All posts by Shalina Sham

A Compilation of Culinary Culture Shocks

 While it has been a delightful experience residing in the United States, particularly in Philadelphia, there have been moments when I felt like an outsider from another planet.  One of the most intriguing aspects of cultural diversity is undoubtedly the culinary aspect. Most of the menus here list the amount of calories in each dish ...

From the Lion City to the City of Brotherly Love: How A Singaporean Found Lifelong Friends at Drexel

Moving across the globe can be a daunting experience, but for me, it was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and embark on a new adventure. Leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of Singapore, I set my sights on Philadelphia, fondly known as the City of Brotherly Love. Little did I ...

Balancing Academics and Adventure:  How I Managed my Coursework while Exploring the U.S.

 Embarking on a journey to study in the United States is an exciting opportunity for international students like myself. As I delved into my academic pursuits, I was also determined to make the most of my time and explore the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures that the country has to offer. In this blog post, ...

Adjusting to the American Education System

While early education may have different names across countries, universities are generally referred to by the same name worldwide. However, there are significant differences in teaching methods among universities. As an exchange student from NTU, I’ve noticed some notable distinctions in the teaching approach at Drexel University. One major difference lies in the teaching methods ...

From Dragons to Degrees: Navigating Drexel’s Campus

 Drexel University’s campus was a world away from what I was accustomed to at NTU. The historic architecture and urban setting of Drexel’s campus created a unique blend of charm and energy. The historic buildings, adorned with ivy-covered walls, exuded a sense of history. Walking through the streets surrounding the campus, I was captivated by ...

Taking life one SEPTA at a time

 There are so many transport options you can take to move from one place to another. Be it by driving, taking the bus or train, cycling, or just walking, they all have different benefits and downsides. Driving probably offers the most comfort and privacy but is one of the more pricier options. Taking public transport ...

Food Trucks Galore

 I feel that food is one of the things that can distinctly reflect a culture, and the food in Philadelphia has certainly been something I’ve never seen before. While I have heard of the concept of a food truck before, I haven’t ever really seen one in real life until I set foot on Drexel’s ...

What’s this Jawn?

 Language is something that is really interesting to me, especially spoken languages. Before coming to Drexel, I had assumed that since the college was in the United States (US), there would not be very big differences in the spoken language, since both Singapore and the US both use English. However, this could not be further ...

Everything’s Just Peachy in Philly

One of the first few things I realized right before I landed in Philadelphia was how low all the buildings looked from the skies. After landing and walking around Philly, a majority of the buildings here have significantly fewer levels than the high-rise buildings I was used to back in Singapore. Another thing I realized ...

Is it always sunny in Philadelphia?

Packing clothes for a different country is always difficult, especially if it’s somewhere completely foreign to you. For me, it was extremely difficult to pack since I hail from the sunny island of Singapore, located near the equator, where it is summer all year round. I had never stayed in an environment that experienced 4 ...