National University of Singapore Law School
by Tim Daglish, law student
During my second year, I had the opportunity to apply for a year abroad, switching from a standard law degree to law with International legal studies.
I was successful in being accepted to study for a year at the National University of Singapore, and now, on the other side of an incredible experience, I am reflecting on the key skills it has equipped me with for the workplace.
Adaptability
Living and studying abroad for a year instilled a strong sense of adaptability in me. Being somewhere completely unfamiliar, without my usual support networks of friends and family, forced me to adjust quickly.
From navigating different academic expectations to adapting to new social cultures, I learnt how to transfer existing skills and tailor them to different audiences and situations.
This adaptability is essential in the workplace, where unfamiliar cultures, people and tasks are the norm.
Diverse thinking
During my year abroad, I built friendships with local Singaporeans as well as fellow exchange students from all around the world.
Learning about different cultures and perspectives firsthand was an invaluable opportunity to broaden my thinking and open my mind to new ways of approaching challenges.
By fully immersing myself in local culture, I was able to challenge my pre-existing assumptions about how things should be done.
No matter where you study abroad, being in a culture completely different from Nottingham develops your ability to solve problems, collaborate with a wide range of people, and feel confident working in unfamiliar environments.
Proactivity
Studying abroad taught me the importance of being proactive and embracing opportunities. From impulsive weekend trips to hikes through the rainforest, I learnt that saying yes to new experiences can be incredibly rewarding!
Taking the initiative to plan and suggest these activities myself also showed me that you don’t always have to wait for instructions - ownership and confidence matter.
This willingness to step forward and create opportunities is a mindset I will carry into my future career.
Self-management
Although university already encourages independence, studying abroad helped me further develop the crucial skill of self-management.
Flying 14 hours to a country where I knew nobody meant it was entirely up to me to manage my goals, build new friendships and navigate the administrative demands of studying abroad. While initially daunting, the experience enhanced my time management and perseverance - all qualities that are highly valued by prospective employers.
Resilience
In the workplace, setbacks and constant change will be unavoidable, and are also two things that studying in a new country will naturally bring.
During my time in Singapore my resilience was strengthened, from managing unexpected homesickness to navigating unfamiliar academic expectations. As I had no other choice but to persevere, I developed stronger independent problem-solving skills and stayed motivated throughout challenging periods.
It taught me that no matter what situation you are faced with, the ability to remain composed and adaptable is essential.
Find out more about studying abroad through the university, and if you think a global career might be for you, check out our advice and resources to help you with the planning, including free access to GoinGlobal, an international careers database.
Posted on Thursday 19th March 2026