Student Stories
IS student Tekahra Tarnowski broadens horizons on Singapore exchange
Written by Tekahra Tarnowski
My early exposure to international travel played a formative role in shaping my aspiration to pursue an international career.
With financial assistance from the International Studies Travel Award, I was able to realize this goal by studying abroad in 2024/25. I spent one year at the National University of Singapore (NUS), an experience that fundamentally reshaped how I understand culture, collaboration, and global engagement. Living and studying in such a diverse environment allowed me to move beyond abstract discussions of globalization and experience firsthand how cultural, historical, and social contexts influence everyday interactions and institutional practices.
Throughout my time at NUS, I built meaningful relationships with peers from across Asia, Europe, and North America. Working alongside students with different educational backgrounds and cultural perspectives strengthened my ability to communicate across differences, adapt to varying norms, and approach collaboration with cultural sensitivity. In parallel, I embraced my Chinese heritage by studying Mandarin, which not only enhanced my linguistic skills but also deepened my understanding of identity, belonging, and transnational cultural ties. This awareness is particularly valuable in international and cross-cultural professional environments.
Singapore’s rich history and its recognition of four official cultures provided a compelling model of multicultural co-existence. Celebrating Lunar New Year in Chinatown through official community events and welcoming Diwali in Little India through vibrant public celebrations offered insight into how cultural traditions are institutionally supported while remaining socially meaningful. These experiences sharpened my understanding of how governments, communities, and individuals negotiate cultural pluralism—an issue central to international governance, development, and diplomacy.
Living in Singapore for an extended period allowed me to engage with the country and the broader Southeast Asian region as a resident rather than a visitor. By exploring less visible neighborhoods and participating in everyday routines, I developed a nuanced understanding of local social dynamics, regional histories, and contemporary challenges. This grounded perspective reinforced the importance of local knowledge and contextual awareness, skills that are essential for effective international work, where policies and programs must be responsive to the communities they serve.
Most importantly, my time at NUS taught me what it truly means to function within a multicultural society. Navigating cultural differences in academic, social, and public spaces required active listening, humility, and adaptability. These competencies are critical for careers in international organizations, where success depends not only on technical expertise but also on cultural competence, ethical engagement, and the ability to collaborate across borders. This experience affirmed my commitment to working internationally and equipped me with the practical skills and global perspective necessary to contribute meaningfully in diverse professional settings.