“Going abroad was always something I promised myself I would do. I wanted to step outside of the environment I had always known and experienced a completely different part of the world. It was important to me to challenge my own perspectives, understand cultures beyond my own and learn how to build a life from scratch in a new place. I believe that staying in one bubble can limit how you see the world, and I wanted to grow beyond that, both personally and socially, by connecting with new people, cultures and ways of thinking,” reflected Victoria D’Agostino, an industrial design major who participated in the National University of Singapore Design Exchange program this past semester.
During the spring semester, D’Agostino explored different areas of design through courses like furniture design and branding. The academic experience pushed her to refine her design concepts, examine the field from and international perspective and how design can respond to real world needs in different cultural contexts.
“As an industrial design student, this experience completely expanded how I think about design. I was exposed to new teaching styles, different priorities in design and a wider range of creative opportunities. I’ve also become more intentional about asking why problems exist within different societies and how to improve them without disrupting important cultural values. This experience strengthened my ability to identify problems, develop ideas and create solutions that truly serve people,” she said.
Along with the academic benefits of studying abroad for a semester, D’Agostino notes how much she personally gained from the experience, encouraging others to push through the uncomfortable moments to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
“This experience gave me the space to truly reflect on who I am. I learned how to process my thoughts and emotions more calmly, and I discovered how much I genuinely enjoy learning from others’ stories and perspectives. I realized that I’m someone who values connection, empathy, and understanding different ways of life. It also showed me my ability to adapt, be independent, and stay open-minded in unfamiliar situations.”
Perhaps her favorite moment of the trip was traveling to North Vietnam and completing the Ha Giang Loop, exploring even more of the surrounding cultures with the new friends she made on the program.
“For three days, I rode through winding roads surrounded by incredible green mountains, alongside people from all over the world. We met local families, shared stories and formed genuine connections that I know will last far beyond the trip. It was one of the rare moments where I felt completely present, happy, free and deeply connected to both the people around me and the environment,” she said.