School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Year 3, AY2022/23

Personally, I felt that this was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I knew it would be almost silly to pass it up. Having just returned to Singapore after spending my last semester there, I can assure you that it was the most rewarding experience that I could ever dream of. I’d strongly urge all my fellow navy brothers and sisters to consider this programme as I am hopeful that you would not regret it!

As I stood at the crossroads of opportunity, contemplating the path to self-discovery and growth, the allure of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) captivated me deeply. Distinguished as a prestigious and world-renowned institution, USNA stands as an emblem of excellence in military education and leadership. The prospect of delving into the unexplored realm of military academics and cultural enrichment offered by this renowned academy felt like an invitation to unlock new horizons. This unique military semester exchange presented an unparalleled opportunity to broaden my worldview and engage with foreign military affiliates, further enriching my personal and professional growth. The absence of a military institute like USNA in Singapore further piqued my curiosity and compelled me to participate as I was eager to explore how academics could be seamlessly integrated with our naval operations.

My main objective of embarking on this military Student Exchange Programme (SEP) extended beyond mere academic pursuits; it was a quest to gain invaluable insights into foreign military academia that could enrich my abilities as a naval officer, whilst forging cross-cultural friendships that would transcend borders. Motivated by the ardent pursuit of these objectives, I made a deliberate and heartfelt decision to participate in the military SEP at USNA. This personal choice emerged after careful deliberation and seeking counsel from those who had previously undertaken the programme, whose advice proved invaluable in my preparations. The unwavering support from my family served as an additional source of encouragement, solidifying my determination to embrace this rare and transformative journey. As I reflect on my last semester, I am astounded by how this exchange programme exceeded my expectations, leaving an indelible mark on my heart that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Upon stepping foot at the academy, I was instantly embraced by a warm and inviting wave of camaraderie. The atmosphere felt like a second home, and I couldn't help but notice how remarkably friendly and approachable everyone was. The general living conditions at USNA exceeded my expectations of typical communal military-style living; instead, they were sufficiently comfortable and nurtured a unique experience that fostered a profound sense of unity among all the midshipmen. I also felt an overwhelming sense of safety and comfort all throughout my stay at Bancroft Hall.

Though I do occasionally miss Singapore food, I found the abundance of food options at USNA to be exceptional and simply incomparable to what we are used to at our bases. With daily changing menus, salad bars, fruit bars, and a well-stocked soup station at King Hall, one quickly became familiar with the venue. In addition, the refuelling stations offered a variety of healthy high-protein snacks during non-meal hours, providing the necessary energy boost before study sessions. If King Hall won’t do, there’s also plenty of food options at Downtown Annapolis (DTA) that is conveniently located outside the academy, and a frequent hotspot for midshipmen during liberty hours.

Living in close quarters with fellow midshipmen at Bancroft Hall provided a rich cultural exchange and ample opportunities for interaction and bonding. My company mates and I would often find ourselves gravitating to company common areas, whether to watch movies together and play video games or engaging in heartfelt conversations. Beyond sharing meals together, there were numerous brigade events and company bonding activities that solidified our sense of unity. Despite attending the academy for only a semester and being an international student, I felt seamlessly integrated into the vibrant tapestry of USNA's community.

During my stay, I shared my room with three other graduating seniors, who I quickly became close to. We would celebrate birthdays, events, and holidays together with several others from our company who live close by – They were like family throughout my stay. Attending their graduation and witnessing their journeys as officers in the US Navy and US Marine Corp was a testament to the lasting friendships formed during the exchange — an invaluable takeaway that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

USNA also served as a vibrant meeting ground for international officers, providing me with the opportunity to build deep bonds with people from different countries. Among them were fellow exchange students, international four-year students, and officers teaching at the academy. I am humbled to have gained friendships with individuals from diverse parts of the world, including Israel, Australia, Romania, and so many others. These enduring connections became my most cherished takeaway from the SEP.

Throughout the exchange, I also found great support from remarkable individuals like Mary Alice and Choon Kiat. They proved to be invaluable pillars, assisting me throughout the duration of the programme, from preparations to settling back in Singapore. Mary Alice's genuine care for all international students at USNA made us feel right at home, going above and beyond to ensure our comfort and well-being. Their unwavering support offered me the peace of mind that I had someone to count on if ever in need. This positive environment made navigating the challenges of the exchange program all the more rewarding.

Academically, my experience at USNA was both manageable and rewarding. With sufficient amounts of effort, achieving good grades was attainable. What impressed me the most were the navy-related courses offered, seamlessly integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world naval operations. The abundance of academic resources available for midshipmen further enhanced my learning journey.

One notable aspect of the academic structure at USNA was the preference for class-based lessons, which I found to be more meaningful compared to lecture-style mediums at NTU. The interactive nature of the classes made them feel more personal, and the professors, many of whom were military personnel, demonstrated exceptional patience and willingness to guide students who needed additional support.

What truly enriched the academic experience was the first-hand knowledge shared by the professors who had extensive prior fleet experience. Four out of five of my professors were military officers, and they offered valuable insights into their diverse job experiences. For instance, my engineering professor was a pilot who had flown F-18s on aircraft carriers, while my coding professor was a marine officer. This exposure to their real-world expertise and experiences beyond what was stipulated in the course materials made the academic hours feel truly meaningful and impactful. Overall, the academic aspect of my exchange at USNA broadened my professional knowledge and equipped me with practical insights that will undoubtedly be valuable in my future as a naval officer. The academic journey complemented the overall transformative experience at USNA, fostering not only personal growth but also a deep appreciation for the practical application of knowledge in naval operations.

