We have been to Singapore before, saw some of this wonderful city, tried a hotel... this time, we bring you an article considering gap years in Singapore! What an idea, eh? If you’re tired of traditional education, a gap year might actually be the perfect choice for you. Taking a gap year gives you time to find out who you are while gaining exciting new experiences, and what better way to do that than visiting Singapore? Once a small fishing village, this cosmopolitan city is dashed with many styles and cultures, and it’s all set against a futuristic backdrop. There are many things to do in Singapore, as well as countless opportunities to study, work, and volunteer. Throughout this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about taking a gap year in Singapore.
#1. Sights To See In Singapore
Whether you’re in Singapore on an internship, helping the community, or simply passing through, there are endless experiences that you need to put on your bucket list. Here are our favourite picks:
- Formula1 Street Circuit: if you’re into racing sports, you should explore Marina Bay, which transforms into a 5.063 km track during the Grand Prix. Get yourself a map and explore the streets. If you’re lucky, you might catch the event during your gap year.
- Singapore Flyer: standing at 165m, this observation tower is the tallest in the world and well worth a visit.
- Universal Studios: if blockbuster movies and thrills sound like you, pay a visit to the only SE Asian Universal Studios Park.
- Clarke Quay: this is a destination for the night owls out there. Soak up the nightlife as you drink your way around the vibrant streets.
- Orchard Road Shopping Experience: if you’ve always dreamt of mile-long stretches of shopping malls, then look no further than Orchard Road Shopping Experience.
Exploring the sights is one of the major appeals of a gap year in Singapore, so make sure you tick as many off as possible, even if you’re not that interested. After all, a gap year is all about finding yourself and pushing boundaries.
#2. Explore Internships
Singapore has one of the most powerful economies in Asia, which is why you’ll find countless internship opportunities there. Whether you’re interested in technology, tourism, finance, or biomedical sciences, you’ll find a placement to suit your needs. If you’re concerned about language barriers, you should feel safe in the knowledge that English is an official language spoken by the majority of businesses.
#3. Nourish Your Life Through Volunteering
Despite being a developed country, there is still a wealth of organizations crying out for volunteers. You will find positions ranging from mentoring vulnerable children and teenagers to wildlife conservation. Volunteering holds countless benefits including:
- Sense of purpose: volunteering has been proven to fill people with a sense of fulfilment because they’re able to share their skills with others.
- Meet new people: you won’t know many people when you first arrive in Singapore, and volunteering will connect you with a large network of like-minded individuals.
- Improve job prospects: voluntary work helps you shine through in interviews because it proves you’re willing to take action to achieve the change you desire.
- Learn new skills: there are countless tasks across voluntary positions, which may call for challenging yourself.
#4. Cost of Living in Singapore
If you’re travelling from the US, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the cost of living, which is less expensive than the likes of New York. However, if you’re from smaller cities like St. Louis, you may be in for a shock. The average cost of a one-bed flat in Singapore is around 290 USD (S$ 400).
If you’re enthralled by the Singapore lifestyle, you may decide to stay permanently. In which case, you can apply for an HDB loan via PropertyGuru and buy a property. HBD flats are properties subsidized by the government. There are many different loans to explore, and we recommend heading to Propertyguru.com because they have a wealth of information on everything housing in Singapore. While you’re there, you can browse the countless property listings scattered through the city.
#5. Health and Safety
Singapore takes its healthcare seriously, which means they have one of the most advanced systems in Asia. If you’re seriously injured in Singapore, there are three hospitals for you to receive care including Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and Mount Elizabeth Hospital. To stay safe during your gap year, you’ll need to protect yourself from the hot weather, and use insect repellent to keep the number of bites down. Further, because of the likelihood of tropical storms, you should carry a lightweight waterproof with you. When you’re out and about, you will find that drinking water is safe in most places - take note of any signage.
Taking a gap year in Singapore will open the door to countless opportunities, and you’ll walk away feeling like a different person. Remember, whether you’re studying, working, or volunteering, enjoy yourself and explore the sights!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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