A world away from home

“True growth often comes from navigating the unknown.” It was the desire to stretch himself, academically and personally, that motivated College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) student Han Qi Chou, to take on a Student Exchange Programme (SEP) at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in the United States.

The prospect of living in a country he had “always dreamed of going to” was both exciting and daunting. For Qi Chou, the opportunity to gain academic exposure at CWRU - which is strong in fields such as biochemistry, green energy and medicine - also aligns closely with his interests as a Chemistry student.  

Here, Qi Chou reflects on the ups and downs being an international student abroad.  

How does the learning experience benefit you?

Being able to live and study in Cleveland is a transformative experience. The classroom environment is entirely different. Professors encourage open discussion and value diverse perspectives, sometimes pausing lectures to explore a question in depth. Students raise critical and interesting questions in class when they think that it is beneficial for everyone.

Back home, most courses focus on detailed calculations and chemical reactions. Here, the emphasis is on real-world applications. In the Environmental Chemistry course, I learned how ozone formation reactions in the stratosphere protect us from harmful ultraviolet rays. It was an eye-opener to see how chemistry plays a major role in protecting us on Earth. 

I also had the opportunity to learn from esteemed researchers in the ophthalmic field at biochemistry seminars at the School of Medicine. Here, I was introduced to the visual cycle (biochemistry) and gained a better understanding of common cutting-edge fields.

What are some of the challenges?

The frequent examinations - with assessments every three to four weeks - were initially a challenge. However, I learned to adapt to a faster pace of learning by asking questions in class, attending Teaching Assistant tutoring sessions and participating in small group discussions to clarify complex concepts.

Adapting to the extreme winter in Cleveland is one of the biggest challenges, and the sub-zero temperatures and harsh winds are especially difficult. To cope, I plan my routes to minimise time outdoors. Over time, I acclimated to the weather and found small ways to stay comfortable.

I have never been away from family for such a long period, let alone in a place where the winter temperatures dip to -10°C. Learning to manage homesickness and navigating everyday life - grocery runs, cooking my own meals, figuring out the shuttle bus / car schedule and even handling my first snowstorm - are invaluable experiences that taught me self-reliance and independence in a way that Singapore’s comfort zone never could.  

What other activities do you participate in?

One of the most meaningful experiences is volunteering at a local church that runs weekend programmes for children. Building friendships with other volunteers who share a passion for giving back, regardless of religion or background, truly creates a sense of home away from home.

A standout experience was a school-organised trip to Ohio’s Amish Country. The simplicity and intentionality of Amish life are a stark contrast to the fast-paced lifestyle in Singapore. I visited family-owned farms and workshops where traditional methods are used to produce everything from homemade cheese to other unique items. This offered a rare and humbling insight into their way of life - living without modern conveniences, centered on faith and community.

One defining moment was during a cold winter, when I decided to join a Cocoa bonding event hosted by the United World Colleges Network where I played card games with students from diverse backgrounds from Mexico, the United States and Germany. Sharing stories through our different ethnicities made me realise how universal human connections are. I also spent two fulfilling days doing both snowboarding and the Tube Park at Boston Mill, where I raced down snowy slopes on inflatable tubes - a thrilling and memorable experience!