Choosing To Step Out of Her Comfort Zone: How Hui Xuan's Study Abroad Experience Built the Agility to Thrive
For How Hui Xuan, studying abroad was an opportunity to build adaptability, independence and global perspective to thrive in today’s evolving workplace. Supported by the SIM Study Abroad Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund, her semester at RMIT University's Melbourne campus became a journey that harnessed her adaptability, resilience and confidence that are increasingly valued in today's dynamic workplace.
When asked to describe her study abroad experience in a single word, How Hui Xuan's answer was "uncomfortable."
Not because it was difficult, but because every unfamiliar experience pushed her to become more adaptable.
"At first, everything felt unfamiliar. Although there wasn't a language barrier, I still had to adapt to a different way of living, studying and managing everyday responsibilities. Looking back, I realised that growth often comes from being uncomfortable."
Having recently completed her Bachelor of Business at RMIT University, majoring in Finance and Marketing, stepping outside her comfort zone proved to be one of the most valuable lessons of her university journey.
Saying Yes to the Unknown
"Studying overseas had always been one of my goals because I wanted to experience what it was like to live in another country, rather than simply visit it as a tourist."
She applied for the Inter-Location Mobility Programme, spending her final semester at RMIT University's home campus in Melbourne, Australia. Supported by the SIM Study Abroad Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund, the experience became more accessible while easing the financial commitment for her family.
With that support, Hui Xuan embraced every opportunity to experience Australia beyond the classroom, from exploring Sydney and Cairns to snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef and even trying surfing for the first time.
"The most memorable experiences were often the ones that initially felt unfamiliar or intimidating. Whether it was going diving at the Great Barrier Reef or holding the surfboard for the first time, they reminded me that some of the best experiences come from saying yes to something new."
Everyday Challenges Build Lifelong Skills
While many associate studying abroad with travelling and cultural experiences, Hui Xuan found that some of her biggest lessons came from the routines of everyday life.
"One of my biggest transitions was adjusting to everyday life rather than the studying."
Living independently in Melbourne meant budgeting carefully, planning grocery shopping, preparing meals and balancing household responsibilities alongside university life.
"I had to learn how to balance my school commitments while learning to budget across rent, food, and travel, plan and cook meals efficiently, and streamline daily routines."
Over time, what initially felt new and unfamiliar gradually became second nature. "I became more organised and developed a routine, making it much easier to balance daily demands with my studies and weekend trips."
It dawned on Hui Xuan that these seemingly ordinary challenges had taught her extraordinary lessons. "These everyday challenges were some of the most valuable lessons from the exchange because they taught me to be more independent and resourceful."
Preparing for a Changing World of Work
Beyond managing everyday responsibilities, Hui Xuan also experienced a different style of learning.
Tutorials at RMIT University encouraged open discussion, with students actively sharing opinions and drawing from their own experiences. This encouraged Hui Xuan to become a more active participant in class and showed her that learning often comes through dialogue and the exchange of diverse perspectives.
"One thing that surprised me was just how international Melbourne was. I expected to meet Australians, but many of my classmates came from different countries around the world."
Outside the classroom, Melbourne's multicultural environment further broadened her worldview, requiring her to adapt quickly, manage her time independently and communicate with people from different backgrounds.
"These experiences gave me greater confidence in stepping into unfamiliar environments and working with people who have different perspectives, which are important skills in today's global business environment."
In today's workplace, where industries continue to evolve and change rapidly, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. Employers increasingly value graduates who can navigate uncertainty, collaborate across cultures, solve unfamiliar problems and adapt to changing circumstances.
Prepared for What's Next
Living abroad not only gave Hui Xuan a better understanding of different cultures and norms, but has deepened her appreciation of home – Singapore.
"Living in Melbourne showed me that experiencing another culture is very different from simply travelling there." The experience reminded her that every place has something worth learning from, while helping her appreciate the conveniences she had often taken for granted in Singapore.
Supported by the SIM Study Abroad Award, Hui Xuan's semester in Melbourne became more than an international exchange. It became an opportunity to develop adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills- confidence and global perspective that employers increasingly seek. As Hui Xian begins her career journey, these invaluable experiences have equipped her to contribute effectively in a varied and fast-changing world.
About the SIM Study Abroad Award
The SIM Study Abroad Award, a programme under SIM Impact Fund, provides financial support to eligible SIM Global Education (SIM GE) students participating in approved overseas exposure programmes. The SIM Impact Fund is a $60M, 10-year transformative initiative that creates pathways and boosts the employability of learners.