Hi everyone! My name is Camellia Genovese and I’m currently studying at the National University of Singapore! Back at GW, I’m an International Affairs major with a concentration in International Environmental Studies.
In January, I flew out of the country for the first time since I was four years old. I landed in Singapore, experiencing a foreign country for the first time consciously. It was definitely a little confusing at first. People stood on the left side of the escalator, ate with a fork and a spoon most of the time, and ham is made out of chicken! But those differences were beyond exciting to me.
As for the differences in lifestyle, I would say that Singapore is pretty similar to DC. A fast paced city, with plenty of people chasing their dreams. One of my favorite things to do here is sit on the steps of Boat Quay, along the Singapore River, and people watch. I used to do the same thing at the benches on the walk between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Most of the fun is not knowing who you’ll run into there.
Singapore’s status of a global city attracts people from all over the world. I’ve made friends from Finland, England, India, Australia, and Malaysia. You’ll meet plenty of local and exchange students in your modules (we call them courses at GW). You’ll meet plenty more at your residence halls through their events and excursions. NUS’s rich campus life provides so many opportunities to meet people, go on exciting adventures, and further your career.
For our recess week (spring break), a fellow GW exchanger and I flew to Bangkok! Our five-day trip itinerary was ambitious. We managed to visit Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Icon Siam, Chatuchak Market, Khao San Road, Talat Noi Street, and the Grand Palace.
Some of the most entertaining parts of the trip included riding the MRT (their Metro) and their ferry service along the Chao Phraya River. Although slightly confusing to figure out at first, it managed to be the fastest and most scenic ride through Thailand.
It was a great week and I’m beyond excited to see even more of Southeast Asia! :)
Camellia Genovese
Spring 2025
GW Exchange - National University of Singapore
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major