As an international officer at the academy, I was given numerous opportunities to represent Singapore and engage in insightful discussions and share fascinating aspects of our country, not only concerning our military, but also our rich cultural heritage. These sharing sessions proved to be immensely enjoyable and rewarding, prompting me to reflect upon and develop a profound appreciation for our home country. Embracing the role of Singapore’s cultural ambassador, I had the privilege of kindling curiosity among my American counterparts, as well as the other international midshipmen and officers at the academy, fostering deeper connections between our nations. In these moments, I discovered newfound self-confidence and honed my public speaking skills, leaving a lasting impact on both my personal and professional growth. The cross-cultural interactions during these sessions enriched my perspective, broadened my global outlook, and allowed me to build lasting connections with fellow midshipmen from around the world. In turn, they shared their unique backgrounds, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and respect.

Life at USNA was a tapestry of exploration and shared experiences. In the pursuit of adventure and knowledge, I was immediately captivated by the myriad of interest clubs and activities offered. From rock climbing to scuba diving, each endeavour further enriched my understanding of American culture and diverse perspectives. These Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) served as not just opportunities for recreation and a chance to travel across the country but also as avenues to engage with fellow midshipmen on a deeper level, transcending mere academic boundaries. Through these ECAs, I embarked on several club organised trips like backpacking and camping out at the Shenandoah National Park, scuba diving at Florida Keys and rock climbing at Red River Gorge, all of which were done with other like-minded midshipmen, who I forged lasting friendships with.

Moreover, as an international officer, I was privileged to participate in exclusive tours of historic landmarks like the Pentagon and the White House, gaining invaluable insights into American history and governance. These extraordinary opportunities, made possible through the exchange program, added a unique and enriching dimension to my USNA experience, making it truly exceptional and unforgettable.

One of my most unforgettable experiences during my time at USNA was a heart-warming homestay hosted by a friend I met at the academy in her New York City apartment. Her family's warm hospitality and friendliness made me feel right at home as they took me on an exciting tour of the city's renowned museums and heritage sites. This cultural immersion allowed me to truly understand the diverse essence of America's melting pot.

Another remarkable highlight was the Yard Patrol experience, where we embarked on an exhilarating sail to Virginia Beach. As the officer of the watch, I gained invaluable insights into the meticulous bridge watch keeping conducted by the US Navy. Witnessing their ship operations first-hand was both fascinating and enlightening, especially with my bridge team comprising of fellow exchange officers and midshipmen from three different nationalities. It was interesting to work together with such a diverse group. This exposure to international collaboration not only broadened my understanding of foreign naval operations and military culture but also instilled a profound sense of appreciation for international collaborations.

Beyond personal growth, the military SEP at USNA has forged bonds that will resonate throughout my SAF career. The friendships established during the exchange are more than just fleeting connections; they are bridges that unite us as military officers, enabling future collaborations and invaluable support networks. As I return to Singapore with a heart brimming with gratitude and a mind enriched with diverse perspectives, I find myself forever transformed. I am humbled by the benefits and values of the overseas military exchange program. It goes beyond academic pursuits; it is a crucible for personal growth, cultural immersion, and fostering international relationships essential in an interconnected world. Moreover, the academy offers not only top-notch education but a gateway to a world of vibrant experiences, shaping me into a well-rounded and culturally enriched individual. This military SEP has not only broadened my horizons but also instilled a profound appreciation for Singapore's role in the global arena.

To my fellow SAF officers at NTU, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing the military SEP with open arms. While apprehensions may linger, rest assured that the journey of self-discovery and growth far outweighs any uncertainties. The support from USNA, NTU, and SAF combined with the camaraderie of fellow midshipmen will serve as guiding stars on this transformative voyage.

School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Year 3, AY 2021/22

My main objective of going for a military SEP is to fully experience the life being in a military academy. Singapore does not have a military academy; hence this experience will not come by unless I sign up for it. Another motive behind this military SEP is to better see how engineering integrates into the bigger navy. Courses in NTU have been generic, but the courses in USNA closely ties in with the Navy, and often references back on how the things we learn are applied to the naval operations.

I think that people did not really influence my choice, i.e., this decision to go for the military SEP was an individual decision. Many friends have applied alongside me, most of them have dropped out of it due to course matching and other personal issues. The main drive for me to yearn for this military SEP was the fact that I truly want to experience how a military academy function. Furthermore, the RSN is known to be the diplomatic arm of the SAF, and I feel that this is an excellent opportunity to push forth this idea of making friends and staying connected, towards a closer global Navy.

I had the mindset to expect the worse, so everything came out better than expected. There isn’t much shock when it comes to academics and general living conditions, as they are better than ours back in Singapore. Cultural integration, however, was a small bump on the road. Americans are way more vocal of their opinions, and some of their thoughts may be really different from our mindset. Having an open mind really helps understand them better. 

The SAF-NTU Academy and USNA gave robust support before and during the programme, which I am thankful for. All administrative processes were well-informed in advance, such that we know what to expect and can respond accordingly.

The main thing I picked up is their leadership style. They have a very logical and systematic hierarchy system that makes sure everyone is informed and kept in touch.  I was given the role of a Fire Team Leader, which essentially puts me as a mentor for 2 midshipmen. I was able to be tested in the 2 extreme cases: an excellent midshipman that needs no guidance and a midshipman who seems to be struggling in all aspects of school. This opportunity exposes me to learn about how I could push a stellar individual to greater heights, beyond what I am capable of, and to guide a fellow midshipman in his weaknesses. It taught me the value of heart, and that if I genuinely believe in something, I will be able to find a way to make things work.

