So far, my experience has been nothing short of amazing. Being halfway done with my internship experience in Singapore, soon to be followed by 4 more months of academic travel in the region, I can say that using Singapore as my starting country was an excellent choice. If you're looking for a country that has food from every corner of the world, is English-oriented in a new environment, and is a global hub that looks good on any CV. I'd say Singapore is the obvious choice. While cost can get expensive at times, I truly do think it's what you make of it. I've had various meals here at hawker centers, which are multicultural food stands within a large complex, for as cheap as $2.50 USD. On that same note, I will say I'm guilty of splurging at a rooftop bar and enjoying a meal and drink with a view, costing me easily over $35 USD, with $25 of it being solely on the one drink. While the drinking age may be 18 here, you will find that drinking is heavily discouraged compared to Europe, primarily due to the $8 USD price per can or bottle during happy hour, not to mention the surge prices at night or in any type of club.
That being said, there are many things I've done outside of my internship to fill the time. Activities such as going to the zoo, going to neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, and simply going to the beach can be cheaper and usually more fun than a night out. While costs within Singapore may be expensive, it truly is close to its neighbors, with easy flights to the next country ranging from $100 to $200 USD round trip. This proximity and low entry cost have allowed me to visit Malaysia and Thailand, only 4 weeks in, and, if all goes to plan, Vietnam and Indonesia before the program ends. To add to this, because of the country's focus on English and the variety of interns from the program coming from all different countries and backgrounds, along with all the bonding activities possible, the chances of making friends are almost endless. With intern mixers every other week and weekend trips every month, all of which are covered within the program's cost, you'll easily find someone within the program of 55+ people for the summer to connect with. During my first half, I was able to connect and bond with people I never thought I'd connect with on a personal level. My most memorable were two interns from the University of Birmingham. While none of us shared the same ethnicity, religious beliefs, major, or family background, we all bonded and connected throughout our time together. My only regret is not spending more time with them, as the program length for them was only a month compared to GEO’s two-month internship. I look forward to wrapping up my internship, though, and feel fully immersed within my routine on the small island that is "Singapura."
Jesus Valenzuela, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
GlobalWorks Internship in Singapore
