From China to Singapore

We journey through changes where everything around us evolves, always reaping the fruits of our efforts.

Since the economic reforms in China, the country has achieved remarkable success and growth. Countless children have studied diligently for over a decade, crossing the narrow bridge of the college entrance examination (gaokao), only to finally settle in big cities upon graduation. But is this the only path available? Some individuals possess talents beyond academics but may miss opportunities due to less-than-ideal academic performance. Is this truly inevitable? For me, studying abroad was the right choice.

Taken upon arrival in Singapore in 2014

During junior high school, my proficiency in mathematics stood out, yet my performance in other subjects was average, making it challenging even to secure admission to a good high school. Thus, after finishing eighth grade, my family sent me to Singapore, where I became one among many international students.

Singapore offers both public and private schools. Foreign students must pass the Admission Exercise for International Students (AEIS) to gain admission to public schools, enabling them to access better educational resources and more affordable tuition alongside Singaporeans. The AEIS exam assesses only English and Mathematics, with a pass rate of just 10%, presenting a significant challenge for most international students due to the difficulty of the English language.

Due to my poor English proficiency, I opted to attend a private language school to study English and Mathematics. Uprooted and alone, language became the greatest challenge for my fourteen-year-old self. Initially, I struggled to understand during classes and ranked last in my class. Enduring loneliness, I was forced to become independent. Unable to comprehend mathematical problems due to my language barrier, I studied English until midnight every day. Gradually, I found myself grasping mathematical concepts, and my English skills improved dramatically. After persevering for two months, I fortunately passed the AEIS exam and successfully enrolled in a public secondary school. This marked my first significant effort and laid a solid foundation for my future endeavors.

Upon entering government secondary school, studying became much easier, and the knowledge accumulated in China consistently placed me at the top. In addition to my studies, I joined the school’s Red Cross society and, alongside my friends, achieved numerous awards. Looking back, it was a fulfilling and happy period of my life.

Recruitment poster for the Red Cross society, with me on the far right

 

After graduating from secondary school, all students are required to take the O Level examinations (Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level), which determine their educational pathways. Based on their exam results, students are streamed into different educational institutions: Junior Colleges (high schools), Polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Junior Colleges focus on academic knowledge, and students proceed to take the A Level examinations (Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) upon graduation. With their exam results, they can apply to globally recognized universities that use English as the medium of instruction.

Polytechnics specialize in nurturing professional skills. Graduates are highly valued by companies and can enter the workforce directly. If they wish to pursue further studies, they can apply to Singaporean universities based on their credits earned without needing to take exams.

The Institute of Technical Education concentrates on vocational skills. It provides an option for students who may not have performed well academically to enter and prepares them to join the workforce upon graduation.

Seeking more diverse opportunities after graduation, I enrolled in a Polytechnic. At school, I dedicated myself to studies, actively participated in competitions, and brought numerous awards to the institution. Thanks to my outstanding credits, I was admitted to the Singapore Polytechnic University, ready to embark on a new chapter in my life.

Awarded by the Singapore Ministry of Transport

So far, I have been in Singapore for seven years. I enjoy the clean environment and beautiful scenery here, and I am grateful for the opportunity to study abroad. Despite my average beginnings, I have secured a brighter future. Thanks to efforts along the way, I have achieved a better version of myself. We journey alone through changes in circumstances, always reaping the fruits of our hard work.

By Chris Chi Date of Publish: 21 July 2022

In my last post, I shared about my recent joy of being admitted to Singapore Institute of Technology, a public university here in Singapore. I’m really happy to have the opportunity to further my studies.

Recently, while chatting with a friend named Xiaohua, something astonishing came up—he’s already pursuing a Master’s degree! It struck me because I’ve been studying abroad for a year longer than him, yet I’m only in my first year of undergraduate studies, feeling the disparity in our paths.

Upon further inquiry, I learned that Xiaohua has been navigating through private institutions all along.

Now, let me compare our educational journeys:

My journey: Private language school (4 months) – AEIS exam – Entry into a public secondary school (4 years) – O Level exams – Admission to a public polytechnic (3 years, akin to a diploma in China) – Admission to a public university (bypassing exams based on credits)

Xiaohua’s journey: Private language school (8 months) – O Level exams – Private university preparatory course (8 months) – Diploma program at a private university (8 months, similar to an associate degree in China) – Graduation exam pass – Undergraduate program at a private university (1.5 to 2 years) – Graduation exam pass – Master’s program at a private university

Xiaohua mentioned that although he pursued his undergraduate studies at a private university, the program was in collaboration with University College Dublin, Ireland, and the degree was jointly awarded by both institutions.

Comparing our experiences, I’ve noticed that private institutions offer shorter program durations, easier academic requirements, and a wider range of courses. Similar to public universities, they also offer programs in collaboration with prestigious overseas institutions and jointly issue degrees.

Many students planning to study abroad often ask: which is better, private or public institutions?

My advice is to consider your own capabilities.

If you excel academically and have strong learning abilities, public universities should be your primary choice.

If you have diverse interests, wish to experience an international environment, and value efficiency, private universities are also a good option.

Whether it’s a public or private university, both provide excellent educational resources. After graduation, you can choose to work in Singapore or apply to universities in Singapore or Western countries for further studies.

No matter where you are, as long as you strive diligently and study hard, you will surely carve out your own path to success.

Best wishes to all students in pursuing your dream school!

 

Writer: Chris Chi

Date: 27 Aug 2022