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It’s been over a year since I wrote The Ultimate Guide for Applying to SEP in CHS CNM. Fast forward to today, I still feel incredibly fortunate to have spent a semester abroad at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia. Looking back, the experience taught me many lessons I could never have learned otherwise, and what better way to reflect on this journey than yapping about what I’ve learned—not just from my time at UQ, but also from the application process and the decisions leading up to it? I hope these tips help you make the most of your exchange journey!
Content:
Before Applying
During Exchange
Other Lessons I Gained
Final Thoughts
Before Applying
Check All Potential Expenses
Because of the cost, I almost turned down my exchange to Australia.
When planning your exchange, you might have a rough budget in mind. That’s a good start, but don’t stop there. A mistake I made was not doing enough and thorough research on specific expenses in my destination country. Har, need to search so much details meh? I get it, you already have so many things to research and consider that doing a detailed look into different expense categories might not be top priority for you, especially if you did estimate that an exchange to that country would fall under your overall budget.
That was me. Then, when I was offered my exchange, I was shocked to discover that an Australian student visa cost AUD710 (~SGD600) at the time. Today, that fee has increased to around AUD1,600 (~SGD1,400). Imagine the surprise if you didn’t know this and got placed in Australia!
Accommodation is another big-ticket item. Staying on campus in Brisbane can exceed AUD10,000 (~SGD9,000), while off-campus student hostel options average around AUD7,000 (~SGD6,000). Compare that to friends in Europe who spent a third of my accommodation expenses, and you’ll see why careful research matters.
For me, when deciding whether to accept my exchange offer, I struggled to justify the opportunity cost of these expenses. Hence, even if the total expenses are within your overall budget, knowing the full breakdown helps you make more informed choices and avoid surprises.
Be Sure About All the Options on Your Application
This might seem obvious, but don’t fill out your application form lightly. I learned this the hard way.
You know how your teachers always say not to leave blanks when submitting an exam paper? Well, I left one option blank in my application form, and yes, UQ became that “filler” option. Ironically, UQ ended up being the school I was offered. What were the chances, right? So, remember: Every option on your list should be one you’re genuinely okay with. If it’s not, leave it out.
Keep an Open Mind
Adding to the point above, as UQ wasn’t my ideal choice, I was worried about limited course options, not to mention that people told me Brisbane was “boring”. I was afraid that I would not have a fulfilling exchange. However, I appealed to switch semesters for more ideal courses, and decided to go with the open mindset to make the best of it regardless of circumstance.
In a game design mod at UQ
Looking back, I’m so glad I took the leap. My time at UQ and Brisbane turned out to be incredibly enriching. I met amazing people, learned from courses I wouldn’t have had access to at home, and explored a city I came to enjoy. I truly, truly have no regrets. Sometimes, the unexpected leads to the most rewarding outcomes. If your exchange destination isn’t what you imagined, why not just go for it and keep an open mind—you might just end up loving it.
Think Twice About Staying with Singaporeans
It’s comforting to live with people who share your culture, but it can limit your ability to connect with locals and other internationals. I thought it would be good to stay with Singaporeans because if anything, we could look out for each other. That’s how I ended up in an apartment with three other Singaporeans and one foreigner. Naturally, compounded with the fact that we were “free-er” compared to local students, we spent a lot of time together, exploring and hanging out.
However, if I could do it again, I might have chosen to stay with a mix of cultures. While I’m thankful for my Singaporean buddies, I wonder if staying with foreigners and locals would have provided more opportunities to engage with other cultures instead of being constantly surrounded by Singaporeans. Building connections with locals and other nationalities is one of the best parts of exchange, so consider stepping outside your comfort zone and staying with people from different backgrounds!
During Exchange
Maximize your Exchange Academically
Make every cent spent on exchange count! I made it my goal to overload during the semester and take core courses that weren’t available at NUS, ensuring my time abroad was academically worthwhile. Personally, I also found it more valuable to clear higher level core courses abroad, so I ensured that each university I applied to had a handful of higher level core courses that I could take.
Additionally, have backup courses ready in case your top choices aren’t available. I had prepared more than 5 extra courses to map back as safety nets, but I’m grateful that ultimately, all my course applications were approved while I was in UQ. If not, you might risk only clearing one or two courses and then having to come back and overload in your final semesters.
Do Things You Can’t Do in Singapore
Exchange is the perfect time to immerse yourself in activities, experiences, and environments that are completely different from what you're used to back home.
Before going on exchange, I didn’t think I’d enjoy hiking. But Australia’s trails changed my mind, offering stunning views that made every trek worth it. Surfing was another first for me. Though I fell countless times, catching my first wave was incredibly rewarding.
Surfing at Gold Coast
These experiences added dimensions to my exchange and gave me stories to tell. I urge you to also take full advantage of what your host country has to offer! After all, when else will you get the chance to do these things?
Other Lessons I Gained
Work-Life Balance
One of the biggest takeaways from my time at UQ was learning how to balance work and life. In Singapore, I was often preoccupied with studying and assignments. But during exchange, I learned to carve out time for other activities like meeting new people, hanging out with friends, going on trips to neighboring cities and night walks or jogs.
Playing pool at our hostel with a new friend
Importantly, this balance didn’t come at the expense of my grades. In fact, I realized that better time management and self-care can improve both productivity and well-being.
Gaining Confidence
Exchange also boosted my confidence in unexpected ways. Living independently in a new environment taught me to trust myself.
On my solo trip to Cairns where I met another solo traveller
Another unexpected change was in my body image. The girls in Australia seem so confident, and this positivity was contagious, influencing me to feel more secure in my own skin. I’ll never forget that time during a warehouse sale when strangers were complimenting each other on their purchases, and someone even encouraged me to buy a dress after seeing how it looked on me. Their open and accepting culture and these small interactions left a lasting impact.
I think taking care of myself physically also played a role. Regular exercise and self-care during exchange helped me feel healthier and more confident overall. Hopefully, your exchange would also transform how you see yourself and be someplace you find new confidence.
Final Thoughts
Exchange is more than just studying abroad—it’s an opportunity to grow and explore. Whether you’re preparing for your own journey, just curious about what it’s like, or on the fence about going, I hope my reflections help to inspire you to embrace the opportunity, maximize your exchange and make it an unforgettable chapter in your life.
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