My Davidson | A Student Blog From Davidson to Singapore: A Computer Science Student’s Semester Abroad
June 1, 2026
Discover how Davidson College computer science major Tumaini Johnson ’27 utilized the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad at Singapore Management University. Learn about his global academic growth, street photography and career networking in Singapore.
About the Author
Tumaini Johnson '27 is a computer science major and English minor.
“On campus you can typically find me with a camera shooting events for the College Communications team or for my own personal projects. An exciting hobby of mine is street photography, something on full display in this blog about my experience studying abroad.”
Night View of Marina Bay Sands
Singapore is at the southern edge of mainland Asia. The entire country is a single city, and it is beautiful, hosting a population of over 6 million people. Singapore is a strikingly different city than that of New York City or Chicago. As a sustainability leader, the city is built around reducing carbon emissions. Nearly 50% of the land is made up of green areas which includes numerous forests and land reserves. There is also an intertwining of skyscrapers and plant life, creating a unique look to many of the buildings. In fact, their commitment to sustainability is evident everywhere, so much so that their tap water is considered as safe to drink as filtered water and even of better quality.
Savoring the Food at a Hawker Center
The culinary spots dotting the city were quite vibrant. One of the most interesting aspects of Singapore’s food culture is the Hawker Centers. I would describe a Hawker Center as a “bustling food street fair in a mall food court.” At these public food halls, you can choose from a plethora of food and drink options. The food here is inexpensive yet incredibly tasty and sumptuous, with a full meal typically ranging from 5 to 10 Singaporean dollars. You get gourmet-level food at fast-food prices. This helped reduce my daily living expenses in Singapore while also allowing me to indulge in the delicious dishes of the country.
Administration Building of Singapore Management University for Orientation
My host institution was Singapore Management University (SMU). One of the primary purposes for studying abroad is being able to learn with a worldwide perspective, whereas you might be funneled into a singular view in the United States. The classes I took were focused on my major, with the goal of attaining credit for the required courses back at home.
The learning process at SMU was different from Davidson. The blocks were a lot longer and we only met once a week for each course. This meant the homework was a lot more intensive and the onus was put on you to find the time to complete all assignments. It helped sharpen my time management skills. I was able to make friends in my classes, who gave me more insight on the education system at the university level in Singapore.
About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The rich experiences I received in Singapore would never have been possible without the aid of Davidson and the scholarships I found through the Study Abroad office. The federally funded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship helped ease the financial burden that comes with studying abroad. But what surprised me most was the breadth of opportunities that came with it. During my time in Singapore, the Office of Education Abroad and Away helped me connect to a networking event hosted by ‘Reach The World’ and Citibank. I was able to converse with professionals at this event, who reviewed my resume, provided professional advice and guidance and helped me look at my career choices with a global perspective. The Gilman Scholarship offers opportunities after studying abroad too. I am now a part of the alumni program that gives me access to jobs, internships, networking events and community engagement opportunities. They have helped me gain confidence in my career aspirations in a way I didn’t expect. For those contemplating pursuing Study Abroad as a part of their collegiate education, please consider looking into this scholarship, it is incredibly helpful.
Despite the short period, the time spent in Singapore and the friends that I made while abroad will remain lifelong meaningful memories. I'm glad I made the choice to study abroad.
And I recommend that if you have the opportunity to study abroad, go for it! The experience will last a lifetime.
