Shannon McLean

What overseas experience did you go on, and why did you choose it?

I spent a semester abroad at Singapore Management University (SMU). I thought it would be an exciting opportunity to live in a new country (with no frosts or cold days!) while working towards my degrees and meeting people from around the world. 

How did you find your experience?

Take me back! I miss Singapore and my lifestyle there. Being there and living my dream is a memory I’ll cherish forever. It taught me that if you really want to make something happen, you can – and it is so worth it!

What did you like most about it?

My favourite part of the experience was my flatmates! I lived with five other exchange students, sharing a room with my Italian flatmate to save money. We went on adventures around Singapore together, like a spontaneous five-hour monkey hike. Another highlight was meeting a local food tour guide, Heng, on a food tour. We kept in touch throughout the duration of my exchange and he showed us the best markets and ‘hidden gems’ in Singapore. I even helped him with his marketing and business strategy for his tour guide business with skills I had learnt throughout my study.

What is the education like on your international experience? 

I knew it was going to be different to UC due to all the classes being three-hour seminar style (and no lectures recorded!). Participating in lectures earned you points, which determined if you would pass the course. It was important to speak at least once per class, which was something I had to quickly adapt to. The field trips we went on were quite spectacular. In one course I went to Singapore Airlines HQ to see how they manage uncertainty. I was surprised by how excited they were to have us and how much they showed us behind the scenes. 

How did you find the courses, the teaching styles, your classmates, and the facilities?

My courses were very group presentation orientated, which meant I got to know my classmates and learn from their different perspectives. I did at least one 10-minute presentation a week, which improved my public speaking and improvising skills. 

Classmates were very friendly, and the teachers were so encouraging; they always wanted to connect us with people to help with jobs or internships. We were able to hear from a wide range of guest speakers, including one that had five Masters degrees! 

The facilities were great; very futuristic. There is an air-conditioned underground pathway that connects the seminar and university rooms, and two train stations that connect to the underground pathway, which is very handy! One of my favourite things is their food court – you could get delicious meals for less than $5NZD and epic coffee from a machine that made 150 different drinks. 

What were your accommodation arrangements?

SMU connected all 350 exchange students in a group chat so we could find flatmates and meet people before we arrived. I found a place within a 10-minute walking distance to the university with other exchange students who seemed really cool. I ended up sharing a small room in a fancy apartment complex kitted out with a pool, gym, sauna, library, security, party room, and BBQ areas. I was very happy with it!

How did you find life at your host university?

I liked how intimate the university was. Everyone in our classes knew each other and the professors had casual chats with everyone, which made it more enjoyable and encouraged me to try harder in class. It also made it easier to make friends. 

What did you enjoy about life in your host country?

I have never lived such a healthy lifestyle as I did in Singapore. I got into a good sleep routine and would wake early and go to the gym for Reformer Pilates classes most days. I fell so in love with Pilates in Singapore that since graduating from UC I have also become an instructor here in Christchurch. I loved paying less than $5 for a full meal of rice with chicken and vegetables. I also enjoyed going for walks in the evenings, which were cooler than the day, and it being so safe and beautiful to walk around even at night. 

What did you get up to when you weren’t studying?

I enjoyed going on walks with friends, trying new hawker centres (food markets), going to reformer Pilates classes, and going out with flatmates. I also spent time exploring all of Heng’s hidden gems and catching up with the other UC student on exchange at SMU.  

What insights did you gain from your experience?

So many! My flatmates taught me that the people you surround yourself with are who you become. They were so motivated and good at balancing their lives that I found it easy to do the same. The students and professors taught me that asking for help or a connection for jobs or internships is always a good idea. Heng taught me that good food always makes you happier. And I taught myself that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. All these insights will help me in my career.  

How do you think the international experience will help you in the future?

It reminded me how big the world is and that if something isn’t working for you, a change in scenery (or country) can help you become inspired again. It gave me the confidence to take on challenges in my life and to do random side quests to keep life interesting.

Would you recommend other students take part in your international experience?

I think it’s obvious that my answer is yes! All the typical reasons are true; it will help you be more confident, more adaptive, see things differently, make international friends, and experience and understand other cultures. Most importantly, you will have fun doing so! 

Any tips or advice?

Live with other exchange students and try to find niche scholarships to help you afford a fun lifestyle overseas. I received the Prime Minister’s Scholarship and a scholarship from UC Business School, which helped with costs. Also, say yes to the most random side quests; you never know all the good that can come from it!