I was also given an honorary position to be training staff in the USNA taekwondo team. Contacts made have been valuable. I am exposed to a variety of people, from the youngest midshipmen, to retired 4-star generals. The SAF strives to be diplomatic, and these contacts will help with improving US-SG relations. Furthermore, having friends in other navies will make our multi-national partnerships stronger, which can be useful when it comes to diplomatic visits or exercises. I feel that your exchange at U.S. academy provides me sufficient opportunities to interact and create new friendships and to learn on US military training and culture and share with them information about NTU (education) and SAF (military)

I am very satisfied with my exchange programme. The key takeaways are the friendships I made, the lessons I learnt in terms of leadership and learning ethics, and soft skills.

Most of the memorable experiences are out of the classroom. Going over to classmates’ sponsors for the weekend, travelling over summer break, skydiving. Mainly it is the interaction with everyone that makes good memories.

 One thing that this SEP taught me was that if I made the world more about others, it will be filled with purpose. Previously, I was too caught up with my own progression and development that I only did things that benefitted me. Having come here, I put people before me, and I have learnt things that I never knew I would even come into contact with. Also, it made the trip much more enjoyable. I never expected myself to skydive, and surely never expected myself to have so many friends.

 Being brought up in a singular institution gives you a very narrow mindset on experiences, like how an ideal leader is like, or how things should be done. An overseas military exchange, especially for those nations which ideals differ significantly, will open your eyes with their different methods. As you question why they do things a certain way, you will learn more about their culture, and take-home things that may be useful to you in the future. This SEP has allowed me to learn the inner workings of an established Navy, and this gives me ideas on how I could improve the way things are back home, so that we can be a small but mighty power on the map, all while being friends with many abroad.

I will strongly recommend SEP to all SAF officers. 

School of Social Sciences, Year 3, AY2021/22

 Ever since I joined the Navy in 2017, I have always had interest in attending USNA for the experience and exposure to a foreign military affiliate. While I was not offered the opportunity to be there for 4 years, I hopped on this chance with SAF-NTU to go to USNA for a semester so that I can live a little of what I yearned for. Personally, it was not a tough decision to make as I really wanted to go for this trip and my family and friends were supportive of my decision.

The entire process of connecting us from NTU to USNA was great. We were frequently updated through emails and meetings for what we had to do: the admission process to USNA and other administrative items.

I had a great time in USNA and made loads of friends. Not only have I made connections with the midshipmen, but I also connected with some of the professors who offered to aid me should I ever need help to pursue further studies in the US. We also connected with 2 midshipmen on the same exchange who were from Israel!  We worked with them and helped each other throughout the semester. I felt that it was a smooth transition for me and there was not much that I had to adapt to other than the cold weather. Every staff and student in USNA were welcoming and treated me like one of them.

I focused a lot on my academics as I was taking 3 “Level 4” (i.e., 4K) courses and 1 elective course. It seemed daunting but the professors there are very approachable and provided a lot of help whenever you need them. I missed a couple of classes as I went for a Yard Patrol – I will get to this in a bit. Missing classes in NTU could easily cause you to fall behind if you cannot catch up or get any help from your professors. However, in USNA, you can easily schedule a session to meet with your professors if you missed a class and they will help you get back on track. I can confidently say that without their help, I would not have been able to do as well as I did.

There were many activities that midshipmen could partake in USNA. In their daily schedule, midshipmen are required to take up at least a sport so that there can maintain their physical fitness. I joined the Ultimate Frisbee team and represented the school for a tournament where we placed first in the sectionals!  Ideally, we would move on to the next tournament at the regionals, but it was during our finals period, and we could not get approval from the commanders to join the tournament. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the training and overall experience playing with them, and I bought a couple of Navy Ultimate memoirs for myself.

The next most memorable activity was Yard Patrol. Essentially, it is to go onboard a ship, known as the Yard Patrol, and sail around USNA, to the planned port of call. Naval Officers can relate this to Polaris, it is the same as a sortie. Amongst the midshipmen, we would form up the crew required to drive the ship. There were many roles, but I was given the con, which was the person in charge of commanding the other crew on how to drive the ship. For this trip, I drove the ship from USNA to Baltimore, which took about 5 hours. When we were at Baltimore, we were allowed to go around and explore the area at Fells Point. I went out with the 2 Israeli midshipmen for an awesome dinner and got to know them a lot more. Heading to USNA, I never thought that I would be able to drive a ship in US waters, but I am glad that I was given this opportunity.

I genuinely cherish the friends, memories, and overall experience I had in USNA. I had a great time not only in Annapolis, as my friends also drove me to other places including Baltimore, Washington D.C., Virginia, etc. to tour, go for hikes, watch live NBA games and many more fun experiences that will stay with me for life. Fun fact: some of them are coming to Singapore to meet me! The bonds I forged with them does not only extend to the military connections between the US and Singapore, but also interpersonal connections.

I learnt a lot about the US Navy and their stand in international relations as well. I joined in talks and sessions where the midshipmen had discussions about current affairs, especially during the heightened period when the Ukraine war just started. It was something that OCS did not offer and an eye-opener for me seeing how patriotic all midshipmen were.

I would highly recommend this SEP to all SAF officers. The duration of the exchange is perfect, not too long to feel dreadful of “staying in-camp,” nor too short to get a full experience. I did not just take away a mundane “exchange experience” that I can get at any other university in the world, but I also managed to forge bonds and relations for life that would not only help me in my career in the SAF, but these friendships would also last for life.

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Year 2, AY2019/20

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is one of the most prestigious military academies in the world.  Having been around since the American Revolution, it is an institution rich with history and heritage.  My personal purpose of applying for this semester exchange programme was to seek a wider worldview by looking at the training of midshipmen in the world’s most powerful navy.  Besides being able to explore their culture, I also wanted to do my academics in a military environment.  I went to the Academy being academically and culturally motivated, but I have gained so much more. 

