When Borders Shut, Dreams Stall
When the world started locking down, Singaporeans found themselves in the awkward spot of turning off their wanderlust plans. Students prepping to study overseas? They were hit with a two‑fold delay: either put travel on the backburner or pull the plug altogether.
Vaccine‑Travel Lanes: The “Dad Joke” of Escape Routes
- 75% of people surveyed said they’d pass on the VTL deals – high costs and lingering safety jitters were the main culprits.
- The “once in a lifetime” offer feels more like a “once in a lifetime fear”.
Open‑Door Blues are Melting
As nation after nation starts to loosen the restrictions, some students are still pulling their backpacks, eyes on the horizon, and a stubborn drive to pursue their studies abroad. They’re dialing the campus world like a “finally achieved dream” and hoping that the world’s travel palindrome will flip back to “normal” soon.
‘My greatest difficulty was being alone’: Desiree Cho, 20, University College London
Desiree Cho: Turning a Study Trip into a Long‑Term Staycation
Why London Feels Like a Holiday, Not a Hustle
When 20‑year‑old Desiree Cho signed up for a psychology degree at University College London, she imagined moving overseas would be a maze of paperwork and a lemon of loneliness. Instead, she’s chatting about recipes, lecture notes, and the city’s hidden nooks as if she were on a endless vacation.
She Shooks Anxiety – But Not Her Positivity
“I expected to be stressed about navigating a new country,” Desiree confesses. “I worried about all the administrative stuff and, yeah, deep down, I was scared to be alone.” The good news? She dived into the “look at the bright side” approach, turning every challenge into a chance to enjoy her surroundings.
How She Keeps the Cool While Solo
- Focus on excitement: “Stay upbeat.”
- Plan ahead: “Pack what you’ll need. Have a cheat‑sheet for the embassy.”
- Seek out mates: “Join clubs—you’ll make friends faster than you can say ‘UCL.’”
The Healthcare Hurdle: A Home‑Care Adventure
The real kicker for Desiree? Trying to keep her stomach in check while living in her own apartment, far from family.
“My biggest struggle was having to manage illness myself,” she explains. “Back home, my family would step in and look after me. Here, I had to be my own chef, cleaner, student, and errand runner.” The inevitable feeling? A pinch of missing the comfort of a loved one’s presence.
What She Learned – And What We Can Take Away
- Self‑reliance: “Take charge of your meals; you’ll get that ‘I’m doing it’ glow.”
- Set a routine: “Having a schedule keeps your digestion and your mind on track.”
- Reach out when you’re under the weather: “A text to a friend, a quick call to a doctor, and an online shop order can go a long way.”
Desiree’s tale is a friendly reminder that living abroad doesn’t have to be a monumental ordeal. With a spirit of positive curiosity, a touch of plan‑mine, and a lot of self‑encouragement, the whole London experience can turn into a grand, cozy holiday you’ll want to replay in your mind every day.
Going Back to Singapore Was a Breeze for Desiree
What’s the Deal?
Desiree’s recent trip to the Lion City was a lot smoother than her parents’ escape from London. The key difference? Vaccination protocols and a simple PCR test.
Quick Checklist for the Journey
- Pack your passport, that’s it.
- Show up for a PCR test right before departure.
- Another test as soon as you touch down.
“It was super convenient,” Des says with a grin. “No extra paperwork, no endless waiting rooms—just a quick test, and off I go.”
Why Her Parents Are Feeling The Heat
Meanwhile, her parents are dialing up the drama. With ever‑shifting travel rules, a ticket to London is now a full‑blown adventure:
- Multiple test requirements.
- Stringent quarantine timelines.
- Proof of vaccination and a constantly‑updated entry list.
“They’re stuck in a maze of paperwork and no one can guarantee a smooth exit, especially for a short trip,” Desiree notes, half‑laughing at the irony.
Bottom Line
Desiree’s “back‑to‑Singapore” trip proves how a straightforward process—just a quick test—can save you the headaches. For those still pushing in from across the water, the ticket’s becoming more like a puzzle box than a simple transit.
‘I was two weeks late for school’: Lau Xuan Wei, 20, Simon Fraser University
Late‑to‑the‑Party: Lau Xuan Wei’s Wild Vancouver Voyage
At 20, Lau Xuan Wei was buzzing with excitement to swap the campus life at Simon Fraser University for the rainy streets of Vancouver. She had her bags packed a month in advance, but destiny had its own calendar.
Fast‑Track Permit Nightmare
- Standard processing: roughly 3 weeks.
- Pandemic edition: 11 weeks.
- Outcome: She missed a full two weeks of classes.
“It felt like ordering a pizza that never shows up on time,” she chuckled. “By the time my study permit finally arrived, I was two weeks behind, so I booked a flight in two days and kicked off the trip.”
In the end, Lau’s Canadian adventure kicked off a bit late, but hey—every journey with a dash of twist makes the story all the more memorable.
Meet Xuan Wei: From Hiking Hiccups to Home‑Chef Hero
What She’s Been Tuning Into
After a bumpy start, Xuan Wei’s settled into life in Vancouver—her glitches are getting fewer and her kitchen skills are on point. “I’ve turned my cooking into a survival skill—no more relies on take‑out,” she says, flashing a grin that could outshine any foodie’s Instagram feed.
Staying Stylish in Cold Weather
Her biggest wardrobe mystery? Fashionable yet warm. “It’s hard to nail looks that run the runway but still do a good job of keeping my fingers from frostbite,” she chuckles. She’s piecing together layers that include soft socks, graphic tees, and chunky scarves—basically, “warm chic.”
