STANSFIELD COLLEGE
Ilived and studied in Singapore for nine months from 2008 onwards. My course, Information Systems and Management, was part of the London School of Economics distance learning programme. Part of the course was taught in Singapore. And I couldn’t have picked a better country.
When it comes to the quality of life, no place can beat Singapore. It is one of the most organised and well- executed cities I have ever visited. Living here is an educational experience in itself. Be it crime, traffic or violence— whatever the problem, it will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
The external environment definitely affects ones overall academic experience. One needs to feel free, happy and burdenless in order to focus in class and submit assignments on time. In Singapore, students rarely have to waste time dealing with petty problems.
The people are also very warm and helpful. If you are lost, you don’t have to think twice about asking for help and guidance— be it in the classroom or out on the streets. One thing that I liked especially was that everyone will treat you as
an equal. No one is considered inferior.
Colleges are very modern in Singapore and unlike our education system in India, students are not spoonfed. You are encouraged to think and act independently. At first it can be difficult to get used to but once you do, you quickly realise the importance of individu- ality. It arms you with a lot of self confidence.
One of the drawbacks that can come up when studying here is that the cost of living is very high, especially if you do not secure a college hostel room for yourself. I was lucky that my stay and food was free as I had paid my tuition fees for all three years in bulk. So I could afford to enjoy the best of Singapore without any education debts. But if you compare living in the US or UK, Singapore is still significantly more affordable for students.
Overall the city is student friendly, colleges are advanced and jobs are aplenty. It is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.