From Diploma to Degree: An International Student’s Education Journey in Singapore

Studying abroad and adjusting to a new educational system is never easy. But Dechacharoensiri Kulyada, otherwise known as Yong, seamlessly transited from her high school education in Thailand to pursue a diploma, and now, a degree in Singapore. She shares her experience and what helped as an international student.

11 June 2025

After graduating from high school, Yong was looking to study overseas. This was despite having an acceptance offer into a university in her home country, Thailand.

“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and learn beyond just textbooks, understanding how people from different backgrounds think, work, and communicate,” she explained.

At the top of her choice was Singapore as not only was it close to Thailand, but it was also a melting pot of cultures.

“It’s a place where I could meet people from all over the world, experience different cultures, and gain new global perspectives,” Yong continued. “I liked the idea of experiencing a different culture while knowing that home wasn’t too far away if I needed to visit.”

BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR THE NEXT MILESTONE

To better transit to a university in a foreign country, she decided to pursue a diploma at SIM first. The flexibility of continuing her studies with SIM’s university partners was a strong draw too.

The 15-months diploma course, designed to prepare foreign students for degree studies, covered essential subjects relevant to their chosen field. It also gave her time to adjust to Singapore’s education system, improve her English and meet people from different backgrounds, enriching her study experience.

“Even though I had already been accepted into a university in Thailand, I felt that SIM’s diploma programme would give me a solid grounding in business and economics before progressing to a degree,” explained Yong.

She continued, “Since SIM has multiple university partners, I also have the flexibility to choose a degree that best fits my goals.”

“For me, it was the perfect stepping stone to further my studies!”

LEARNING FROM GROUND UP

After submitting her diploma application, Yong came across a SIM scholarship opportunity. Through her good academic results, strong personal statement and heartfelt interview sharing, Yong was awarded the SIM GE Merit Scholarship.

“The scholarship covers 50% of my course fees, which helped reduce the financial pressure on me and my family,” Yong went on. “But beyond that, being recognised as a scholar really boosted my confidence."

“It reminded me that my efforts in both academic and school involvement are meaningful and motivated me to keep doing my best throughout my time at SIM.”

Yong stayed true to her words. During her time as a student ambassador under the SIM Diploma Scholarship, she was roped into events such as SIM Open House, scholarship briefings and networking sessions where she showed prospective students what it’s like to study at SIM.

“It’s not just about representing SIM, but also being someone that others can relate to, especially new or future students who might feel nervous or unsure,” she conveyed.

To Yong, these exposures go beyond having a title because she gets to learn how to step up, connect to people and support a team.

Yong continued, “Sometimes I handled registration, other times I helped guide guests or facilitate group activities. These moments taught me how to take initiative, communicate clearly, and be someone others can rely on.

“Leading doesn’t always mean being the loudest voice; it’s often about being present, adaptable, and making sure everyone feels included. That’s something I’ve really come to appreciate through this role.”

Aside from campus activities, Yong also partook in volunteering efforts such as beach clean-ups, "Kayak & Klean" sessions, green initiative workshops and more.

“These experiences have changed the way I view the role of a Student Ambassador. It's not just about contributing to SIM, but it's also about making a positive impact on the wider community,” she reflected.

"Most of all, it reminded me how fulfilling it is to give back, especially knowing how much support I received when I first came to Singapore.”

UNCOVERING A NEW LEARNING APPROACH

Aside from leadership skills, Yong also grew in the way she studied.

Initially, Yong wasn’t completely sure if she was going to pursue a degree with SIM upon her diploma graduation. But her time spent studying at SIM gave her an opportunity to learn more about the different university partners that SIM offers. And as she progressed through her diploma, she became certain that SIM-RMIT was the right choice for her.

"RMIT stood out to me because of its strong reputation and practical learning approach,” elaborated Yong. “The emphasis on assignments, group projects, and real-world applications aligned well with my learning style and career goals, making it a natural next step in my academic journey.”

“I believe this would allow me to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills like teamwork and communication,” she enthused.

Where she was used to an exam-focused structure with a strong emphasis on memorisation and individual study back in Thailand, SIM-RMIT's focus on group work and discussion to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

Luckily, her time as a SIM diploma student gave her an opportunity to adjust to the difference in teaching methodology.

“At first, I thought studying was something we do individually,” started Yong. “But that changed when I found a group of friends who were always willing to help.”

“After class, we’d gather to brainstorm, discuss, and support each other, which I found really efficient and fun.”

At the same time, Yong also made her own notes to understand the material better.

“I go beyond just the course materials, finding outside information to deepen my understanding of the lessons,” she shared. “This extra effort has really helped me grasp concepts more clearly and retain information longer.”

BLUEPRINT FOR MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

Looking back, Yong is happy with her decision to further her studies in Singapore.

“For those who are making this transition, my biggest tip is to stay open-minded and proactive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help when you need it.”

Joining the SIM Diploma is also a great option for international students who want to continue their studies in Singapore, she adds.

But most importantly, Yong encourages international students to enjoy the process and be proud of how far they’ve come.

“Take time to explore Singapore, enjoy the culture, and create memorable experiences along the way!” she smiled.

Click here for more information about our Diploma Scholarships.