5 reasons why you should study abroad in Singapore

Small but mighty Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, where food, cleanliness and shopping are all taken very seriously. It also boasts many top accolades for its competitive education system that is forward-thinking, digital and global.

Adventurous and ambitious international students interested in broadening their horizons and experiencing life abroad will find that Singapore ticks a lot of boxes.

Here are five reasons why studying in Singapore is a great choice!

1. Learn English and Mandarin

English and Mandarin Chinese are two of the official languages of Singapore, along with Malay and Tamil. So for students looking to learn English or Mandarin (or both!) during their international exchange, Singapore is a great choice.

Around 70% of Singapore’s population speak English and/or Mandarin, with the split being pretty even between the two. So with both languages widely spoken around the city, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice your classroom learning in the real world.

2. Experience a mix of cultures

This Asian metropolis combines the best of East and West. Made up of Chinese, Malay, Indian and various other ethnicities and expats, Singaporean culture is one of the most diverse in the world. This diversity is evident in language, food, religion, handcrafts and stores and the various festivals held throughout the year.

Daily life in Singapore is peaceful and safe, and the city works hard to maintain a high quality of life. This has resulted in pretty hefty penalties for things such as chewing gum, spitting, littering, jay walking and dancing on tables.

3. It’s a foodie’s paradise

Where else could you dine on breakfast in Little India, lunch in Chinatown and enjoy seafood for dinner but Singapore? While Singapore is home to many world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, locals know the best food in Singapore is found at the Hawker centers. These buzzing open air markets offer live music, entertainment such as chess games and some of the best street food in Asia. Many stalls specialize in one dish, honing the recipe over generations. With over 100 Hawker centers throughout Singapore, why not make it your mission to sample them all? Whatever you sample, they are almost guaranteed to be scrumptious.

4. Hop over to other Asian hot spots

While Singapore itself may be small, it’s so close to other wonderful Asian destinations that you can easily explore for a weekend. Flying from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur takes just under an hour, while Phuket in Thailand is less than two hours away. Sentosa Island is another great destination without leaving Singapore, where you can visit Universal Studios Theme Park, or take the ferry to Sisters Island and snorkel through the thriving reefs or picnic on the palm tree lines beaches.

5. Make international friends

A cultural melting pot, a lively food scene, an efficient and safe city and close proximity to other Asian hotspots make Singapore a top study destination for international students. With top-ranked universities, the city attracts people from all around the world, making it an ideal place to mingle with fellow international students and to make new friends to discover Singapore with. There’s also no shortage of things to see both in and around the city. Venture out on excursions to nearby islands Sentosa, Pulau Ubin and St. John’s – the perfect way to explore while enjoying a fun day out with new friends.