Andrew Lee Tze Keong

Why did you choose to come to SMU? 

SMU was my first choice because of the 2 major reasons. Firstly, its 100% global exposure guarantee meant I could rest assured that I’ll get the opportunity to go abroad, giving me a chance to explore and seek a broader perspective, which it did, and it changed my life (and will be explained in further detail below later). Secondly, because of its city location and how convenient it is to take a break and admire the city skyline whilst running around the marina bay.

Please share with us your favourite global experience

I had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom, under SMU’s International Student Exchange Programme and it was the BEST six months I have ever experienced. I hope everyone will get to experience this as well.

Why did you choose to embark on this particular global experience? 

My international experience at SMU was an enriching student exchange program at University College London (UCL), which I embarked upon with the goal of broadening my academic and cultural horizons. Opting for London was a no-brainer, given its reputation as a global hub for culture, sports, and education. As a passionate Liverpool fan, being in close proximity to iconic football stadiums was a dream come true - it offered me the chance to immerse myself in the electric atmosphere of live matches.

Additionally, London's West End provided me with unforgettable experiences, especially seeing "Les Miserables" not once but twice; it confirmed my belief that it's the pinnacle of musical theatre. The city also served as an excellent base for exploring Europe further through budget airlines.

Academically, UCL stood out with its esteemed faculty and diverse course offerings that went beyond my major. Modules like Improving Public Policy Implementation and Quantitative Methods and Mathematical Thinking allowed me to venture into new intellectual territories. This blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and personal passions made my time at UCL an unparalleled chapter in my university life.

What was the absolute highlight of your experience?

While on exchange to University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom, under SMU’s International Student Exchange Programme, I got the once-in-the-life opportunity to go to one of Harry Styles’ concert. The vibes were immaculate as he sang his 2023 Grammy award winning album, accompanied with nostalgic songs from his One Direction days, including What Makes You Beautiful and Stockholm Syndrome. At the end of the night, he also sang my favourite song “Medicine” while I screamed the lyrics as loud as one could while dancing away. The 13-year-old in me had the best time of his life.