Family Fears & The Reality of Racism
Even in Canada’s bustling cosmopolitan hubs, Xuan Wei’s parents keep tightening the safety net because of the pandemic‑darted surge in anti‑Asian hate crimes. “I’ve got two brothers in the world’s great outdoors—one’s studying in Saskatchewan—so we’ve been on high alert,” her dad says.
She explains the personal toll: “The pandemic brought a lot of racism towards Asians which did affect my decision,” she confides. “My dad was especially worried about the racism because I’m moving to a country where I’m in the minority. Every day, he would check if there were any hate crimes happening in Vancouver and how often.”
Key Takeaways
- Adaptation is Life‑Savers: Learning the local recipes means you no longer gamble on fast food calories.
- Fashion With Function: Layers are the new runway—both stylish and practical.
- Mindful Safety: Stay updated on local news; knowledge is your best protective gear.
With a sprinkle of humor, her heartfelt stories remind us that stepping into a new world is about both facing challenges and sharing smiles. Xuan Wei proves that with a little creativity—and a bit of cool—any tough season can be weathered.
‘Independence and a fresh start’: Rijul Sharma, 21
Rijul Sharma’s Grand Plan: From Singapore to the U.S.
At 21, while most of his peers are still sprinting through exams, Rijul Sharma is busy juggling National Service and a very long‑term dream—moving to the United States.
Early Aspirations
Since Secondary 4, Rijul had a clear target: the American dream. He credits his father’s experience working in the U.S. for setting the tone.
“My family’s been dead set on the States since 2016 because my dad, having worked there before, is a firm believer of the ‘American dream’,” Rijul says.
The Treacherous Green‑Card Journey
Applying in 2016, the family hadn’t seen any confirmation until much later.
- Repeated embassy interviews.
- Covid‑19 caused several postponements.
- Ultimately, the coveted green cards got approved just in time.
“We applied back in 2016 and only just got our green cards confirmed,” Rijul says, looking back on the roller‑coaster.
Choosing the Right University
Rijul hasn’t accepted an offer yet, but he’s got a clear checklist:
- Affordable tuition and living costs.
- Safe, welcoming neighbourhood.
- Strong programme for a future career in medicine.
Excitement Despite the Hurdles
“I’m looking forward to independence and fresh starts,” he tells us. “Staying by myself and making my own financial decisions is very exciting.”
In short, Rijul is determined to trade Singapore’s busy streets for an American dream—one that includes new experiences, independence, and a chance to carve out a career in healthcare.
‘Received a lot of support’: Rachel Lim, 20, Murdoch University
Meet Rachel, the Future Vet
Rachel Lim, a bright 20‑year‑old veterinary science student at Murdoch University, is buzzing with excitement for her upcoming move.
Why February is the perfect launchpad
She’s aiming to land in Australia in February next year, ready to:
- Live independently—finally, no tutor’s lunch order to worry about.
- Hit the beach—packing snacks for the surf.
- Master practical classes—no more textbook-only studying.
- Work with the animals she’s always dreamed of caring for.
From pandemic hurdles to supportive triumphs
“The whole process has been a bit of a roller‑coaster,” Rachel shares with a smile, “but I’m so grateful for the help I’ve gotten from the university, my seniors, application agents, and my parents.”
During the pandemic‑years, the university stepped up:
- They scheduled extra practical sessions in 2022 to help offshore students catch up with onshore peers.
- Rachel was worried about falling behind, but the lecturers and unit coordinators turned the tide, offering flexible curriculum support and a sense of wellbeing.
Thanks to this backing, Rachel feels prepared, supported, and eager to dive into her new adventure. With a mix of humour and heart, she’s ready to tackle the challenges ahead—and maybe even a few slobbering puppies along the way!
‘Everything about this is going to be a first for me’: Winny Wint Htae, 20, Queensland University of Technology
Flying Solo into the Unknown: Scholar’s Aussie Adventure
Winny Wint Htae, a daring 20‑year‑old business and communications student, has found that solo travel can feel both thrilling and a bit brain‑frying. She’s juggled the anxiety of navigating travel restrictions and the private drama of moving out of her familiar Singaporean bubble.
When Omicron Rocked the World
- The global spike on the Omicron variant put \#TravelRestrictions in heavy focus.
- Winny worried about two things: not being able to leave Singapore and having to pivot to online school.
- Her current mantra? “Just hope the travel situation stays or improves.”
The Big Leap
She’s ready to book a ticket to Australia for early 2022, stepping into uncharted territory.
“Everything about this is going to be a first for me—flying alone, settling in a brand‑new country by myself,” she confided.
The emotional tug‑line? “My parents can’t be away for too long, so I braced myself for a solo journey. Definitely nerve‑racking, but I’m excited.”
Key Takeaway
Winny’s story reminds us that the road to independence is paved with challenges, but the reward is priceless. Whether you’re hitting the plane or just tackling a tough test, remember—every first is an adventure waiting to happen.
Charting New Horizons
While living alone in a foreign land might feel like stepping into the abyss, Winny’s tackling it with a grin and a big can-do attitude.
What She’s Gaining
- Independence – mastering the art of household chores without a handy‑hand.
- Financial Savvy – budgeting paper money in a different currency.
- Passport‑to‑Culture – immersing in the quirks and traditions of her new home.
Her Secret Weapon
“I keep telling myself: ‘How bad can this be? A finger, a lunch, and a joke can solve all crises!’”
With that mantra, Winny is turning the unknown into a playground of learning and laughter.
Questions about foreign travel, visas, or the ever‑shifting Covid‑19 landscape can be sent to [email protected].
