"I chose to study in Singapore simply because Singapore offers me a very internationalised and high quality education in a friendly and conducive environment... My two-year experience in Raffles Institution had cast tremendous influence on my academic development, the shaping of my character, and leadership potential in­ nearly every aspect of my life... Leadership programmes organised by the school also helped to develop and mould my leadership qualities. In short, I appreciate my years in secondary school as I truly feel empowered in the process of my education in Singapore..."
- Xu Wei, 21, Shanghai, China, Singapore International Foundation - Raffles Institution Scholarship Programme from 1999 to 2000. Joined National Junior College for the 'A' Level under another scholarship and graduated in 2002.

"Singapore is definitely a new experience for me... In Singapore, CCA is as important as academics, and we have training every week. Now I know how to balance the time spent on studying and my CCA respectively so that I could do well in both areas. Besides things necessary for everyday life, there are also many facilities, which allow us to develop our own interests, such as rock-climbing and gymnastic equipment. All in all, living plus learning here is a happy experience for me and I will stay here for further education."
- Xia Tianqing, 19, Wuhan City, China, Singapore International Foundation - Raffles Institution Scholarship Programme from 2000 to 2001. Currently studying in National Junior College as a JC2 student under a different scholarship.

"I chose to study in Singapore because it is a beautiful, free, secure and global country with various cultures.  Studying here enables me to learn about world culture and arts...I can broaden my horizon through first-hand information on highly rated theatres, musicals, film, TV programmes and media productions of international standards."
- Wang Lu Yan, Jane, 21, Shanghai, China, 1st year student, Theatre Department, School of Performing Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Joined June 2002.

"I came to Singapore to learn English at the British Council.  After my course, I aim to learn Chinese at a Singapore university.  I chose Singapore because it is clean, safe and offers a great environment for learning.  I enjoy interacting with students from other parts of the world ... my relationship with them completes my experience here."
- Yamaji Kenichiro, 47, Japan, Full-time English Course with British Council. Came to Singapore in early Jan 2002.

"My Singaporean schoolmates are so gregarious that I don't feel lonely here.  They always try to understand and include us foreign students despite the language barrier.  My teachers are kind and include us in various activities to enrich our lives... I have learned so much here and there is still so much more to learn and explore.  I really had a wonderful time in Singapore."
- Wang Yexin, 16, China, People's Republic of China Scholarship, Raffles Girls' School, Secondary 4 (2003).  
 
"... I had never dreamed of studying abroad because of financial considerations and I was afraid to stay far from my family... But I got a scholarship to study in Singapore and found that it wasn't as scary as I thought. The weather and food are similar to my hometown... and I met fellow students from Indonesia... Singapore is also less than two hours flight from Surabaya, making it easy to see my family during holidays. Now I am studying in one of the best universities in Asia, according to Asiaweek's survey in 2000... the teachers are competent, and show great sense of responsibility. Once, I was asked to deliver a presentation at a research congress...I emailed my professor and shared my concerns with him. He replied promptly, accompanied me to rehearsals and gave me feedback in order to improve my delivery."
- Adi Kurniawan, 21, from Indonesia, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sembcorp & ST Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies in Singapore, Nanyang Technological University. Commenced study in Singapore in 1999 and expect to complete study in 2003.

"I come from Sao Paulo, Brazil and have been living in Singapore for over a year with my wife.  I'm taking a course at the British Council to improve my English so that I can apply for admission to a local university... After 49 years, I have the unique opportunity to study in Singapore - it changed my life completely!"
- Osmar Cardoso, 49, Sao Brazil, English Course with British Council. Came to Singapore in 2002.