Whilst in the Academy, I have had little problems in the academic department.  In NTU, students are often left to their own devices in terms of self-directed learning.  On the contrary, midshipmen were guided to a very large extent in the Academy.  As long as the midshipmen were prepared for class, did their readings and homework, the class would be easy to follow.  Culturally, midshipmen were very enthusiastic about answering questions posed in class, and that encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone to do so as well. 

In Singapore, we are comfortable keeping to ourselves or our social circle.  In the United States, strangers will not shy away from making small talk.  I had many little interactions with my company mates, and I made close friends on the Yard Patrol (YP) summer programme, with whom I keep in contact until today.  Other times, I attended Taekwondo training (I wanted to try a new sport) and Chinese Cultural Club meetings and outings.  Through these Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs), I made new friends and got to see many different places – Baltimore, Phildadelphia, Washington D.C, New York, Boston, Orlando, and even made a visit to the United States Military Academy.

The general living conditions were in my opinion, rather comfortable, especially with a personal shower.  We also live in the same level as our company, who are the people that we will come into contact with most regularly.  This made for the opportunity to grow closer to these people.  Food was generally free in King Hall (USNA equivalent for our cookhouse, only having way more variety), the salad bar is always available, and one can help herself to fruits in the morning with oats.

The support provided by Choon Kiat and Mary Alice were top notch, and I know I can always count on them if I had any problems.  I went through the semester with little academic and administrative issues, thanks to their help.

The Academy provided plenty of opportunities to develop skills that are applicable in both my personal and work life.  My largest takeaway in terms of skills is the communication skills that I have picked up.  The midshipmen in USNA were typically very able to vocalise their thoughts and I had to work to learn that.  Also, being in Singapore, we are very accustomed to speaking Singlish and broken English.  When I was in the States, I learnt to speak properly, pronouncing and enunciating words so that I could be understood.  If I spoke like I usually do, at the same speed and slurring my words, I would not be able to hold an extended conversation with an American.  I was also able to speak my mind more confidently at the end of the exchange. 

Additionally, I sailed on the YPs in mid-July before school started.  Through that experience, I not only got to refresh my Bridge Watchkeeping skills, I also saw four very different cities. Being on a ship again was a fun and enriching experience and I got to see first-hand their practices.

I got to meet people from all parts of the world such as Germany, Italy, Korea, Japan, Spain, Mexico, Canada, as the international midshipmen had a lot of opportunities to mingle.  My circle of friends has even agreed to meet up if we ever visit each others countries!  The networking opportunity is unparalleled and even without these tangible benefits, I have learnt a lot of the midshipmen schools in the other countries and their cultures.

All in all, I have experienced some hardships, being away from my family and friends in the opposite time zone, but I have also grown a lot due to those hardships and seen things that I otherwise would never be able to see.  I highly encourage RSN officers to sign up for this exchange programme since we are given such a rare opportunity!

School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Year 3, AY2018/19

I decided to go for an overseas exchange because I would like to widen my horizon and experience life – the different day to day life in another country.  I chose to go to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) over other civilian universities because I thought it will allow me to immerse myself in another culture and experience first-hand how the US Navy trains her future officers.

Life at the USNA has exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds.  Apart from basic military routines such as morning, noon formation to take accountability, classes, compulsory lectures, and events to attend, most of the time is free time for myself to manage.  The living conditions are very good, and all meals are provided for even on weekends, when not travelling around.

USNA places a huge focus on academics, and it takes up most of my routine at the Academy.  Classes are conducted differently from NTU.  Instead of having lectures/e-lectures followed by tutorials, they are combined.  The professors will cover the required contents and go through tutorials during class sessions.  Homework is to be expected and contribute to a percentage of the final grade.  They also emphasize a lot on project-based learning.  For all my courses, there is a lab session every week; and 2 – 3 weeks before the end of the course, a final project is assigned and to be expected right before the final examinations.  I enjoyed this style of learning because it allows me to apply what I have learnt and reinforce my understanding.  During the semester, I managed to pick up a new coding language – python and wrote multiple scripts for submission.  For one of the final projects, together with my partner, we managed to code a snake game on a micro-computer that is to be controlled by a RC Controller.  I also got to see some of the interesting ideas that the other midshipmen have brought to life, such as a machine that is able to read colours off a resistor and tell its resistance.

Leadership training at USNA comes in the form of peer leadership and upperclassmen leading the juniors.  They have a government system in place and Year 4 students (also known as First Class (1/C) Midshipman or Firsties) will take up key positions to lead themselves and the juniors.  As I am there as an exchange midshipman, I was not part of the system and was not given any leadership opportunities.  However, that did not hinder me from participating in some of their training and interact with the juniors.  

Military training at the USNA is only conducted during the summer; apart from some military-based Extra Curriculum Activities (ECAs) such as the Semper Fi Society (Marine training) and Yard Patrol Squadron (Bridge Watchkeeping training).  However, I had the opportunity to participate in the Yard Patrol Cruise during the summer before the semester commences and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Yard Patrol is a training ship that the midshipmen use to practice their Bridge Watchkeeping.  It is a month-long programme which consist of a week of class training and simulation, a week of sea training, and 2 weeks of sailing up and down the East Coast.  We made 4 port calls to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Newport before returning to USNA.  About 2 days was given for liberty per port and it is sufficient to tour the scenic and important part of those cities.  Although I am an Engineer and a non-combatant, it is still interesting to go through navigation classes and keep watch again as I am able to experience how their training is conducted.  Furthermore, spending time sailing and keeping watches with the midshipmen allow me to forge close friendships with them.

