Reflection on my journey at NUS

My name is Mone Iwasaki, and I am a third-year undergraduate majoring in Law at Nagoya University. From August to December 2024, I studied law at the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an exchange student. In this article, I would like to share my personal experience in Singapore.

Studying abroad in Singapore had been a dream of mine. When I first visited Singapore, I was inspired by its blend of culture and education. Since then, I wanted to study at the National University of Singapore because of its esteemed institutions and lectures. When I was a freshman, I made up my mind to apply for the Campus Asia Program, which allows law students from South Korea, China, Singapore, and Japan to study in each other’s countries. I fortunately got an opportunity to study at NUS Law as an exchange student this year.

Singapore is a beautiful country where people’s lives and nature are in harmony. Next to the Bukit Timah Campus, where law students study, there is Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On my way to class from the Kent Ridge Campus, I often walked through the gardens. I saw people practicing Tai Chi, chatting with friends, and enjoying the vibrant flowers and animals native to the area. These moments gave me a glimpse into the peaceful yet lively lives of Singaporeans.

The campuses of NUS are also full of nature. I stayed in UTown which constitutes of several dormitories, cafeterias, study rooms, lecture theaters, and exercise facilities. When I needed a break, I enjoyed taking walks on campus, surrounded by nature. Additionally, NUS offers various resources that make our students’ lives more fulfilling. For instance, PitStop is where students can chill and relax. It offers massage machines, karaoke boxes, and board games, etc. Moreover, I joined events of dormitories, Co-Curricular Activities, and NUS Global Student Ambassadors throughout the semester, which helped me connect with other exchange students as well as local students.

Speaking of my studies, I took 3 elective modules this semester: International Criminal Law, Transnational Law, and ASEAN Law and Policy. Each lecture takes 3 hours and is conducted with the Socratic Method. While it was by no means easy to catch up with the lectures, the interest in the courses drove me to push through all the difficulties I faced. All of the professors were willing to offer help if I ask them. I am really glad that I had opportunities to immerse myself into legal disciplines that Nagoya University does not offer. The most striking subject to me was International Criminal Law, since it is deeply related to the ongoing armed conflicts in the world.

Being in such an environment, I was able to gain profound insights that shaped both my academic and personal journey and made friends with people who share the same passion through my journey in Singapore. The most inspiring insight that I have got is listening to my mind. Before I started my journey in Singapore, studying had played a definite and major role in my life, which I had never questioned. I unconsciously feared straying from the path that other students follow or an ideal life established by what had been regarded as ideal although no one had forced me to do so. However, after spending four months in Singapore, meeting wonderful people with different backgrounds enjoying their lives, I learned that studying is not the only one component in my life. I have learned to create space for reflection and enjoy life. For me, this is a remarkable personal growth.

Above all, my friends made this experience even more special for me. Living abroad comes with a lot of fun as well as struggles. Although I was not an exception, my friends who took part in Campus Asia Program and studied at Nagoya University helped me. I believe that I was able to fully enjoy the benefits of the program. Moreover, I met a student who shares the same passion in the same legal discipline. I felt exceptionally motivated that I have a fellow student who has the same goals as me. While on recess, I went to Vietnam with my friend. Not only was engaging in cross-cultural exchange incredibly educational, but I also felt extremely fortunate to have gained friends I can genuinely cherish.

Things did not always go smoothly as planned, but I personally think that I grew a lot over those four months. I thank all of those who inspired and encouraged me and made my journey in Singapore unforgettable. I aspire to return to Singapore as a Japanese legal professional. Stepping out of a comfort zone can be challenging, but it is an invaluable way to broaden your horizons. I hope more students take the leap to study abroad and create unforgettable memories.