Singapore, Dubai, Sydney and Cardiff: My experiences studying all over the world

Why I Chose a Global BBA and What I Expected From It

When I came across the Global BBA course- covering Singapore, Dubai and Australia, it immediately caught my attention as this was a very unique offering. I decided to pursue this course because it focused on giving a more international outlook on business and practical knowledge about global markets.

I came to know about this course through online and newspaper advertisements.

After my application was successful and admission confirmed at S.P.Jain School of Global Management , I was excited to share the news with my family and friends and their reactions were priceless- the tricity program was unheard of at the time and everyone was curious, excited and looking forward to hearing my experiences.

Before starting the course - my only expectation was to gain real world knowledge on how businesses run globally and apply them to my own work and I am happy to share that reality was much better than that. I not only gained knowledge but also made great connections with business owners, professors and peers who have helped me throughout my career.

My First Year Living and Studying in Singapore

Since I had been to Singapore before as a tourist, I already had a sense of how the city is and it was comforting to know the city I was going to live in for 1 year beforehand.

The Global BBA program followed the US format of education - the classroom culture was quite different from India. Every session was interactive - where professors encouraged students to think about the “why’s” behind every answer.

The cost of living in Singapore varied based on the activities and interests each student had. As I was someone who got a specific amount to spend from home every month - I managed my expenses by eating more at the college canteen and using local public transport.

The university offered many scholarship options that aspiring students could apply at the time of their course application.

Living and studying in Singapore is an experience one can only understand by being there. The culture, the food, interacting with the locals - are some things you will not understand from reading some google reviews.

The hardest part about living there was not having family around, and the best part was that life there was so safe, seamless and organised.

My Second Year Experience in Dubai

Dubai’s academic environment felt more fast paced compared to Singapore’s more structured and flexible system. Classes in Dubai placed a stronger emphasis on practical learning, group work, and real-world business exposure, which made the learning experience feel more industry-oriented.

Compared to the previous year- the time in Dubai was a little more hectic and busy compared to Singapore, so the opportunity to socialise was low as every one was busy meeting project deadlines.

Dubai offered a wide range of internship opportunities, especially in fields like business, marketing, finance, hospitality, and startups. Many companies were open to hiring students for internships, and the city’s strong corporate presence made networking and gaining industry exposure easier.

One initial challenge was adjusting to the extreme weather and understanding local customs and laws also took some time, but overall the city is very international, which made the transition smoother than expected.

As a tourist, Dubai seemed mostly about luxury and attractions, but as a student, I began to see it as a city full of opportunities, ambition, and cultural diversity. Living there helped me understand the work culture, everyday routines, and how global the city truly is.

A pro tip would be to network early—attend events, talk to professors, and connect with classmates. Building connections can really help with internships, projects, and overall growth.

How Australia Shaped My Independence During My Time in Sydney

The academic system in Australia was more independent and research-oriented compared to the previous countries. There was a strong focus on self-study, critical thinking, and applying concepts rather than constant assessments. Professors encouraged students to take responsibility for their learning, which helped build discipline and analytical skills.

Campus life in Sydney was welcoming and diverse, with a strong sense of community. There were plenty of events, and activities, making it easy to meet people from different backgrounds. The environment felt inclusive and supportive, both academically and socially.

As living moved from hostel to apartments, Sydney significantly boosted my independence. Managing daily responsibilities like budgeting, cooking, and balancing studies with part-time work helped me become more self-reliant. It also broadened my perspective by exposing me to a more laid-back yet disciplined lifestyle.

Students might be surprised by how self-directed the education system is—there’s less hand-holding, so time management is key. The cost of living can also be higher than expected, so planning finances early makes a big difference.

What Postgraduate Life in Cardiff Taught Me

Postgraduate study in Cardiff felt more focused and purposeful compared to undergraduate study. The classes were smaller, discussions were more in-depth, and there was a stronger emphasis on applying knowledge rather than just learning concepts. It felt more professional and career-oriented.

The pressure was different rather than higher. While there were fewer subjects, the expectations were much higher in terms of critical thinking, independent research, and quality of work. Deadlines were tighter, and assignments required deeper analysis.

My favorite thing about Cardiff was how student-friendly and compact the city is—everything is close by, affordable, and easy to navigate. The least favorite part was the weather, especially during the colder and rainier months, which took some getting used to.

The student community felt like a good mix of both local and international students. Cardiff has a strong international presence, but it also maintains a close-knit, community feel, which makes it easy to form meaningful connections.

Be prepared for a very independent learning style—professors guide you, but it’s up to you to go the extra mile. Also, plan your finances well and adapt quickly to the academic expectations to make the most of your experience.

Comparing All the Countries I Studied In

I enjoyed living in Sydney, Australia the most. The balance between academics, lifestyle, and mental well-being was ideal. The city offered a high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, and a culture that encouraged independence while still being relaxed and supportive.

I felt the highest academic pressure in Dubai. The system was very fast-paced, and competitive, with constant assessments and high expectations, which made it academically intense.

Singapore offers the best student life and social environment. The city is extremely social and diverse, with frequent events, networking opportunities, and an active student culture that makes it easy to build connections.

Singapore felt the most international-student friendly. With people from all over the world and a very global mindset, it was easy to adapt, feel included, and find communities from different cultures.

Sydney provided the best immediate career and internship opportunities due to its strong corporate presence, startup ecosystem, and openness to hiring students and fresh graduates.

I felt safest in Singapore, where security is strong and public spaces feel safe even late at night. Sydney and Cardiff were generally safe, but like most cities, required more awareness, especially at night or in quieter areas.

The hardest transition was moving from Dubai to Sydney because of the change in academic style, climate, and lifestyle. I handled it by staying open-minded, building a support system early, and giving myself time to adapt rather than expecting everything to feel familiar immediately.

How This Global Journey Changed Me

It made me more adaptable, open-minded, and confident in unfamiliar environments. Changing countries every year was tough emotionally, but it taught me resilience and how to rebuild a sense of home quickly.

I gained strong cross-cultural communication skills and a global understanding of how business works in different regions. It helped me think beyond one market or mindset.

It pushed me toward international roles and global organizations.

Yes, without hesitation. The growth, exposure, and confidence I gained made the challenges worth it.

Be ready for constant change and step out of your comfort zone. If you’re adaptable and curious, this experience will shape you in the best way.

My Practical Advice for Future Global Students

Always keep digital and physical copies of important documents in one place. It saves a lot of stress when moving countries or dealing with visas and authorities.

Pack versatile basics instead of overpacking, track your expenses from the first month, and always keep an emergency fund. These small habits make international living much easier.

Don’t hesitate to ask professors or seniors for guidance—it helps you adjust faster.

Say yes to events, join clubs, and interact with people outside your comfort zone. The more open you are, the richer your experience will be.