The International Program Office (IPO), with Miss Mary Alice Ross as my exchange coordinator, has taken very good care of all the exchange midshipmen and myself.  There was not much difficulty in course matching, except that some of the courses that NTU has approved are not offered in the Fall Semester and I had to take another course instead.  The IPO organized a brief orientation program for all of us when we first arrived, and it allowed me to get used to the routine and terminologies.  They also organized a trip to visit the Pentagon, Norfolk Naval Station (the largest naval base in the world) and a Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier.  It is indeed an eye opener and an interesting experience.

My biggest take away from this military SEP is the friendships that I have built with the people that I have met at the USNA. Apart from being able to interact with the US midshipmen, there are 27 other exchange midshipmen from over 10 countries that I have managed to forge close friendships with.  Some of us have even travelled together and explored parts of the East Coast during the longer breaks.  Interacting with them allow me to gain a better understanding of the different cultures, the uniqueness of each country and more about their Armed Forces and Navy.  This also gave me an opportunity to share with them about Singapore’s perspective.  

I enjoyed the exchange thoroughly and have greatly benefitted from it.  Apart from getting a better understanding of the US Navy and getting through their academic rigor, I also grown and expanded my worldview.  Although going for a military SEP does have its downsides, such as lack of freedom to a certain extent and limited time to travel and explore the region as compared to a normal SEP, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.  I do look forward to crossing paths again with the future officers of the various navies that I have met and increase our inter-operability in joint operations and exercises in the distant future.  That aside, a group of us are already planning to visit each other during our respective breaks and keep the friendship going.

Nanyang Business School, Year 3, AY2016/17

I first received an interest-gathering email from SNA when I was a freshman, and I was immediately sold.  As a midshipmen, we watched the movie Annapolis and that left a lasting impression in lessons of courage, leadership and fighting spirit. I was keen to further my training in those areas since a traditional university lack real opportunities for development in those values. I also wanted to challenge my capacity to adapt in a unique environment while honing my ability to handle adversity.

Apart from development-inclined goals, I truly wanted to experience how it was like to attend a service-academy – an officer-producing system that was truly unique and unlike our own system. Relationship-building and mutual understanding were other goals I had, it therefore makes good sense to forge close relationship with my counterparts or peer-group as we are likely to advance together in our respective military career.

The key factors that influenced my decision to apply were therefore the exposure as discussed above and ultimately being able to graduate in the three years of undergraduate programme in NTU.

Academics wise, I took on mainly political science and cyber security classes. The materials covered in class were demanding and often requires some level of prior understanding. It was truly a challenge when I had to pick up International Relations concepts from scratch and this was compounded by the readings each week for all my classes.  The volume of assignment was likewise a challenge. I was fore-warned about it, but it caught me off- guard on several occasions when I had to resort to last minute work.

Being in these classes however, I gained valuable insights into the respective areas of focus in political science and international relations. Discussions in class were often highly spirited and professors were well positioned to facilitate learning. Learning therefore comes in three forms of self, peers, and instructor.

I did not face with major challenges trying to assimilate and immerse in the U.S. culture.  Many midshipmen and I share similar values and that further allowed easy exchange and relationship building.

Food was adequate and I depended on the salad bar every meal and fruits available to balance it out.

General living conditions were adequate, and midshipmen were treated well. Meals were served, laundry done for while cleaning of most common areas were done by contractors.

The support given during exchange was adequate. Mary Alice was responsive and would actively look for answers when she did not have them.

Overall, the exchange gave me the opportunities to better understand International Relations models and international politics in Asia.  Academic wise the exposure was valuable and challenging. I felt growth in areas of critical thinking, better research methods, speed reading and better comprehension of world affairs. The class on Cyber Security created a strong foundation and I am now more aware about global challenges in areas of cyber security and cyber warfare.

In sporting activities, I became more self-aware and now truly believe that if I set my mind to something, I would be able to accomplish. The mentioned fitness test is evidence that sheer determination is sometimes needed. I was also part of my company’s Ultimate Frisbee team and saw first-hand what it meant to have embodied the concept of the Warrior Ethos – a concept akin to our Fighting Spirit.

The military engagement is in my opinion, highly valuable. The value lies in making friends and creating a vast network.

To conclude, it was a truly enriching experience and lessons learnt will be those that guide my decisions and frame my perspectives as I begin my work in the Navy. I would suggest potential applicants to give it a shot, the experience is once in a lifetime and the bond built with fellow midshipmen would last a lifetime.

School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Year 3, AY2016/17

The main objective of going for a Semester Exchange was to experience a different culture, understanding the political system, the day to day lives and the thinking of the people living in that country. A good semester exchange to me is having made some life-long International friends which you keep in contact with after you returned, being able to explore the beauty of the landscape in that part of the world and trying activities not readily available in our home country.

I have always wanted to travel to the US and having the opportunities to enter a prestigious school like the Naval Academy and the thoughts of getting to know more about the finest Navy in the world excites me.

Being in a military academy, it was definitely a different experience compared to NTU.

I live in the Bancroft Hall, which is the main residency area for the midshipmen. The living conditions are similar to NTU hostel and have air-con and heater throughout.

The season/weather changed from hot summer to cold winter since we arrived. Winter is coming and I was told it starts snowing during January. It will get real cold during the month of February with snowstorm. Right before I leave, the temperature in the academic is around -6 degree Celsius.

The food was cooked by chef from the King’s Hall. I realized I am eating sandwiches or burgers on most meals. On some day you get Asian food. On top of the main dishes served, there is also free flow salad bar, juice, milk, cereals, cakes, ice-cream and smoothies. Although breakfast is always scrambled egg and bacon, you can’t really complain.

The routine is very structured. Class start from 0755 to 1520. We have mandatory meals and formation every day. Sport period start from 1530 to 1730 followed by dinner. Missing a class will mean you are “Unsatisfactory Academically” (UA) and will be discipline accordingly. Being UA will also mean you can’t go out during the weekend. After having studied in NTU for 2 years, I certainly finds it challenging to adapt to this new structure even though I am in the military myself.

