour flight with two suitcases in the pouring rain, I knew my life was rapidly changing. After hours of running around the city for an eSIM card and a pillow, it finally hit me that I would spend the next 17 weeks in Singapore.
I had never been to Asia before, let alone taken an intercontinental flight by myself. Friends and family kept asking me, “Aren’t you scared? Nervous? I could never go to a new country alone.” However, I never had these feelings. I saw studying abroad in Singapore as a new chapter: a challenge to face and overcome.
Navigating a New City
Thankfully, another Longhorn was on the same flight, and we quickly became friends. We spent the first few days shopping for dorm supplies, learning the metro system and exploring the city – all during nonstop rain. Instead of four seasons, Singapore has a wet and dry season. I happened to arrive during intense monsoon rain. After a weekend of slipping on stairs and carrying umbrellas, I woke up to a text from my friend saying, “Where does all this rain even go?”
Despite the weather, I was very excited to arrive in Singapore. The weeks leading up to my flight were filled with butterflies and goodbyes with my Texan friends. The city-state welcomed me with open arms, and I was able to adapt relatively quickly.
Singapore is smaller than Austin, and the Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT) allows me to visit every corner. Coming from South Texas, I am amazed by the MRT’s simplicity and efficiency. The stations are clean, the signage is easy to follow, and the trains are never late. One month later, I can navigate the metro without a map.
Settling into Life at NUS
Despite its differences from Austin, moving to the National University of Singapore (NUS) was easier than I thought. NUS student housing, which ranges from apartments to hostels, differs from dorms at the University of Texas at Austin.
This semester, I’m living at Ridge View Residential College, where I’ve met other exchange students and experienced life without roommates for the first time. I enjoy playing music in the morning and coming back from class to take much-needed naps. I recently discovered a Nintendo Switch in my lounge and have spent the past few days beating my friends at Super Smash Bros.
My meal plan includes breakfast and dinner, leaving lunch for meals at canteens and trying new foods. Singapore is known for its hawker centers, open-air buildings with multiple food stalls and low prices. I was surprised by the food prices compared to Austin’s. A whole chicken rice meal costs 5 SGD (3.69 USD). It’s safe to say that the “freshman 15” is true, even while abroad.
What most surprised me about eating in Singapore is the lack of napkins. Everywhere I eat, from food stalls to canteens, it is hard to find napkins or paper towels. I quickly mastered the art of not dropping food from chopsticks and carrying tissues to every meal.
My NUS classes are also structured differently than those at UT Austin. Each class, or module, is worth four units and is graded using a bell curve system. Instead of discussions, biweekly tutorials are accompanied by two- to three-hour lectures.
My favorite course is “Martial Arts in Southeast Asia,” which includes lectures supplemented by hands-on training by martial artists in different styles, such as Malay Silat and Japanese kendo. As I travel around Southeast Asia, the class discussions of social and political nuances within each country have given me a new perspective and appreciation for the region.
Embracing Change
Beginning the semester with the Lunar New Year gave me a fresh start to fully embrace a change of scenery. I’ve made friends with people from around the world and back home. There are about 17 Longhorns at NUS who I would never have met on campus if not for this amazing opportunity. This blend of familiarity and uncertainty has helped me navigate the Lion City.
Raised along the Rio Grande Valley border, I grew up in a prominent Latino community where everyone had similar backgrounds. Coming to UT Austin was my first step toward gaining perspective on what the world has to offer, but it wasn’t enough.
Exploring Southeast Asia
I knew I wanted to study abroad to learn about other cultures and meet new people. As I decided on my program, my mother told me about her experience visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, around 15 years ago. “The future is in Asia,” my mom said as she described the vibrant city and beautiful culture.
Singapore’s central Southeast Asian location allowed me to travel to Malaysia and recreate my mother’s photos 15 years later. This full-circle moment made me realize how much life I have ahead of me and how grateful I am for the opportunity to study abroad. I have planned many trips to explore the rest of Southeast Asia and make new memories.
Here’s to the year of the snake!
This post was contributed by Regina Mendiola, a Global Ambassador for Spring 2025. Regina is a sophomore studying abroad in Singapore.
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