International Students Share Their Culture Shock Experiences in Singapore

Starting a new life as an international student often comes with distinct challenges, particularly when adjusting to a foreign culture. For many, navigating the landscape of communication in Singapore adds another layer of complexity to their experience.

Understanding the Local Language

One such challenge was shared by Noelle Chong, a 20-year-old accountancy student from Malaysia studying at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). During a leadership camp, she found herself overwhelmed by the unique local slang and acronyms used by her peers.

“In discussions about co-curricular activities, I felt completely lost due to the jargon,” Chong admitted. “I had to keep asking for explanations as I was unfamiliar with the terms being tossed around.”

Soaring Above Communication Barriers

This sentiment was echoed by many, including an online survey that was conducted during a recent panel discussion at the Crossing Cultures, Creating Community Symposium, hosted by the National Youth Council (NYC). The survey revealed that the most common barrier for youths when meeting people from different backgrounds was their communication style, which garnered 45 responses.

Fan Yixiang, a student from the National University of Singapore (NUS) whose family is originally from Shanghai, expressed similar frustrations. He remarked, “In my classes, the conversations often shifted between English and Mandarin, making it tough to keep up at times.” Despite these hurdles, he gradually adapted to this fluid communication style.

Engagement Through Patience and Curiosity

Finding ways to communicate effectively can ultimately bridge the gap between different cultures. Chong highlighted how her experience at the National Youth Council Leaders Course enriched her understanding of integration. Being the only international student in her group, she seized the opportunity to ask her peers about terms and acronyms that were new to her.

Rather than pretend to know, she actively engaged in dialogue, leading her group to share insights about their own cultural practices, as well as how similar topics were approached in Malaysia. “Through these discussions, we realized that our backgrounds might differ, but we have common ground,” she reflected.

Taking Initiative to Connect

Harishpal Singh, a Senior Business Analyst at Crédit Agricole CIB and head of the Young Sikh Association (Singapore), offered his perspective on cultural integration. With years of experience facilitating youth events, he noted that local Singaporeans sometimes hesitate to approach international students due to a fear of cultural misunderstanding.

“I’ve noticed a certain restraint among Singaporean youths,” he explained. “There’s this worry about reaching out due to a perceived lack of experience with other cultures. But this should not prevent anyone from engaging in meaningful conversations.”

The Role of Community in Integration

The symposium provided a fruitful venue for participants to discuss integration openly and explore ways they could become involved. Chong found solace in communities like the Association of Malaysian Chinese Independent School Alumni (AMCISA), where she felt a sense of belonging among those who shared similar experiences.

Yet, she recognized the importance of stepping beyond her comfort zone. “It’s vital for me to connect my Singaporean friends to my Malaysian culture and vice versa,” she emphasized. True integration doesn’t mean abandoning one's roots; it’s about inviting others into your world while exploring theirs.

Becoming Ambassadors of Integration

The NYC's Integration Ambassador Programme (IAP) serves as a platform for young adults aged 18 to 35 to foster cross-cultural ties. This initiative encourages participants to move beyond surface-level discussions and take proactive steps in bridging different cultures.

With a two-day orientation set for the end of October, the programme invites participants to engage in various integration events until March 2027. This initiative aims to enrich Singapore's social landscape by empowering youth to promote cultural understanding.

As these students share their experiences and insights, they serve as reminders that good communication and open-mindedness can create richer connections, building a stronger, more cohesive community.