Penn Abroad Ambassador Amanda Cui

Program:

• SA: National University of Singapore

Ask me about...

As a first generation, low-income student, studying abroad was never in my radar initially. The financial barriers seemed insurmountable, and the idea of navigating a foreign country while managing my budget felt daunting. However, through the support of financial aid resources and insightful budgeting advice from students who had previously studied abroad, I found myself financially equipped to make the most of my experience. This “limitation” actually encouraged me to approach my experience abroad with greater intentionality, as I was mindful of my expenditures and constrained time. I saw this challenge as an opportunity to engage more deeply with the local culture and community.

For students who are considering studying abroad, I would love to share more about how I navigated financial challenges, maximized my budget without sacrificing experiences, and how being intentional with time and money can lead to a more rewarding experience overall. I have many practical tips on budgeting, finding affordable accommodations and activities, and making meaningful connections with locals. My unique perspective is an example of how planning and a proactive approach can make a daunting studying abroad experience both financially feasible and immensely enriching, regardless of one's background or financial situation.

My Experience Abroad:

I’m a city girl at heart. Having grown up in New York City, interned in San Francisco, and gone to school in Philadelphia, I thrive in cities. At every corner, I am presented with an abundance of culture, knowledge, and opportunities, and I love it. When selecting a study abroad destination, I chose Singapore for its language, diversity, and growth prospects. I didn't anticipate how Singapore's innovative city planning would profoundly influence my academic and professional aspirations.

With a background in housing justice and urban advocacy, it was essential for me to explore city planning while in Singapore, known for its exceptional urban design. My goal was to learn how to incorporate green infrastructure, affordable housing, and efficient public transport into other cities. I enrolled in "Cities For All" and "Changing Landscapes of Singapore," courses that greatly influenced my approach to combining my finance background with urban studies. "Cities For All" emphasized inclusive design and accessibility, while "Changing Landscapes of Singapore" examined Singapore’s strategic urban transformations through projection, promotion, and prohibition.

Exposure to these advanced planning concepts encouraged me to enroll in Wharton Research Scholars, where I will be writing a thesis on urban fiscal policy and the role of private-public partnerships in fostering accessible, safe, and equitable cities. By studying Singapore’s unique urban strategies, I realized the potential of leveraging fiscal and partnership strategies to address global urban challenges. My decision to write a thesis will bleed into future academic and professional work, reflecting the impact of a global education.

Other Highlights:

My experience abroad was filled with unforgettable highlights. One of the most rewarding aspects of my program was creating a video compilation titled “moving postcards” documenting my experiences throughout Southeast Asia. This project aimed to draw upon my courses’ lectures to examine how shifting groups, voluntary or not, bring about intersecting identities. It was an incredibly creative way to synthesize and share my journey with peers and faculty, fostering a deeper understanding of the region.
Immersing myself in a new language was also a transformative experience. From daily interactions to navigating local markets and cultural sites, using Mandarin enhanced my connections with locals and broadened my cultural understanding. In Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, I was constantly challenging my language capabilities, which helped me improve my language skills and communicate effectively in everyday situations.
Most importantly, I made so many new global besties! While in Thailand and Vietnam, I was able to visit the homes of my new friends, which provided deeper cultural immersion and a unique perspective on local traditions and customs. I actually have plans next week to meet up with one of my friends from abroad, who is visiting from Toronto.