I’m an American who just started my first year of undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore last month. I chose Singapore over the US because I wanted to live abroad, and Singapore checked pretty much every box for me: it’s in Asia, tropical, safe, developed, and English is the medium of instruction.

Now, even though NUS is a great university by global standards, the reaction I’ve gotten from many of my family members and friends is that choosing to study abroad as an American is inherently a downgrade, regardless of the university or country. That’s where my question comes from.

  • PlexSheep@infosec.pub
    36·
    2 days ago

    I’d say good for you. Even better if you keep to the local customs and norms. Maybe try learning some of the language etc. In Germany we have the saying “Reisen bildet” (travelling educates) and I think it’s true.

    Personally, I wouldn’t go to the US for a lot of money since trump happened, I just wouldn’t feel safe (and I’m not even in the target group for trumpists). You should expect that the reputation of the USA has deteriorated severely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that people will think you’re responsible for that.

    Education wise, I’m sure there are some very good universities still in the US, but there are also some very good universities elsewhere. I don’t know about the statistics but I don’t think the difference is that pronounced if you’re not looking for the pinnacle of education.

    Overall, I’d say good idea to study abroad and see more of the world. Even if the education was worse it’s invaluable life experience.