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Singapore: The Difference As A Student Vs Tourist

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I’m sure you are all tired of hearing me tell the story of how I lived in Singapore. The beautiful city-state haha! Well, today is your lucky day because we are going to talk about the difference with being a student vs a tourist in another country. If you are new to the blog you need to know that I lived in Singapore for seven months and studied at the National University of Singapore.

I’ve only ever been both a tourist and a student in Singapore. I guess some people can argue that I could be considered a tourist in the UK, as I’ve lived as a student and could be a tourist in the UK, but I think it’s more fun in Singapore. Don’t you?

Before we get into the differences. I thought it would be wise to define the two for ease:

Tourist

Visting Singapore Gardens by the Bay

Usually, explore the local landmarks, sometimes if they are in the country long enough tourist can learn some keywords or phrases. Tourists can go as far as having a chat with the locals take some photos of the sights, try some local cuisines and end the trip with a fun souvenir. 

Student

student at nus

Students, on the other hand, live abroad, which gives them the chance to truly know and embrace a city. There is more time to discover the charming little streets with the best cafés and the ideal spots for authentic cuisine. You can end the stay with a life-changing experience that no one can take from you. 

There are benefits to both studying abroad and visiting a destination as a tourist. If you want to really get to know a city, a country or place. I would always suggest that it’s best to live and take in the culture, food and in this case sun.

Going back to Singapore as a tourist last year was quite an overwhelming experience for me. I had left Singapore six years ago a place I called home and was now returning as a tourist. The many memories that popped up while I sat in a taxi to my friend’s house, left me feeling quite sad. Memories of pretending to be a tourist in the first month. Living in Singapore going to the Singapore Zoo, clubbing and the Singapore flyer.

Above I defined the difference, but what was the difference for me?

Tourist vs. Student in Singapore

Visa Process

Student – you get a visa – mine was for six months. And trust me when I say it is hella of a long process! I arrived later at my uni/college than the other students. This required me to figure out how to do the visa myself! I didn’t know where I had to go and what I needed to bring with me. The staff were kind enough to allow me as they could see how frustrated and flustered I was.

One thing I do remember is not being able to locate my identity box. In Singapore, you are either African or British. You can’t be both Black British, like the UK. This was something that I was naive to believe was universal around the world.

If you want to ever see my student visa it I’m happy to send a picture to you (I still kept it after all these years).

Tourist – You get a stamped visa after completing a form (ask for one on the plane and have a pen). You are then with this stamp, able to stay up to 90 days as a tourist, on business or on a social visit. 

Language

Student – you may think that I learnt to speak Singaporean, but I’m afraid Singaporeans don’t speak Singaporean either. The country has a mixture of languages – Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English. As a student, I was able to speak English to all locals.

Tourist – As a tourist, I would even expect you to learn any of the languages. I was happy to of picked up on some words when I was a student (all of which I’ve forgotten).

Meeting People

Student – you will make lifelong friends. Honestly, I made such good friend that I’m still in contact with today. And get this. Last year I was fortunate enough to be at one of my international friend’s weddings and even better her bridesmaid. See the picture below – in due time I will be writing about my experience.

Dulang girls and Malaysian bridesmaid
friends in singapore

Tourist – I was able to meet up with friends, but with the length. Staying in Singapore as a tourist I knew I wasn’t about to make any life long friends.

Culture

Student – as a student, I was able to experience vast amounts of culture and more. I learnt about traditions, tasted the richness of food and more! My personal faves have to be chicken rice, chilli crab and stingray! My mouth waters as I write this!

chicken rice

Tourist – I guess I was at an advantage because I had already experienced living in Singapore as a student. However, as a tourist, there’s only so much you can try! I would suggest the meals I stated above – or you could subscribe and find out places to eat in Singapore.

Views of the World

Student – Looking back now, I felt like, I honestly was able to gain a new perspective of the world. I came home with fresh eyes to the world and was ready to explore more. I came back and felt out of places to my friends and family. Having experienced so much of a different life to them. Time had moved for me. I had seen and experienced a new and different world a new perspective and a new culture.

china town

Tourist – Hahaha! Of course, you can taste another side of the world as a tourist. However, I have to say that it’s never the same as living somewhere else!

Thank you for reading my experiences, I do hope you enjoyed them, and it encourages you to move abroad. Have you ever been both a tourist and student or lived in the same country. What was it like share your comments below.

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Gdańsk Christmas Market 2019

I have always wanted to visit a European Christmas Market, so was very excited to head over to Gdańsk with some amazing girls. If you’ve been following me my Instagram, you will know that I’ve already started sharing my Christmas content from my time in Gdańsk, Poland this week.

Yes, for my last trip of 2019, I took a cheeky day trip with the famous European day tripper – TravelEatSlay.

Gdańsk is – a city located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Gdańsk is Poland’s principal seaport and one of the most prominent tourist destinations. It’s famous for several important historical attractions, such as the Royal Way, the famous promenade street of Polish kings, along with historic cathedrals, medieval ports and heaps of cool cafes.

girls in gdasnk
The girls in Gdansk

How was Gdansk?

The city was in one word cold. Hahaha! I was quite looking forward to seeing the Christmas Market in Gdańsk and the festive Arts & crafts market which takes place on the Main Town’s Coal Market (Targ Węglowy). It is being run from 1st until the 23rd of December. I wasn’t going to write about this day trip because between you and me; there wasn’t a lot done on this trip! Everything closed very early, and it was soo cold that I just wanted to sit in the warmth lol!

However, despite the cold (-2 degrees)!! I have to say that I was impressed by the beautiful Christmas market and buildings. When we first arrived, we purchased our bus tickets and headed into the city. We were welcomed with culture, food and entertainment. 

Gdańsk DUMPLINGS

Throughout December, Targ Węglowy (Eng: The Coal Market) in the picturesque historic centre, Old Town, will turn into a quaint Christmas village offering decorations and treats galore, woollen scarves and socks, handmade jewellery, children’s no toys, mulled wine, hot cider and steaming portions of Polish food. 

Things to eat at Gdańsk Christmas markets? 

We went to a restaurant called – Piwnica Rajców Browar Restauracja. There is also such a range of traditional Polish cuisine that you’ll find in Gdańsk and the Christmas Market. I would try some polish dumplings.

Things to Drink at Gdańsk Christmas markets? 

mulled wine

Christmas is the season of heated alcohol! And I am so here for it! My absolute fave is mulled wine! I had so much when I was also in Riga this year! It appeared to me that the Polish had a thing for Beer soo be sure to have a taste when you are in Poland.

I will be showcasing more of my day on my Instagram – (all part of the Christmas theme). So head over to my page now and say Merry Christmas!

Have you ever been to a Christmas Market? How was it? Let us know in the comments below.  
Gdańsk Christmas Market 2019 pintrest

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