For Khell Lee, a final-year Digital Media student at University of Stirling at SIM, choosing the right degree was about alignment both academically and personally. After completing her Diploma in Mass Communications at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, she knew she wanted to continue in the communications field, but without committing to a traditional four-year programme.
“After doing my own research, I came across the Digital Media programme at the University of Stirling-SIM. As I explored the course in greater depth, it was aligned with everything I was looking for, and I’m glad I joined the programme.” The programme gave Khell the flexibility, focus, and international exposure she was seeking.
A Long-Held Dream, Shaped by Reality
Studying abroad had always been a quiet dream for Khell, one rooted in her desire to see the world beyond Singapore. “Studying abroad has always been an experience I longed for when I was younger. The endless opportunity to learn and see new things, while being away from the fast-paced city life in Singapore, represents a sense of peace to me.”
Yet that dream often felt distant. Financial realities meant that an overseas experience came with significant stress and responsibility. Having grown up independent and financially managing her studies, Khell was determined not to place an additional burden on her family. “I did not wish to place any additional financial burden on my father.” It was within this context that the SIM Study Abroad Award became a turning point—not just as financial support, but as reassurance that the opportunity was within reach.
A Moment of Relief and Gratitude
When Khell learned that she had received the Study Abroad Award, the feeling was immediate and overwhelming. “A huge relief and incredibly thankful. It felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulder.”
The award significantly eased the financial pressure of studying overseas and allowed her to approach the experience with greater peace of mind. While she shared that she would have pursued the opportunity regardless, the support made a meaningful difference. “This award made it possible for me to pursue that dream and allowed me to explore, grow, and see myself from a new perspective, all without placing an additional financial strain on myself.”
Living and Learning in Scotland
Khell spent three months living and studying in Scotland, a place that quickly left a deep impression on her. “Scotland is beautiful, surrounded by nature and friendly locals, it was the moment I realised how much I love it.” Studying at the University of Stirling offered more than a change of scenery, it placed her in a learning environment where academic life, campus culture, and everyday experiences were closely intertwined. Long walks from campus to the city centre, moments of quiet reflection, and a slower rhythm of daily life became part of how she learned and adapted.
Academically, the warmth she felt extended into the classroom. “The school environment reflected this warmth as well, and I enjoyed taking long walks from the campus to the city centre, which was a 40-minute walk.” These routines created space for reflection and self-directed learning, allowing her to recalibrate her pace and approach to university life.
Among the many memories she carries home, two experiences stand out vividly. “Hiking up Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, with three of my classmates. It was a 7-hour hike, and the view at the summit was incredibly rewarding,” she shared. The physical challenge and shared accomplishment became a defining moment of her time abroad.
Equally memorable was participating in local culture. “Attending a Ceilidh dance, which is a traditional Scottish social gathering, is a moment that plays in my head often.” These experiences grounded her exchange in connection not only with place, but with people reinforcing how learning extended well beyond formal coursework.
A Shift in Worldview
Living abroad reshaped how Khell understands success, productivity, and growth. “Being immersed in Scotland allowed me to experience a slower pace of living, stronger community interactions, and a deeper connection to nature, which challenged my assumptions that productivity and success must always be fast-paced.”
As graduation approaches, this shift has brought clarity and reassurance. “This programme helped me gain a healthier perspective on my academic and career journey.” She now sees her future with greater openness. “Being exposed to different ways of life made me realise that a career is not a single, linear path.”
When asked to sum up her study abroad journey in one word, Khell did not hesitate. “Unforgettable. My study abroad experience will remain the most memorable moment of my life.” For her, it was more than an exchange; it was “an unexpected escape I didn’t know I needed, the peace and comfort it brought me, and the chance to see myself in a new light.”
About the SIM Study Abroad Award
The SIM Study Abroad Award offers financial support to needy students (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) studying at SIM Global Education (GE). The award enables students to participate in short-term overseas exposure programmes at the home campus of their university or the approved designated universities. Students gain broader worldview to become global citizens through their exposure to different cultures, global communities and education system.