Over here, the professors were picked based on their ability to teach and research second. Hence, I have been taught by some really impressive professor, both military and civilian who really make understanding difficult problems easy. The structure of class is also different compared to NTU. With the focus on lab work and practical skills, the lecturer teaches the things we need to know to complete our lab. Hence, I spend lots or most of my time working on lab work than doing worksheets or homework. I leant a lot with this practical approach and I think this approach is really beneficial.

Practical learning is very important. In this academy, the focus is on the lab work. I could spend 30 minutes on homework and hours on the lab of the week. It is tough completing labs, but doing so enable me to understand the subject better and instill the knowledge deeply into my brain.

Examination is probably the only thing that makes you feel down.

The key highlights were the visits to pentagon, aircraft carrier, nuclear submarine, football game in different states and the Army vs Navy football game. I was able to go aboard an aircraft carrier, nuclear submarine and their destroyer. We were given a tour to all these ships and it was amazing learning in the carrier how they organize aircraft for takeoff and return using their planning board.

Occasionally, there will be aviation exhibition display from the Marine Corps where the planes were flown into the naval academy. I was given the opportunity to speak to the pilots of osprey, Huey and Cobra and also took a look inside the plane.

I have managed to get onboard a submarine for the first time. The XO of the Nuclear Sub gave us an overview of the submarine and how they operate it which was very interesting.

Being exposed to all these furthered my love for the Navy. It was an awesome experience to visit advanced ships and planes and talking to people from the most powerful Navy in the world.

The admin support was very good as the International Program Office (IPO) took care of everything. The person taking care of us, Mary Alice, did a fantastic job to make us feel at home.

Consultation was available readily and can be arranged through email. There was also no problem with academic support.

I never really used their consultative support. I have only spoken to the company officer during the interview to talk about expectation and goals.

Everybody speaks English here; hence there was no language barrier. There were some midshipmen who were learning Chinese and approached us to help them practice speaking in Chinese.

People here were very friendly and try to integrate you to their ‘company’. People just come to you to introduce themselves when they see that you are from a different country.

As Singapore is pretty westernized, there was no problem with culture integration. However, it takes a while to understand their jokes and sarcasm which is all in the name of fun. If you drink, it will really help you bond with the people here. Alcohol bonds people together in America.

I managed to learn a couple of new sports over here. I tried out sailing, boxing, rock climbing, fencing and flag football.

I was told America culture can be summarized into three things: Football, Hollywood and Alcohol and that is pretty true. People are crazy about football here. The stadium is always packed with people during the weekend to watch football. People here enjoy alcohol.

The friendship I made over here, getting to know the culture of America and getting to understand more about the US Navy. Together with me, there was also a Spanish Midshipman and a Germany Midshipmen in my company. They were the top midshipman in their country and are all very capable. We intend to meet up next year as we visit each other’s countries. My roommates were also top midshipmen in their class. We could very well meet each other in the Navy in the near future.

Military personnel are treated with great respect over here. I have encountered a lot of people shaking my hand and thanking me for my service whenever I’m in my uniform, even though I am clearly not from the US Navy. People will offer to buy you drinks or meals whenever you dine outside in uniform. It got me thinking about the treatment of servicemen by the general public back in Singapore and how we can improve the image of the SAF.

I also found out about the amount of school fees an average American has to pay to enter university. The loan from school fees has landed many middle income families into heavy debt which they have to work their entire life to pay it back. I learnt to appreciate Singapore even more and the efforts put in by our leaders to make Singapore such an affordable city, in terms of food, education, housing and retirement. Everything is just so expensive in the US and the citizen pays a lot of tax.

The experience will definitely be worth it. Simply talking to people from other countries would have already broadened up your world.

National Institute of Education, Year 3, AY2016/17

My main objective for going USNA Semester Exchange was to learn more about the American culture and also about the US Navy, at the same time share more about Singapore with my American friends. My expectations of a good Semester Exchange include being able to integrate into the local culture at the same time explore the country.

The fact that the US Naval Academy is one of the top public colleges in the United States and also the US Navy being the strongest military force in the world made me want to go through and experience the system that produces the Naval Officers here. The academic program is no doubt top notch. The academic system forces you to keep up with the syllabus with daily homework and I really learned a lot from the classes.

The most interesting class that I took here was about professional communications, I learned so much more about myself through this course. The professors here are also a lot more engaging and made sure we learned.

The military interaction is not as what I had expected though; I thought it would be a lot more regimental and disciplined here. Even though the military interaction is minimal here, I have learned a lot more about how they work here. It is interesting because my experience here changed my perspective of the US Navy on a deeper level in general.

The general living conditions here is great. Accommodation and food here are both free so there isn’t much to complain about. It’s my first time experiencing winter, and all I can say that it’s not my favorite season. Language is fine, just that I have to speak proper English (formal English) instead of Singlish that I was used to. So it is a journey for me to discover myself in how to speak proper English and at the same time be informal, learn the American humor and metaphors when interacting with my American friends. It is not difficult to network and get to know people because the entire USNA is so interconnected. I would say the cultural integration part would be the hardest, after all we are coming from a totally different background and it is difficult to integrate directly into a group of closely knitted friends. However, it got a lot better along the way, because it is all based on how open-minded I am to accept that it is okay to be different, it is okay to think differently.

The highlight during my stay has got to be being able to travel and explore the United States and also going onboard the US Navy ships to tour. It was extremely difficult for me at the start of the semester because of the cultural differences and feeling of being alone, not being able to connect with the friends I make here on a deeper level. I learned to make better interactions with Americans.

The sporting culture here is so big, it was amazing to see it especially because studying Sports Science and Management, and it really is an eye-opening experience.

