SINGAPORE:

Life in Singapore can be a challenging experience for those unaccustomed to its rigorous education system, a sentiment echoed by two foreign students who recently shared their stories on the Reddit forum r/SGExams. Hailing from New Zealand and Australia, these students detailed their overwhelming culture shock as they transitioned into a world where academic competition reigns supreme.

Both students moved to Singapore with their families a few years ago, and quickly found themselves grappling with the stark differences in educational expectations compared to their more relaxed home environments.

The Kiwi Student’s Journey: From Bliss to Pressure

One student from New Zealand, who relocated to Singapore eight years ago, described his initial experiences with the local school system as a harsh awakening. “I never anticipated my life could feel so much like a ‘living hell,’” he admitted. He noted the “survival of the fittest” mentality that dominates the education landscape. After scoring a disappointing 206 on his Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), he felt an urgent need to make changes.

"I had to study tirelessly and ended up achieving straight As, but with that came an insatiable need for more," he reflected. This drive for perfection took a heavy toll on his mental health, leading to frequent breakdowns and anxiety as he strived to maintain his grades.

Three particularly tough experiences stood out for him: just missing the mark in his O-Levels, dipping in grades during junior college mid-years, and the grueling months leading up to the A-Levels. "Those months are etched in my memory—sheer exhaustion from hours of practice papers and relentless self-doubt," he recounted. Despite the struggles, he remains resolute, looking forward to pursuing higher education in Australia next year.

The Aussie Student’s Perspective: Embracing the Challenge

In contrast, the Australian student, who moved to Singapore five years ago, described his experience as eye-opening rather than dreadful. Initially slated to enroll in an international school, his parents opted for the local system after a successful trial of the PSLE. “That decision completely changed my life,” he wrote, noting the fervent work ethic and academic focus of Singaporean students.

His admiration for local students is evident: “I have so much respect for everyone in the local schools. Coming from laid-back Australia to competitive Singapore was surreal.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by national examinations, likening them to those faced by students in countries known for their academic rigor, such as China and South Korea. However, he did not perceive his experience as hellish but rather as an invaluable opportunity to compare two contrasting education systems.

Singapore’s Education System: A Global Perspective

Singapore’s education system has gained international recognition, ranking as the third most rigorous globally. This standing stems from various factors, including educational structure, examination difficulty, and average national IQ—reported at 106.18, the highest in Southeast Asia, according to the International IQ Test. This intricate ranking helps to illustrate the intense academic environment that students face.

As the two students illustrate, Singapore's education system can lead to drastically different experiences based on personal perspectives. While some feel crushed under the weight of expectations, others appreciate the challenge and the chance to grow within a dynamic educational framework. Whatever the viewpoint, it's clear that Singapore's commitment to educational excellence is a defining feature of life in the Lion City.