A Student’s Experience at the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP): Learning Beyond the Classroom
After attending the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) in 2025, Accountancy student Haneen Alkandari shares how its diverse, interactive environment strengthened her critical thinking, communication skills, and confidence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on activities and cultural exchanges, her experience left a lasting impact—motivating her to return for the 2026 edition.
Having attended the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) last year, SMU Accountancy student Haneen Alkandari is excited to return for this year’s edition.
Offered over four weeks in Singapore, the GSP brings together SMU and international students to learn, collaborate, earn academic credits, and build friendships. The summer programme will run across two sessions in 2026:
- Session 1: 29 June – 24 July 2026
- Session 2: 13 July – 7 August 2026
Hear from Haneen as she reflects on her first GSP experience (from 7 July to 1 August 2025) and shares why she’s returning for the 2026 edition.
What’s one experience from your first SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) that had a lasting impact on you?
One memorable experience was when our group went to the theatre to watch a Korean film titled Women on the Beach for an assignment. The film explores modern Korean relationship culture, focusing on emotional honesty, communication, and the influence of social expectation on relationships.
After the screening, we analysed various scenes together and discussed our interpretations. It was especially interesting to see how differently each of us had interpreted the same scenes. One teammate, who is Korean, offered cultural insights and nuances that we had not initially understood, while our perspectives helped her see the film in a new light.
This experience showed me how much richer learning becomes when people openly exchange ideas and challenge each other’s perspectives.
How have the skills or knowledge gained from the GSP supported you in your studies or future plans?
The GSP has taught me to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives. This mindset has improved the way I handle assignments and group projects.
Engaging with peers from different backgrounds has sharpened my communication and collaboration skills—both essential for teamwork in academic and professional settings.
Beyond the classroom, the GSP has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and connect with people from different cultures. I believe this will be valuable as I pursue a career in finance and accounting.
How would you describe the GSP community?
The GSP community is open, vibrant, and engaging. It brings together students from around the world, making discussions insightful and thought-provoking.
This sense of community extends beyond the classroom. Through the programme’s tours and activities, participants interact in more relaxed settings, making it easier to form meaningful relationships.
What inspired you to return to the GSP in 2026?
I found my first experience to be well-structured and thoughtfully paced. The duration was just right—it gave me enough time to engage with the course material while allowing space to explore and connect with others.
The diversity of participants also made discussions and learning especially dynamic and enriching.
Having gone through the programme in 2025, I now feel more confident and prepared for the GSP in 2026, with a clearer understanding of its pace, structure, and overall learning environment.
What’s your advice for someone considering joining the GSP?
I would say go for it. It may feel unfamiliar at first, especially if you are used to a more traditional semester system, but that is part of what makes it worthwhile.
I recommend keeping an open mind, participating actively in discussions, and making the most of the activities offered—because that is where some of the most memorable experiences are made.
Take the next step
Having experienced the GSP once, Haneen chose to return. If you are considering a summer programme that challenges how you think and connects you with people from around the world, the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) could be worth exploring.
