Reflection of My Study Abroad Experience and Tips for Coming Home

Hey all!!

So I'm officially back in Hawai'i and couldn't be happier. after being gone for about 8 months, it feels good to be back in the swing of things ;)

Freeman Scholarship
First and foremost, I again have to thank the Freeman family for their generous scholarship. Without the Freeman scholarship, I definitely would not have been able to accomplish this study abroad journey. I encourage anyone reading this who is eligible for the scholarship to apply for it because it absolutely does wonders for you.

My Reflections
Going on study abroad really opens your eyes to the different cultures that there are in the world. Even though Singapore is a very developed country, and is similar to the States in many ways, the different cultures that exist there are interesting to observe. I really enjoyed seeing how different cultures celebrated holidays like the Indians with their festival of lights called "Deepavali" and the many other holidays that took place while I was there.

Overall, Singapore was a wonderful experience. I met plenty of new people, some of which have actually become some of my close friends which I will keep in touch with for many years to come.

I'll have to admit, before I went, and in the beginning of the exchange, I was really nervous because it was my first time out of the country and I haven't done much traveling. So I wasn't sure if this is something that I would be good at, or enjoy. But very soon after my arrival in Singapore, I realized that this is exactly what I was looking for in a new life experience and I want to travel as much as I can later on in the future, post graduation.

Tips for Coming Home
Okay, so I know most people are thinking "how hard is it to come home?" True, it's not that complicated, but there's little things that make the journey back a lot easier. First off, pack DAYS in advance.. start doing laundry asap because if you wait until last minute there will be a hostel full of students just like you who are trying to do laundry and it just gets messy..trust me. Second, try to pack as efficient as when you arrived there. I ended up having to use an extra piece of luggage because I didn't pack the same way as when i packed to go to Singapore.. plus I bought some stuff there and in Cambodia and didn't leave any extra space in my luggage for that when I was still in the States. Lastly, get ready for a huge case of jet lag when you get back. I came back on monday morning, and just now (thursday morning) am I on a semi regular sleep schedule where I'm not sleeping for 9 or 10 hours +. Also, you're immune system might need some help while you're traveling back, so load up on vitamin C and electrolytes so you don't get sick after you get back, like I did :/

Well, think that's it for this blog series!! thanks for reading guys, and again if anyone has any questions feel free to email me at isaac3@hawaii.edu

~Isaac

Time to Start Heading Home

Hey all!

So it's official, the semester at NUS is officially OVER! Today was the last day of examination and its been a tough week of exams but everyone is done. I leave for Hawaii on Monday (today is Saturday).

The check out process is a little different here than what we are used to. Unlike our dorms in Hawaii where they check you out and do your room inspection on the same day, they separate it here. So your room inspection is a minimum of 3 days prior to your check out date. MAKE SURE YOU SCHEDULE IT WITH THE OFFICE!! Some of my friends here thought that they could just check out and do the room inspection at the same time and they ran into a few problems before leaving for their travels back home or to other parts of Asia.

Saying good bye is always the hardest part for a lot of people, myself included. While in Singpore, I've met so many people that I will never forget and who helped me out through some pretty tough times out here. A few of my closest friends here have decided that we are doing a 10 year reunion in Singapore and reminisce on our memories here and go to some of the same places that we visit on a normal basis when we need to "blow off some steam".

On that note, it's time for me to get back to packing! Thought I would finish out my last weekend in Singapore with a bang, so a few of my friends and I are going to a big concert in Singapore called Zoukout. It's featuring artist such as above and beyond, Calvin Harris, and more! So that's tonight, then I leave on Sunday to scratch another goal off of my checklist by going to marina bay sands hotel. Of course since this is the most popular and famous hotel in Singapore, it's going to take a few of us renting the room in order to make it a little more affordable :p but the small amount of space is worth the discomfort to have acces to the amazing roof top infinity pool!

Hope you all have been enjoying the blog so far. See you soon!