I learned how much the military are being respected here in the United States.

I learned so much more about myself that I never expected at all. I learned that I don’t have to try to fit in to learn the local culture, I just had to accept and understand that it is alright to be different, I just have to respect it.

They will be friends that I will have for life. Whenever they visit Singapore, I will be there for them and vice-versa. Being authentically myself and it is okay to be different from the rest.

It is an amazing experience that you will never have elsewhere.

School of Social Sciences, Year 3, AY2016/17

My objective of going on the exchange was to expose myself to another culture, understand the differences from Singapore and make friends of another country. I had high expectations for exchanges because of past experiences going to Asian countries. Therefore, I also expected the exchange in US to give me an insight of the cultural differences and what made US so advanced. I also hoped that coming to the US for the exchange will enable me to forge friendships as adults, which will continue even after the exchange finishes.

The people who gave support to my decisions made me continue to apply to USNA for exchange. SNA gave lots of academic support and RSN gave me the opportunity for the exchange. My family also supported my decision to choose a Semester exchange instead of a summer exchange, which was important for me to know that they will be fine when I am gone.

Academically, USNA has a more rigid system where lessons are split into periods and attendance is taken for all the lessons. Non-attendance will constitute to an offense. In addition, there are homework given for every lesson and weekly papers have to be submitted, which can be taxing if a lot of courses are taken. The benefit is that students will understand the lessons more clearly due to the homework and weekly papers that reflect the class materials too.

Each of the system of learning has their own advantages. For NTU, students get more freedom and cultivation of self-discipline to keep up with our work. However, in USNA, students get more work which keeps them up to date with the knowledge. Hence, academically, it is hard to compare because the systems are working on totally different principles. We always think that education in Singapore is hard because there are no resources but the exchange made me realized that education overseas can be equally hard with all the work involved too.

As it is a military college, interactions are very common with US military personnel. There are also interactions with foreign officers that are on exchange as well. It is beneficial as veterans are invited to USNA to give talks and lectures to educate the midshipmen. On a more personal level, there are a lot of opportunities to make friends of other countries. One example are the Japanese exchange students that I met during this exchange.

The living quarters of the Academy is also known as Bancroft Hall. It is the largest dormitory that houses up to 4500 students. Rooms can differ from 2, 3, 4 or 6 man room. I personally lived in a 2 man room. The cleanliness of the room is all up to you. As it is military, there are standards to follow and enforced. There are massive cupboards to use and built in study desks and bed. Bed is just above your study desk and requires you to climb into bed. How much room you have is all shared with your room mates.

The food is served in a massive King Hall. Just like Bancroft, it houses all the midshipmen together during lunch. There are set timings to meals but there is also a place in the Hall called Steerage to buy pizza and chicken tenders. If not, just call for food delivery and pick it up from Gate 1.

Weather in Annapolis is a good summer. It is hot and sunny like Singapore and great for outdoors. It turns windy come October with a cool temperature and starts to turn cold come November. In December, the wind chills makes the weather go as low as 3 degree but the semester allows us to avoid the snow and ice.

Language in USA should be totally fine with English. It gets choppy because of our Singlish but over time, people get used to it or your tone comes out American which makes communication so much easier.

People in the US are really friendly and will tend to strike conversations much more than us. Their way of saying hello is to prompt you with “What’s up?” Initially, you will reply with a proper answer but over time when you realized you are rushing for lessons, you will follow suit to ask “What’s up” instead. Other times, everyone interacts during work outs or any other free time while meeting along the way after school hours. During the weekends, we get together to go out to have outdoor activities such as Paintball.

Ease of cultural integration, USA is a western culture with diverse people just like Singapore. There is no problem integrating into a similar society. One thing to note is that do not be surprised if they do not know about Singapore as their country is so big that they do not completely know or visited every state they have.

I think the key highlight of the stay is the exposure to the everyday life of the US. There are a lot of events that happened in the academy such as Halloween and Christmas but I personally found the Army-Navy football event to be the best. It fully immerse us into what the Americans play and their culture of sportsmanship into it. The crowds are huge and everyone comes together to support. The important thing to be done over there in USNA is to make friends and ensure global connections.

Admin was settled more properly over in the Academy when we met face to face with Mary Alice Ross. Things were easier when she had our details to work with and the consolidated issues of all the exchange together. Overall, Mary Alice is our coordinator who ensures our smooth running. One shortfall was the security ID that USNA did not issue to us to ease our transit in and out of the living quarters.

Academic matters were settled well before hand with the proper coordination from the Academic department in USNA. There was correspondence from the associate himself to ensure we have all our courses. There are also a lot of resources that are available in USNA where appointments are easily set with the professors through email. As the students have a lot of work, the professors are usually free to schedule appointments with which helps in understanding your materials.

As we are the 2nd batch of exchange going to USNA, we only had Rong Xuan to seek information from. However, the experiences differ very much as the time frame for both exchanges was different.

Sports are heavily emphasized in USNA as everyone is expected to exercise and keep fit. It is hard for us to be able to make it into a varsity (school) team because we are only there for one semester. However, there are the intermural (hall) teams to participate in. Many of the ECA are also sports based so there are a lot of opportunities to partake in sports to keep fit and to do the physical test. There should continue to be a balance between studies and exercise.

The military engagement was not as much as I expected but it was conducted on a decent amount of times. There were enough engagements with military officers and it was hard to schedule one as students’ learning take precedence.

I feel that the cultural immersion that we got in USNA was the most impactful portion of my exchange where we are constantly engaging our peers to find out more about their everyday lives and vice versa. Being able to live closely with our peers and understand how they go about their daily activities is something that is precious in this exchange program.

