What were your impressions of Singapore before you came?

Robert: I've always wanted to visit Asia because it seems like such a foreign place full of new things to experience. Also, Singapore seems like a good place to start out because everyone here speaks English.

I really didn't know what to expect. I was told that it will be full of low, low prices and easy transportation. But I also heard about all of the fines and I was expecting a very reserved city because of that.

Has your impression changed?

Robert: Well yes it has changed. The prices are cheap for dining out. Most everything else costs just as much as it does in the US. The people are much different from I expected. They are very similar to the people I know in the US excluding a few cultural differences, of course.

 
What do I like most about Singapore?

Robert: I like the big city feel of Singapore. The hustle and bustle that I'm not used to where I come from. Also the small differences between Singapore and the US are fun to identify. I also like all the plants and trees around Singapore.

What kind of differences?

Robert: For example the fines, or the fact that in America the display prices are before tax is added. There are huge differences in landmarks and languages and such but the small differences are the interesting ones.

What do you least like about Singapore?

Robert: I've never been in a place where I felt like I had to watch what I say. But I feel that way sometimes in Singapore.

I used to think that censorship and fines were 100% horrible. But since I’ve been in Singapore I've learned that there are advantages to these things and you don’t need things like drugs and alcohol to enjoy life.

What did you think of Sentosa?

Robert: Sentosa was a lot of fun even thought it was crowded when we went there and we missed a lot of things that looked interesting. I enjoyed learning the history of Singapore because all I ever get to learn about is the history of Texas or the US.

How do you find your experience so far at NUS?

Robert: NUS has a beautiful campus. The Nations & Nationalisms in South Asia course that we're taking is pretty tough but it makes me think. I don’t like to write essays but I know I will learn more this way than I would learn with my regular multiple choice tests.