1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat

Clarrie Ng from Singapore: Studies Media and Communications at University of Washington Bothell

Clarrie Ng from Singapore: Studies Media and Communications at University of Washington Bothell

Nov 2, 2021

Interview:

Clarrie Ng, from Singapore, is studying at the University of Washington Bothell, which is located just north of Seattle. She is a junior, majoring in Media and Communications and minoring in Law, Societies and Justice.

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

I wanted a college education that allowed me choose the classes that I prefer. I think USA has that liberal approach towards learning that I really like.

Why did you choose the University of Washington Bothell?

I really like University of Washington Bothell. It is one of the three campuses of the University of Washington. I enrolled into the Bothell campus because of the small-size classes of not more than 30 students. I like that approach. I can talk to my professors and get to know more of their research and experience. It also allows me to take cross campus classes.

I think the location is very suitable for me. I really like Seattle a lot.

What do you like best?

I really like how I get to carve my own degree. I’m not required to take certain courses that I do not see necessary; I get to choose the classes. I really like the interdisciplinary approach towards students’ education. I am interested in media and law. Even though my major is media and communications, I dabbled with a few laws classes. The classes have really enriched my experience as a student and made me surer of where I will be heading with my degree.

What do you miss most?

I miss my family and the food. I do Skype with my mum from time to time. The food in USA is good, but I really miss local delicacies.

What was your biggest surprise?

My biggest surprise was how friendly U.S. people are and how environmental-friendly they are as a community. I learned a lot from that. U.S. education surprised me because students talk more than the professors.

... your biggest disappointment?

My biggest disappointment would be … I don’t exactly have one because I am enjoying myself a lot here.

How have you handled:
... language differences?

I don’t have much of a problem with language differences because in Singapore our first language is English. However, there were some variations because I had to get used to the American slang and some of the words. Otherwise, I do not have any difficulty. As a matter of fact, I’m learning two more languages in USA.

... finances?

I had a hard time managing my finance because I had to do a lot of independent budgeting. In the U.S., I had rent, insurance, school fees and daily spending to think of; I have to be more careful with how I spend my money.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

The first week was awkward because I was not used to how outspoken everyone was. However, by the second week, I was almost like any other local student, mainly because I enjoy the classes and the different educational system. This allowed me to explore a different side of myself.

What are your activities?

I joined a few clubs: soccer club and United Students Against Sweatshops. I also do freelance writing for the school’s publication.

University of Washington Bothell

How easy or difficult was making friends?

It might be awkward initially, especially when you are the new kid. I got by just fine. I was more outspoken and extroverted so it was easy to make friends.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

I have plans to continue with my master’s degree. I envision myself working with international media and policy related work, which could be based in Singapore, in order to build the ties with other countries.

What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?

If you have the opportunity, just give it a shot! You will not regret it. Be prepared to face unfamiliar situations, but it is always fun to step out of our comfort zone and experience something different. Let the experience be yours.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA®

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Unlocking the Universe: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to New Frontiers in Science
Unlocking the Universe: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to New Frontiers in Science
Main image for the article titled How Attending Secondary School in the U.S. Prepares Your Child for College
How Attending Secondary School in the U.S. Prepares Your Child for College
Main image for the article titled University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Yasuhito N. of Japan
University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Yasuhito N. of Japan
Main image for the article titled “New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
“New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Study Washington

Study Washington

$1,000—$5,000 Quarter

Masters 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Certificate/Short Term
Contact
Louisiana State University – Global Pathway

Louisiana State University – Global Pathway

$10,000 — $15,000 Semester

Certificate/Short Term Bachelor Degree English Programs
Contact
College of the Desert

College of the Desert

$1,000—$5,000 Semester

Summer Certificate/Short Term Undergraduate
Contact

Featured Programs

Bellevue College

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Secondary/Boarding Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Santa Rosa Junior College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Online
Learn More

Berkeley Global

Typical cost per Semester: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Secondary/Boarding
Learn More

Related Stories

Clarrie Ng from Singapore: Studies Media and Communications at University of Washington Bothell

Main image for the article titled Clarrie Ng from Singapore: Studies Media and Communications at University of Washington Bothell
Eleven (Kuan-Hung) Liu from Taiwan: Studied Communications at Highline Community College, Washington

Main image for the article titled Eleven (Kuan-Hung) Liu from Taiwan: Studied Communications at Highline Community College, Washington
Hoa Thuy Quynh Nhu Nguyen from Vietnam: Studying Media Studies and Production Temple University in Philadelphia

Main image for the article titled Hoa Thuy Quynh Nhu Nguyen from Vietnam: Studying Media Studies and Production Temple University in Philadelphia

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for TutorABC

TutorABC

Ready to take your language learning to the next level? Have you heard about TutorABC, the World's No. 1 Online Platform for Learning English and Chinese? TutorABC is recognized as the top language platform, harnessing innovative technology to offe...

Read more
Partner service logo for ARGO

ARGO

Let us help you through your U.S. visa application process. GET STARTED NOW!

Read more
Partner service logo for Find an Advisor

Find an Advisor

Study in the USA’s advisors can work with you to navigate the requirements to study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We help you find the right school and apply.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I liked reading about information that helped me understand what the experience would be like and reading other students' experiences on the Study in the USA website.

Shraddha Sudhir India

StudyUSA did help me a lot. Because they always try their best to answer my questions and give me great suggestions. Also, they always concern me and ask me about my application. They are the best.

Yuanju Lai Taiwan

Study in USA, which is the most reliable organization on the Internet i have found. It has helped me to choose my suitable school, and give me more information about study in US for me to prepare before going. Thank you very much!

Long Nguyen Duy Thien Vietnam

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.