LEaRN Student Testimonials
Acharya Amrit Pratik, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India: “For me, the driving force behind the LEaRN programme was the unique opportunity to study abroad while at the same time, make new friends in a totally different network."
Carolina D.Rainintha Siahaan, Universitas Indonesia: “LEaRN programme has brought me into a new horizon of point of view as I am allowed to explore Singapore culture as well as another culture from Asia. It also helps me to build network and relations with others, so I am exposed to many differences which enrich me as a person.”
Dwi Andi Rohmatika, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia: “LEaRN gave me many chances to develop my leadership skills through its projects and activities, examples, as the coordinator of a journalist for the LEaRN Scrapbook and the coordinator for movie gathering in RSP-VOC (community services).”
Ji Xianbai, Xiamen University, China: “Culture exchanging and vision broadening as well as cultivating of leadership ability are the three major reasons for me to participate in the LEaRN porgram."
John Edward Manguerra Labay, University of Philippines: “Being my first travel overseas, Singapore opened me to new things. Not only did I learn from NTU, I also had a chance to immerse myself in the Singaporean way of living through my stay at the NTU halls, community service, and interaction with some local friends. “Great experience” would be an understatement.”
Liu Ting Ting, Soo Chow University, China: “Among a lot of meaningful LEaRN activities, participating in the celebration for Singapore winning the host of 2010 Youth Olympics Games leaves behind the deepest impression for me. That night, as a foreigner, we share similar feelings with all the people in Singapore including the Prime Minister. I still remember the anxious waiting, the keen blessing as well as the excitement and cheering for final victory. It is at that particular moment that I was completely immersed into the Singapore Community, a multinational country with a firm unity and dignity.”
Low Leng May, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei: “LEaRN program has certainly provided me a step closer to my dream. With my experience and the certificate as proof, it will be an advantage when I aim for such jobs in the future.”
Mia Camille C. Sta. Ana, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines: “After learning that it is a leadership enrichment and networking programme for Asia's top students, I was more than inspired to apply. The opportunity to broaden my global awareness and develop intercultural friendships was more than enough reasons to motivate me to participate in it."
Mia ilmiawaty Sa'adah, University of Indonesia: "Joining LEaRN program was very remarkable in chronicle of my life. This was the first time I met 62 outstanding students from all over South East Asia, China, India, and Korea, and now they have become my friends. I’ve learnt many things within our interactions in this program, and I believed that will enhance my global understanding and bring mutual relationship in the future!"
Nguyen Thi Anh Nguyet, Hanoi University, Vietnam: “The LEaRN programme not only gives me the chance to study in one of the best universities in Asia but also the opportunity to make friends of different culture and countries.”
Oliver Allan Tan Co, College of Business, University of Philippines: “My most memorable experience in the whole LEaRN Programme was the first day orientation. It was my first time in a room filled with people from other countries, and it was so wonderful because I never expected that I'd actually be able to meet people of different cultures. It made me realize how constrained I was in my own country and that there's so much more to discover around the world.”
Phang Li Ern, University of Malaya, Malaysia: “It can’t be more overwhelming – it’s the whole experience that counts! LEaRN has made me stronger as a person and has brought me to a further point in life. We faced challenges, formed international friendships, exchanged cultures and enjoyed shopping – a priceless experience indeed!”
Sara Pauline Valera Marpuri, De La Salle University, Philippines: “I learned the importance of independence. As I continue to grow, I must also be prepared to loosen my grasp on the ties that I depend on and start living independently. And this situation gave me the opportunity to practice this concept. I also learned the value of respect. Here, in a country where almost everything is defined by the diverse cultures, I learned to accept and respect the nuances of each sector of society. Lastly, there is cooperation. With countless opportunities to practice teamwork and coordination, I was able to master my ability to cooperate and work well with others.”
San Mang Hei, The Chinese University of Hong Kong: “It is a very good platform for students from different countries to get together, and really know one another’s culture and origins.”
