The concept of a “garden city” in Singapore appears as green spaces and an emphasis placed on nature. While exploring the city, we walked through parks and plazas filled with trees and shrubbery, some native, some not. The green spaces and parks provide a place for people to gather, hold events, and relax. We noticed…
Experiencing Singapore’s History (#2)
During these past few days in Singapore, I’ve managed to learn a lot more about Singapore’s unknown history. Granted that I did do a pre-departure essay about a part of Singapore’s history (in terms of its economic development), seeing this topic take shape into actual buildings and historical monuments is something I quickly became enamored…
My Singapore Experience
Before traveling to Singapore, my international experiences were limited to within the USA, fostering a sense of living in a cultural bubble. However, immersing myself in the diverse tapestry of Singaporean culture proved profoundly enlightening. Upon arrival, exploring Kampong Glam and Little India provided a captivating introduction to the city’s rich multicultural landscape. Engaging in…
Singapore’s Cultural Diversity
The confluence of different races and religious beliefs during our journey to Singapore captivated me, demonstrating the city’s rich legacy and welcoming nature. Singapore’s appreciation of variety is among its most remarkable features. I was enthralled with the spectacle of several cultures coexisting peacefully as I strolled through areas like Chinatown and Little India. From…
First impressions of Singapore
Upon arriving to Singapore, I instantly knew that it would be much different than the United States. On the bus ride to the hotel after leaving the airport., one of the first things I noticed about this city was it’s greenery all around. Everywhere I looked, there wes shrubbery, trees and various plants all over…
Final Blog
After spending four months in Aix-en-Provence I noticed that free-time is a highly valued part of the French culture. Everyone is given a two-hour lunch break to leave school or work and enjoy a relaxing meal with friends and family, there are frequent two-week holiday vacations, and many shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays…
Observations of Culture in Singapore
Over the past few days, we were given the opportunity to tour around Singapore and learn about certain aspects of the city and its culture, or its three most predominant cultures, those being Malay, Indian, and Chinese. These three cultures coexisting was critical to the development of Singapore, as they all held different values as…
Before Departure and First Thoughts on Singapore (#1)
Before I begin the actual content of this blog post, it is essential that I first reflect on my own culture and identity in order to become a good global citizen and visitor of Singapore and Malaysia. Though I was born and raised in the U.S., I never actually thought about what was a normal…
Final Blog
During my semester abroad in London, I lived in Maida Vale while interning at the Civil Service College near St. James’s Park as a finance intern. One cultural observation that stood out was the British practice of maintaining a formal and reserved demeanor in the workplace. This was quite different from the more casual and…
Cultural Observation and Reflection on a Semester in Paris (Final Post )
Objective Description During my semester abroad in Paris, I encountered the cultural phenomenon of the long, leisurely meals that the French deeply value. Unlike in the United States, where meals are often quick and functional, French dining culture emphasizes extended periods of eating, conversing, and simply enjoying the company. Meals can last several hours, particularly…