A Gateway to New Friendships, Personal Growth, and Unforgettable Experiences: Insights from the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP)
Curious about further studies opportunities in Singapore, Yeh Cheng En from National Taiwan University joined the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) in 2025. Through the GSP, he forged connections with peers from around the world and broadened his worldview. He also gained valuable lessons in empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication, essential skills to thrive in a global environment.
Imagine a summer break where you can learn, connect, and grow. The SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) offers just that: an immersive global learning experience hosted entirely in Singapore.
Spanning across four weeks, the GSP offers SMU and international university students a chance to connect with peers from around the world and broaden their horizons, while earning academic credits over the summer break.
In the coming 2026 edition, two sessions will be offered:
- Session 1: 29 June - 24 July 2026
- Session 2: 13 July - 7 August 2026
Yeh Cheng En, a university student from National Taiwan University, has been curious about further studies opportunities in Singapore, leading him to join the SMU GSP in summer 2025. Immersing himself in a multicultural environment, he took up the following courses:
- Entrepreneurship and Business Creation
- Screening Asia: History, Society, and Politics in Films
Hear more about his greatest takeaways from the programme.
What motivated you to join the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP), and what stood out the most about your experience?
I had never been to Singapore before! I was curious about further studies and career opportunities in Singapore, so I took up the SMU GSP spot offered by my home university, National Taiwan University.
Two things stood out during my GSP experience: I experienced Singapore’s vibrant, multicultural society, and immersed myself in an international classroom for the first time.
How did the friendships and global connections you built at the GSP enrich your personal and academic journey?
Through the GSP, I had the privilege of meeting students from various countries, from Singapore, Korea, Kuwait, to Luxembourg, and Austria.
Each connection opened a door to a different culture and enriched my academic curiosity by challenging my cultural assumptions. The genuine warmth and hospitality among us cemented our friendships, broadened my worldview, and sparked my interest in learning their language.
How did the GSP prepare you to thrive in a global and multicultural environment?
One memorable moment happened after class when a group of us from Asia discussed pressing social issues like declining birth rates, ageing populations, and the rising trend of remaining unmarried. While we could all relate to these topics, our perspectives were deeply influenced by our distinct cultural and societal backgrounds.
This spontaneous yet meaningful exchange showed me the value of open-minded communication and mutual respect in a multicultural setting.
More importantly, the GSP taught me that thriving in a global environment requires more than just language skills; it requires empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the courage to express and listen to diverse viewpoints.
Which were your favourite classes and activities during the GSP?
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshops on archery, roller blading, and ang ku kueh making, as I’ve never tried them before in Taiwan.
But the most impactful part of the GSP was the Entrepreneurship and Business Creation course taught by Dr Ng Xu Wen. As a law student, I was initially worried that I could not grasp business concepts, but Dr Ng was able to explain complex ideas in an approachable way.
The course also challenged us to put theory into practice, requiring us to take to the streets of Singapore to sell our products! Not only did this experiential approach give me a taste of real business dynamics, it also shed insight into how theory and practice can be meaningfully integrated.
Looking back, what’s a useful skill you’ve learned during the GSP?
Through various interactions with my peers, I have learned to communicate and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds more effectively.
I’m now also more perceptive to different perspectives and comfortable with expressing my views. These skills—empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication—are not only valuable in academia but also in my future career.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining the next edition of the GSP?
The GSP is more than just a summer programme; it’s a gateway to new friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. You will meet people from around the world, have your assumptions challenged, and discover perspectives that you may never encounter at home.
Whether it’s trying a new activity, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, or pitching your ideas in a business class, you get to step out of your comfort zone.
If you are considering joining the GSP, go for it with an open mind and a willingness to embrace every opportunity.
Ready to embark on an exciting summer experience? Applications for the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) 2026 start from 10 January to 15 April 2026. Discover more about the GSP here.