Santhosh Suresh, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India: "LEaRN was one of the best things that happened in my life. There are so many great friends from all over the world, whom I shall definitely meet again... the unique experience with special kids, the whole idea of working together with the best from each country.. It definitely leaves behind a fond memory, I think ... on all of us... The NTU connection! Thank you LEaRN!! "
Seo Sung Yong, Seoul National University, South Korea: “Harmony, passion and sincerity are what I experienced at Padang which has become a historical place for all Singapore's enthusiastic youths. I realize that aspiration has no national boundaries when I marked history in part of the Youth Olympics 2010 Host City event.”
Thianwajee Seekasumbun, Thammasat University, Thailand: “My most memorable experience was the Youth Olympic Announcement. I realized how we, LEaRN students, have become united with local Singaporeans as we joyfully shouted and screamed when they announced Singapore to be the host of the first Youth Olympics games, despite the fact that it’s not our home country.”
Ummi Kaltsum, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia: “LEaRN is the first exchange programme for me. In this programme, I learned a lot of new experiences and known friends from other countries. I toured around Singapore and enjoyed the eco-friendly environment. I still remembered the announcement of Singapore winning the bid for host city Youth Olympics 2010 at Padang. From there, I learned that people are very passionate and I even got the opportunity to meet Singapore government officials. It is a special event!”
Win Suttidet, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand: “LEaRN has exceeded my expectations, it helped you realized and think about yourself. It’s like a motivation to change and take action about you to contribute more to the society.”
Zhang Xialing, Peking University, China: "I learnt a lot from all my peer LEaRNers, such as cooperation, happiness and unforgettable experiences shared with all my dear fellows! Though we speak different languages, have different appearances and different cultures, we can communicate and help to improve one another very well."
Khattignavong Dalavanh, National University of Laos: "My motivation to participate in LEaRN program is that I want to improve myself in studying and spending time overseas. I have learnt new cultures, life styles from many countries; gained experience through standard curriculum in developed country education as in Singapore and most importantly, I have known myself what I love to be and how can I reach my ambition. Thanks a million to the LEaRN program for giving me such a precious opportunity!"
Theepha A/P Chandran, Universiti Sains Malaysia: "The name of the programme itself “Leadership Enrichment and Regional Networking” which makes me believes that I am able to improve my leadership skills and starts a networking outside Malaysia border. Through this programme, I was able to gain a lot of experiences especially that I am now able to recognize my strengths and weaknesses as a leader by involving in the projects which were undertaken. This allowed me to improve my personality and shine as a better leader. It also provided me a platform to learn about myself, and my real characteristics."
Sun Chenchen, Tsinghua University, China: "LEaRN allows people from different countries to get together and provide a chance for us to see more of the world. There are differences, and everyone shall realize and respect it. Despite of all the differences, we are living together and shall share and communicate. It is the differences among us that make us energetic."
Kohara Shun, Waseda University, Japan: "LEaRN students from all over Asia (13 countries in 2010) gathered in one place - Singapore and shared friendship, respect toward cultural diversity, and respect toward our own culture."
Dam Trung Thong, Vietnam National University, Hanoi: "My LEaRN mentor has helped me a lot in adjusting culturally and socially in Singapore and NTU. He shared experiences about life and study over dinner and visit to Singapore Science Centre."
Kasarapu Parthan, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India: "The LEaRN immersion programme has enabled me to understand people better and appreciate their nationalistic sentiments. The most noteworthy experience is when we performed our cultural events during the Meet and Greet Temasek Foundation event and the LEaRN Farewell. Each of us got an opportunity to showcase the distinct cultural practices and bind us together. As for myself, I participated in the cross cultural performances of other nationalities as well. So this was particularly significant for me as I got a chance of networking with them which helped me to better understand their culture."
Kim Sounpiseth, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia: "My future goal is to be a teacher of high school or involve in social work through NGO. The knowledge I gained from courses at NTU and experience in community service will be useful for that."
Xu Yiyuan, Fudan University, China: "From the LEaRN programme, I learnt that team spirit is so important! Because of it, we have our own print and video. Make friends as much as possible. They will give you many super good suggestions. Sometimes you should push yourself to make some breakthrough. This is the first time for me to have a performance in front of so many people. Though nervous, I really enjoy it!"
