Singapore had felt familiar to Goh Joon Yen long before she joined the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP). Having visited since she was young, the Bachelor of Business student from Monash University already considered it her second home.

Living and studying here for four weeks, however, gave her a different view of the city. Between classes at SMU and spontaneous outings with new friends, Joon Yen experienced Singapore as part of her everyday life rather than as a holiday destination. Along the way, she also found the confidence to embrace new opportunities more readily. 

Looking back, what is your favourite memory from GSP?

My favourite memory from GSP was definitely meeting friends from around the world and exploring Singapore together.

Having visited Singapore since I was young, I have always considered it my second home, so I somehow became the unofficial tour guide of the group! I loved showing my friends around, from the Merlion and Gardens by the Bay to some of my favourite local food and drinks, such as iJooz, kaya toast and chicken rice.

But some of my favourite memories were also the simplest ones, like grabbing coffee between classes or finding cafés where we could study together.

Experiencing a place I already loved with completely new people made Singapore feel different again. Those friendships are definitely what I cherish most from my four weeks at GSP. 

Did GSP change your perspective on Singapore, SMU or studying abroad?

GSP definitely changed the way I see Singapore.

Because the city was already familiar to me, I thought I knew it quite well. But studying here was completely different from visiting on holiday. For the first time, I had an everyday routine in Singapore, from making my way to SMU for classes to grabbing meals around campus and studying in the library.

I also loved how easy it was to get around on public transport, which meant we could continue exploring Singapore after class.

Through my course, Innovation for Asia’s Smart Cities, I started noticing things I had previously taken for granted, especially how much thought and planning goes into the way Singapore works as a city.

GSP made me realise that there was still so much to discover about a place I had always considered my second home. 

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

I would now be more open to trying new things and welcoming unfamiliar experiences.

Before GSP, I was hesitant about going to Singapore alone. I wondered whether I would meet friends and have a good experience. But GSP taught me to be more outgoing when new opportunities come along and to just say “YES” sometimes!

Saying yes to GSP led to friendships and memories I would never have experienced if I had not taken that chance. Moving forward, I want to be more present and make the most of the opportunities that come my way, because you never know what might happen when you simply say yes. 

What was your favourite class, workshop or activity during GSP?

My favourite activity was actually the Farewell Party.

I know it might sound as though I was excited to leave GSP, but that was definitely not the case. I wish it had lasted longer!

It was lovely having everyone together one last time before we returned to our home universities. We spent the night bowling, playing arcade games and taking photos at the photo booth. It was a bittersweet moment as we reminisced about everything we had experienced together.

The evening also felt like a full-circle moment. Just a few weeks earlier, we had been meeting one another for the first time, and now we were already saying goodbye.

It reminded me to cherish the people I meet and make the most of experiences like GSP while they last. 

What is one GSP story you still find yourself telling your friends or family?

One experience I still find myself talking about is our visit to Dignity Kitchen.

We heard from its founder, Koh Seng Choon, about his journey with Project Dignity and its work to provide training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

I really admired how the organisation focuses on what people are capable of and gives them an opportunity to demonstrate that through their work.

Seeing Dignity Kitchen for myself and hearing the story behind it made the visit especially memorable. It also made me want to become more involved in projects like this in the future, where I can contribute and help make a difference in my own way. 

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

I wish I had known just how quickly the four weeks would go by!

I was a little nervous about attending GSP alone and not knowing anyone, but now I wish I had not worried so much.

If you are thinking about joining GSP on your own, do not let that stop you. Be open to spontaneous plans and make the most of your time here. Some of my favourite memories came from grabbing coffee between classes, having lunch together afterwards or randomly deciding to explore somewhere in Singapore.

Those simple moments were also when we got to know one another better and became closer as friends. Just go for it and have fun!

GSP gave me the opportunity to meet amazing people from around the world and experience Singapore with them in a way I never had before.

Ready to experience Singapore in a new way? Find out more about the SMU Global Summer Programme.