Bonds and memories of a lifetime

Venturing further abroad has long been on Edric WEE’s bucket list.

Participating in a Student Exchange Programme (SEP) was on his mind even before joining the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS). The Year 3 Environmental Studies student decided to take up an exchange at the Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand “as a valuable opportunity to connect with people from around the world and learn about their unique backgrounds.”

His experience abroad was truly a melting pot in every sense. In a different academic environment, he got to know students from diverse backgrounds and cultures who were willing to share their unique perspectives and back stories in very lively discussions.

For instance, in one course, “Oceans, Island, People and Power”, he learned about humans’ relationships with the ocean and how people living in the Pacific Islands as well as the indigenous Maori relate to islands, with inputs raised from people who spent years living on islands like Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, and even Hawaii.

Beyond academics, he also participated in the celebration of Matariki, also known as the Maori New Year, and the Pasifika Week, a week-long festival celebrating the culture and heritage of Pacific Island communities. He was also a volunteer in New Zealand’s pest/predator-control efforts in conservation, where he had the opportunity to rebait mouse/stoat traps in Kumutoto Forest.

The challenges of living alone abroad enhanced his appreciation of being a Singaporean. He says, “There are many things I took for granted. I only realised how precious they are when I am away from home.”

Click https://chs.nus.edu.sg/current-students/#student-global to find out more about global learning opportunities available to our students.