UF IN SINGAPORE
STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE
Cultural Experience
During the summer of 2024, I was given the opportunity to embark on an enriching internship experience in Singapore. This opportunity not only allowed me to gain valuable professional experience in a global business hub but also provided a unique cultural immersion. Singapore's diverse society, blending Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences, offered a fascinating backdrop for my internship. I had the chance to explore the city-state's renowned cuisine, from hawker centers to high-end restaurants, and witness its impressive architectural landscape, featuring both colonial-era buildings and futuristic skyscrapers. The experience broadened my perspective on international business practices and cross-cultural communication, while also allowing me to appreciate Singapore's efficient public transportation, lush green spaces, and emphasis on cleanliness and order.
Challenges
While working abroad, I was met with a number of challenges. One major challenge I faced was the knowledge gap between Singaporeans and myself regarding general business processes. My supervisors often assumed I was familiar with concepts like the Customer Journey Map and Theory of Change chart, which I hadn't encountered before. This led to delays as they had to explain these concepts to me. Additionally, working for an international organization like Mercy Relief required cultural sensitivity when responding to disasters in different countries. Being new to the region, I often had to seek advice from coworkers on appropriate cultural responses. These experiences highlighted the importance of having a broader business knowledge base and cultural awareness in the workplace.
Lessons
Throughout my time in Singapore, I learned many valuable lessons that I will carry with me not just throughout my professional career, but as I go about life in general. Something that my manager constantly emphasized is taking ownership of your work, meaning being independent and taking on a project even when you don’t have full confidence in yourself. While it took some time for me to hone this ability, I eventually gained enough confidence to be able to manage my own projects without guidance. I am very grateful to my manager for giving me this advice and allowing me to develop this skill, as I will be able to apply it to all my future endeavors.
Intercultural Experience
My international experience at Mercy Relief in Singapore has equipped me with a diverse skill set and a global perspective that I plan to leverage in my future career. Working at a disaster relief NGO has taught me to adapt quickly to new and challenging situations, communicate effectively across cultures, and manage projects with limited resources. These skills are highly transferable and will be invaluable in any international or multicultural work environment. Additionally, my experience in coordinating with volunteers, local partners, and various stakeholders has honed my ability to collaborate and build relationships with diverse groups of people. This will be particularly useful in roles that require teamwork and cross-functional collaboration. My ability to navigate cultural differences and respect local customs will be beneficial in ensuring that projects are implemented successfully and respectfully in different regions. Overall, my international experience at in the UF in Singapore program has prepared me to excel in global roles, enabling me to bring a unique perspective and valuable skills to UF and future employers.
Wondering what a typical day looks like for a working intern in Singapore? Follow along as I take you through a day in my life in the video linked below!