Studying in NUS gives us the opportunity to come into contact with people of different cultures. Even more so when you are staying in Prince George’s Park residence where you can practically see foreigners everywhere. Within my own cluster (a cluster of 15 residents), there are already a few nationalities such as Chinese, Indian and Korean. They bring along with them their cultures which are distinct from ours.
I still remember the Cambodian exchange student who stayed opposite me last semester. When we first met, I realized her command of English was not that good. Subsequent conversations with her make me wonder whether she understood what I’m talking about as I realized she wouldn’t ask me to clarify even though she does not understand. I notice this behavior as well in another Cambodian friend. This is in contrast to other foreign students especially the Western students in which they are more outspoken and wouldn’t be ashamed to ask.
Another thing that I noticed about her culture is the laid-back lifestyle that she has in Singapore. Quite often I will spot her looking out of the kitchen window in the morning as I go for lectures. It is an uncommon scene as most students here that I know of will usually have a very hectic lifestyle and thus they are always seen rushing here and there. When I questioned her, she told me she just enjoy doing it.
