More than academics: A foreign student’s experience of studying at SIM

10 September 2024

Hailing from India, Shreya was keen to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Singapore as she believes that an overseas education would offer her greater exposure.

That was when she discovered SIM’s programmes and was specifically interested in SIM-UOL's Business & Management course.

“SIM's comprehensive curriculum played a significant role in my decision. I was confident that SIM would provide the knowledge, opportunities and industry-relevant skills needed to excel in my chosen field,” she affirms.

Additionally, Shreya found SIM's reputation for fostering a vibrant student life was particularly appealing. Her elder sister's positive experience with the same course further encouraged her to enroll at this university.

“Despite being nervous about studying overseas, I was equally excited to explore life as an international student.”

“The university's active student communities and diverse extracurricular activities promise a well-rounded experience beyond academics,” she continues. “Moreover, the university's support system for international students assured me that I would have the necessary resources to transition smoothly into this new phase of my life."

Although Shreya's university education was initially conducted online due to COVID-19, she relocated to Singapore at the beginning of 2022 as restrictions eased. Physical classes commenced during her second year.
 

NAVIGATING COVID-19

Studying in a foreign country has its ups and downs. Shreya had to juggle between settling in and coping with the course syllabus – especially since she started her bachelor’s journey online due to COVID-19.

“I had to make an effort to find new friends, connect with them, join student groups, and participate in club activities to build my network,” she recalls. “However, this experience helped me work on my socialising skills as an introvert by connecting with strangers.”

She also noted that the teaching methods, learning patterns, and examination requirements were vastly different.

“My study strategies from school didn’t work well in university, making my first year particularly challenging and causing me to question if studying abroad was the right choice.”

However, Shreya refused to give up. Utilising every resource available, she enrolled in Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) - a service offered by SIM - to deepen her understanding of the subjects.

“Over time, I learnt how to study effectively, which resources to use, and what was expected in exams,” she reflects. “This challenge ultimately made me more resilient, and I saw significant improvement in my second year.”
 

CHALLENGING BUT NEVER ALONE

Once settled down, however, Shreya found her experience studying at SIM to be fun and enriching.

“My days were filled with excitement and laughter with friends,” she reminisces. “I looked forward to my favourite subjects and teachers each week.”

Shreya is especially thankful to her lecturers for creating an engaging learning environment, specifically highlighting Marketing, eBusiness and MSM as some of the best classes she has attended.

Peer support was vital too as Shreya often faced stress from her assignments and examinations. The peak of the pressure came in her final year.

Describing the period as “physically and emotionally draining”, Shreya often felt demotivated, anxious, and frequently fell sick. The realisation that her journey at SIM was coming to an end, coupled with the fact that she was away from home also hit her hard.

What kept Shreya going was the constant motivation from her friends and family.

“To stay on track, we designed timetables for each other and closely monitored each other's progress,” she said, recalling the all-nighters she pulled with her friends..

While it was tough, Shreya powered through knowing that she had a strong support system and that this was merely a phase that would eventually pass.
 

MORE THAN MUGGING

Another memorable aspect of Shreya’s student life was her involvement in school clubs.

“My seniors encouraged me to join these communities to expand my social network, build my skills, address my weaknesses, gain work-setting insights, and ultimately boost my resume,” she lets on.

Shreya would go on to take on diverse roles in different clubs, with each experience proving worthwhile.


 

Her time at Eco-SIM, a group that advocates for sustainability, stood out as it explored her passion for sustainable living. Shreya would eventually be part of the executive committee and become its Vice President.

“My journey as the Vice President of Eco-SIM was incredibly rewarding and taught me invaluable lessons,” she describes. “I developed leadership skills like effectively managing large teams, taking responsibility for various tasks, and resolving department conflicts.”

These lessons contributed to the success of Eco-SIM's flagship event, the Sustainability Fair.

The event partnered with 15 organisations across Singapore and attracted over 150 students, greatly increasing the awareness of environmental sustainability within the SIM student community.

“Over time, I realised that a strong profile extends beyond academics,” Shreya acknowledges, echoing the advice given by her seniors. “These experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally, preparing me for future challenges and opportunities.”

It also showed her how much more SIM has to offer beyond academics, making her college life more enjoyable.
 

EMPOWERED TO TAKE ON THE WORKING WORLD

Having graduated in August 2024, Shreya believes that the blend of academic and extracurricular activities at SIM has equipped her well to tackle future challenges.

She notes: "The comprehensive curriculum and practical learning experiences in subjects like marketing, eBusiness, and social media modules were particularly valuable.”

“Additionally, my involvement in various clubs and leadership roles taught me essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and project management, which are crucial in any professional setting.”

Shreya plans to leverage these skills in a corporate setting and hopes to gain extensive knowledge and experience in her chosen field.

To her juniors at SIM, Shreya encourages them to make the best use of their time here.

“Balance your academics and co-curriculars, ask for help when needed, and learn from your seniors' experiences,” she advises.

“This will guide you in all aspects of your learning at SIM and help you achieve your goals without letting anything hold you back.”