For many students, studying abroad is defined by a handful of standout moments. For Sven Hrdina, a Business Administration student from Humboldt University of Berlin, the most meaningful part of the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) was not one particular event, but settling into an everyday routine and realising that Singapore had begun to feel like home.

Over four weeks, his classes helped him better understand Singapore's business environment and social context, while the friendships and experiences beyond campus gave him a new perspective on what he was capable of. 

Looking back, what is your favourite memory from GSP?

My favourite memory is not one specific event. It is the experience of building a new and different life in Singapore, one that made me happy and proud, even if it was only for a short time.

After the initial adjustment period and once the first rush of excitement had faded, I found myself settling into a normal everyday routine at SMU. And that was what made it so exciting. I remember having this realisation: “Yep, I just moved to a different continent, have engaging classes, meet exciting people every day, and that is just my life for now.”

It was amazing to discover that I could build a life for myself somewhere completely new and have another place where I felt at home. I gained so much confidence from knowing that I could move to a different continent and create a life there that was meaningful to me. 

How did GSP change your perspective on Singapore, SMU and studying abroad?

It changed my perspective completely. Through Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Asia Pacific Business, I learnt about Singapore’s economic, social and historical background, its relationship with neighbouring countries, how businesses operate here, and the entrepreneurial mindset in Singapore.

Outside the classroom, I came to better understand Singapore’s culture and what it means to live here. I found it fascinating to learn not only about the country and its distinct identity, but also about the people: what shapes their values, what matters to them, and what they hope for in life.

I came to see SMU as a place of genuine connection, filled with curious minds and opportunities to broaden one’s horizons. I really enjoyed being part of that community.

Studying abroad is an invaluable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. It’s an opportunity to see life from a different perspective and gain new ideas about what life can be. Through that, you return not only with memories, but also with a different way of seeing yourself. 

What can you approach differently now because of your GSP experience?

Studying abroad made me more open-minded and strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills. Meeting people from different backgrounds helped me appreciate that we all experience the world differently, and that each perspective has its own value.

I came to believe that every stranger is a friend you have not gotten to know yet, and someone you can learn a lot from.

My time in Singapore also made me realise that we have more control over the direction of our lives than we might think. The only way to discover what you truly want is to have the courage to try. If you have the opportunity to move across the world and experience something completely new, take it!

You cannot know what you want if you do not experiment, and even if something does not work out, you still learn from it. In the end, the goal is to collect memories and adventures, not to do everything perfectly. Have the courage to live a life that feels true to you and take the leap that excites you. 

What was your favourite class during GSP, and why did it leave an impact on you?

My favourite class was Sustainable Entrepreneurship, taught by Senior Lecturer Whitney Zhang. We explored entrepreneurship and how businesses can be a vehicle for doing good in society.

The many case studies made the subject relatable, while the guest lectures and company visits connected theory with practice. I would recommend the course to anyone who is interested in starting a business.

It strengthened my passion for social and sustainable entrepreneurship and gave me a new perspective on how I might build a venture of my own. 

What is one GSP story you still tell your friends and family?

I wanted to explore as much of Singapore as I could, but there were simply too many things to see. I realised that I could not do everything, but I could enjoy what I chose to do. So I thought: why not try to see the whole country?

I gathered a few friends I met through GSP and we walked across Singapore from south to north in one day, from VivoCity to Woodlands and then further into Johor Bahru.

We spent nine hours walking. No car, no bicycle, no bus, no MRT. Just nine hours of walking and enjoying the landscape. 

What do you wish you had known before GSP, and what advice would you give prospective students?

Before taking part in GSP, think about what you want to get out of the experience. Write it down and check in with yourself during the programme to see whether you are reaching those goals or whether they have changed. 

Think carefully about the course load you want to take on, as it can be difficult to add or drop a course once you have arrived at SMU.

Time passes quickly in Singapore, so remember to cherish it. I hung a calendar on my wall and crossed out each day that passed so I could see how much time I had left. It helped me appreciate each day more.

Choose accommodation where you will feel comfortable. It does not have to be right next to the University, as Singapore’s public transport is clean, efficient and well established.

Finally, spend time outside your usual circle. Hawker centres are not only places to find delicious and affordable food, but also places to meet people and experience everyday life in Singapore.

GSP gave me the opportunity to experience so much that was new to me, grow as a person, explore another culture and meet people from around the world.

Ready to make Singapore your classroom this summer? Find out more about the SMU Global Summer Programme.