If there is one thing to take away from the exchange will be that we are all unique in our lives. Although we may be different in culture and practices, as long as we communicate and understand each other, life will move on. We should continue to be adaptable to our environment, make friends and expand our connections.

The contacts that I have made are all very welcoming. We exchanged contact and continue to look forward to the next time we will meet again. The friends that I made also gave me many insights on their home country. One example will be an international officer from Pakistan whom welcomed me in USNA and exposed me to his own country’s Navy which the training he received is highly similar to what we have in Singapore. We look forward to visiting each other’s country in the near future.

The Exchange experiences did not change the way I look at life but it certainly impacted me on how much similarities we share with the world. I continue to look at life where communications between people will bridge understanding and relationships that will last into the future.

One important point to really consider is that USNA is a military college where students are expected to uphold the discipline required to attend every lesson, keep fit, engage in activities and only have weekend liberty. Although discipline are to be upkeep, there are also many opportunities to travel after the semester is done or during holiday periods.

School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Year 3, AY2015/16

My main objective for the exchange has always been on the friendship that I would have established with my fellow counterparts over at the United States Naval Academy. Learning is certainly important, but I would say that the human interactions, peer to peer learning are the factors that defined a meaningful exchange program. I do expect myself to experience a difficult time in the initial period of exchange since I am going on the capacity of an international student. However, to my surprise, I managed to hit it off right away with several of my company mates, and especially my two roommates which I still kept in contact with till this day. A good exchange is certainly one that genuine friendships were made, close bonds were forged and certainly the understanding of the cultural differences. These widen your knowledge and make you understand the situations that you are blessed with.

One main key factor would be the reputation of United States Naval Academy. Being an Officer, we would have been exposed to the several established military academy in the world such as the ones in Japan, Australia and certainly United States. Having a chance to go to USNA is hard to come by and when I learnt of this Student Exchange Programme which allows me the opportunity to be there, I applied for it immediately. US Navy has been playing a huge maritime role in the world nowadays with its several fleet commands located throughout the world. Being there would have allowed me to get a better appreciation of the situation and their efforts in the world. I met up with a batch boy from my OCS Midshipman batch who is a fulltime student over there, and able to catch up with him as well as other officers who are studying over at the States as well.

Academic standard over at the states generally has a huge deviation as compared to Singapore. The class was conducted in a seminar format and there have always been lots of interactions throughout every class, one that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Workloads have been intensive from the start, with homework, assignments and lab works due almost every other day. They kept you on pace with the lecture’s teachings and adopt a close loop approach to ensure that you are keeping up with class.

The portion which I have enjoyed the most is the interaction with the officers from various countries, despite being the only international exchange student over there during Spring semester, I have interacted with officers from probably more than 20 over countries. The occasion visits by foreign officers to the academy for conference or even just the full time international students over there allow plenty of meaningful interactions. These interactions allow me to better understand the military cultures from all over the world and interesting stories are heard frequently as well. I have made close friends with officers from countries that I would have never imagined myself to, such as Kazakhstan, Gabon or even Algeria.

The American culture is unique and interesting; I believe we can all agree on the sheer differences even in US due to its vast size and number of people who come from different states, each with different living habits and lifestyles. Being in the Naval Academy would have given you the opportunity to interact with everyone from all the 50 states, from Hawaii to Alaska. The different accents, food habits or even childhood captivated me deeply. They have been a very fond memory of my times over at the States.

People are friendly as they have been used to encountering different nationalities due to the US opening its borders to numerous countries all across the world. I have been to several states such as New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and each gave a different yet distinct impression that holds up to their own.

Weather can be relatively cold during the winter to spring period, but it’s a unique feature which one can only experience in countries that provide the four seasons. I treasured my memories of seeing snow for the first time when I am over there.

One key highlight would be the meeting of NASA astronauts. Being born in a country like Singapore, it is probably hard and rare to ever meet an astronaut of any kind. However, I managed to attend a conference and subsequently a talk with nearly an entire group of NASA astronauts who shared about their experiences in their career and the way ahead for them. It seem surreal to me, but I am glad that I have this encounter with them who have pushed themselves out of the boundary to serve in space.

The supports have been well established despite being the first one to be on this exchange. Supports were given adequately from different departments that allow me to successfully reach USNA safely and on time despite being given only a short duration of time.

Support given from the NTD side helps to aid in updating several cost requirements such as cost overrun and the continuous supports along the exchange duration as I update on the course expectations and requirements. NPD has also aids me greatly in sending my details and seeking for my clearance such as VISA and Air Ticket. Not to forget, SNA, who has put in tremendous efforts to help me in settling and arranging for my academic needs and requirements.

I would have classified my learning in two important points. Firstly, it would be friendship. I genuinely believe that the friends that I have made over the last six months would last a life time. Given our long career paths, we would be sure to meet each other again in the near future. They gave me a unique and unforgettable exchange regardless if it’s the late night gathering, staying over at their places or even going for activities such as ice skiing or fishing over the weekend.

Secondly, it would be on cultural immersion. I truly experienced and appreciated the cultures that I have experienced over there. Their willingness to accept foreigners and their unselfish attitude in ensuring I have a meaningful time over there. My sponsor family played a big role in this as they allow me to carry out daycare jobs by letting me take care of their young daughter, bringing me all over the States and letting me experience a life that I would never have gotten the chance to if I stayed in Singapore.

It was a meaningful for sure. Fun comes from the several experiences that you would have gotten when you immersed in culture of the host country. I might have visited lesser countries as compared to my friends who are doing their exchange in the US, but I felt like I have gained a lot more regardless of my status as a student or as an SAF officer. I am glad that I am donning a uniform for work while I do my part to serve the country. It is even more ensuring and comforting when you know that you have counterparts all over the world sharing a common thought with you.