By Srishti Chopra, Undergraduate, SMU School of Accountancy
One of the most talked-about experiences at SMU is undoubtedly its International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP). My seniors and peers have gushed about it, but until last August, I never truly grasped how transformative it could be in just a short four to five months. My red-letter day finally arrived on 8 August 2023. I clutched my ticket to the world as I began a 24-hour journey to the United States.
After landing at the airport, I hopped on the train to the University of Pennsylvania. Gazing from my Amtrak train window, a behemoth building emblazoned with “Penn” loomed closer. Excitement and apprehension warred within me as I embarked on my five-month adventure abroad.
My view of University of Pennsylvania as I was riding the Amtrak train from the airport
Orientation extravaganza
The orientation schedule blew me away. It included ‘A private gala at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’ (Yes, you read that right!). Penn had rented the entire museum for the orientation, complete with the iconic Rocky Steps.
We enjoyed the evening with a live DJ and a band, and had unrestricted access to all galleries, including the original Vincent van Gogh paintings!
A welcome in a true Wharton fashion
The first day of classes was equally exhilarating. The campus buzzed with thousands of students rushing to their classes.
My Wharton welcome included an address from Dean Erika James, delivered not in person, but as a live hologram on stage! It felt like a scene straight out of an Iron Man movie.
The holographic welcome address by the Wharton School Dean Erika James felt like a scene straight out of an Iron Man movie
As the semester unfolded, I eagerly delved into a diverse course load in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, business in China, climate change, and leading diversity in organisations.
The private equity module, in particular, included weekly case studies. At first glance, it appeared to follow a typical business school pedagogy. But what’s mind-blowing for me was the fact that the seasoned professionals behind these actual billion-dollar deals would show up as instructors in class!
Strong industry partnerships at Penn: my courses had the global head at Jefferies (left) and co-head of mergers and acquisitions at Goldman Sachs (right) teaching about the deals they’ve facilitated
Beyond business: A tapestry of cultures
My classes were not limited to those from the Wharton School, as I also took classes such as Leading Diversity in Organisations and Global Climate Change offered by other schools at the University of Pennsylvania.
Beyond the curriculum, I had the opportunity to interact with students from all over the world across my classes. My group projects brought together individuals from various countries such as Zambia, Mexico, Japan, Spain, Kenya, China, and more. Even my American classmates were a diverse mix of individuals from Asian, Latino, African, and Caucasian backgrounds.
Working with such a global group was an eye-opening experience, providing me with invaluable insights into different cultures. While Singapore is known for its diversity, the United States offered an unparalleled tapestry of cultures.
Penn life: Beyond the classroom
But what about life at Penn beyond the academics? It was just as thrilling! Imagine a quintessential American college movie, complete with sprawling football fields, energetic cheerleaders, and a marching band.
During my semester at Penn, I experienced all of that first-hand. Homecoming weekend saw the campus flooded with alumni, and the Big 5 game (a college basketball game in Philadelphia) at the Wells Fargo Centre (home of the Philadelphia basketball team 76ers) was electric. There were always events and activities happening, fostering a vibrant campus community.
One of the dorm-sponsored events I attended was an NBA game featuring the Philadelphia 76ers vs Indiana Pacers
Dorm life: A home away from home
Living far from home brought a longing for familiarity, but it also fuelled my desire to build a new – albeit temporary – family.
The Resident Assistants (RAs) and Graduate RAs at Mayer Hall, where I stayed during my exchange, were incredibly friendly and supportive, offering guidance and hosting bi-weekly breakfasts for all dorm residents.
Dorm-sponsored events included trips to Topgolf, NBA games, skating carnival, pumpkin patch outing, a Philadelphia Orchestra concert, roller skating at Penn’s Landing, a Diwali Party, weekly running sessions with Resident Faculty, and the list goes on.
My dorm community at Mayer was incredibly welcoming, and the constant events provided numerous opportunities to socialise and connect with other students. It truly felt like a home away from home.
My temporary family; there were many events that allowed me (extreme left) to connect with other students
A bittersweet farewell
As I flew back on Christmas Eve from a deserted JFK airport, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I missed the Penn community I had built and the unforgettable memories we had created together.
The exchange programme had been more than just an academic experience; it had opened my eyes to the world and shaped me into a more globally-minded individual.
Ready to take on the world, starting with your undergraduate study at SMU? Accept your offer by 24 May 2024!
