AGE NEWS – Beybi Khansa Wavina, a Management student from the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), cohort 2021, participated in the DiscoverNUS exchange program at the National University of Singapore (NUS) earlier this year. During her time at NUS, she enrolled in 3 majors from 2 faculties, which were the Business School and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The majors she took were Management and Organisation, Marketing, and Communication and New Media.
Khansa learned about the DiscoverNUS program through her department’s WhatsApp group. During that time, she was already intrigued by NUS’s reputation after seeing its students featured on Ruangguru’s Clash of Champions, thus she was eager to apply. “It seemed like a great chance to experience a top-tier academic environment and meet students from all over the region,” she said, noting the program’s appeal as a gateway to a prestigious academic environment.
Academic Environment at NUS
Compared to UNAIR, NUS offered a more dynamic and fast-paced academic experience. She had to attend mandatory interactive tutorials alongside lectures, with diverse assignments such as essays, media projects, and group presentations. “Compared to UNAIR, the academic structure at NUS was a lot more intense and fast-paced. . . . I learned so much just by working with people from different academic and cultural backgrounds,” Khansa shared.
The program facilitated meaningful interactions with students from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond. In class discussions and informal settings, Khansa engaged in conversations about cultural differences and she had the opportunity to share diverse perspectives with other students. “Those interactions, even in small breakout rooms or after class, helped me learn how to listen better and collaborate across cultures,” she reflected.
The DiscoverNUS program aligned closely with Khansa’s Management major, particularly her focus on Human Resource Management. Courses like Management and Organisation and Marketing directly complemented her studies, while Communication and New Media provided materials about branding and public opinion, which are the skills relevant to HR and marketing roles. The opportunity to learn interdisciplinary courses allowed her to blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
For Khansa, adapting to NUS’s high academic standards was a significant challenge. She overcame this by learning to seek help and support from her friends through participating in study groups and helping her with time management skills. Luckily, the friends she made were very supportive and helpful. “I wasn’t afraid to ask them for help, and that made a big difference in how I coped with the workload and adapted to the environment. It also helped to remind myself that growth takes time and that I was capable of adapting,” she said.
Beyond academics, Khansa valued the cultural events and student-led activities at NUS. Informal gatherings where students shared food, stories, and traditions created a sense of community. “Those little moments helped me feel more connected, and they made my exchange experience much more than just academics,” she noted.
Advice for Prospective Applicants
For students considering DiscoverNUS, Khansa’s advice is clear: “Definitely apply!” She encourages applicants to embrace challenges and remain open to new experiences. “The most important part is showing up, staying curious, and growing through the process. You’ll come back with not just academic knowledge, but also confidence and lifelong memories,” she said. This shows that the program offers not only academic growth but also personal development and lasting memories.
The most significant lesson Khansa took from this program was the value of growth through discomfort. Navigating a new academic and cultural environment taught her adaptability, confidence, and self-awareness. “I met inspiring people, explored new places, and experienced things I never imagined I’d be part of. It helped me become more confident, independent, and aware of who I am, not just as a student, but as a person. It’s something I’ll carry with me far beyond the classroom,” she said. These lessons will shape her future as both a student and an individual.
Beybi Khansa Wavina’s participation in the DiscoverNUS program was a transformative journey marked by academic rigor, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Her experience underscores the program’s value in preparing students for global challenges while nurturing meaningful connections. For UNAIR students eyeing international opportunities, Khansa’s story is a compelling invitation to explore the world through programs like DiscoverNUS.
