Last summer, five Imperial College students were off to America and I was one of the lucky one. The best thing was, not only were our air tickets paid for, we also had the chance to visit different places of attraction. What’s more - we were even hosted by American families to stay with them for a couple of weeks. What a good deal hah! Dying of suspense.....Read on.

We were actually on an exchange program to the University of Delaware to do undergraduate research. While most Singaporeans were packing their bags ready to head back home, I left for the America on the first Saturday of the summer holidays, knowing that I will be spending the next 9 weeks in that magnificent country. That, being my first time to the United States, certainly could not belie my excitement.

After 7 hours of flight to Newark airport in New Jersey is yet another 3 hours drive to Newark, Delaware. Hey! Didn’t I just say that we arrive in Newark? And, we are heading to Newark?? Well, in America, there are many cities that share the same name. But, they are pronounced differently and the locals are unhappy if the name of their city is mispronounced. Don’t be surprised too to find names like ‘Birmingham’ and ‘Cambridge’ in America. When we reached the hall of residence at the university, we were greeted by some of the students who were engaged in summer research as well. Unlike in Imperial College, the disciplines in that university range from animal science to history and philosophy to hotel management. So, we get a good mix of students from different background. One of my friends eagerly asked, "So, how is it like in Delaware?" One of the students quipped, "Not too boring...You’ll get to hear some gunshots now and then."

We spent our first 7 weeks shuffling between work and play. I shall not bore you with the technical details of my research project. Just know that it was some "NASA-Pentagon" information hiding project. Pretty cool hah! American students had a lot of breadth in their curriculum. Believe me, ballroom dancing and driving classes can also be taken as part of their credit. They do party hard as well. You are bound to find one or two bottles of rum, gin or vodka hidden in one cabinet in their wardrobe. Americans can’t consume alcohol until the age of 21 but, ironically, they can possess firearms at the age of 16!

We are very lucky indeed to be chauffeured around by the students. No ten minutes walk to Sainsbury. They measure distance in terms of hours of drive. We also had a series of wonderful weekend trips planned for us. From celebrating Independent Day at Philadelphia and rocking with the Boyz II Men to sunbathing alongside Atlantic Ocean, and from watching ‘Rent’ in New York to whitewater rafting – nothing was to be missed. I thought I did catch a glimpse of Monica Lewinsky at the White House though! What’s more – I managed to sneak out for a weekend to see one of the natural wonders of the world – the awesome Niagara Falls.

In my opinion, the highlight of this trip lies in the 2 weeks homestay with an American family. A different family hosted each of us and it was indeed a rare opportunity for us to assimilate ourselves in the American lifestyle and be part of their family. I stayed with the Rys family and joined them in holding our hands together and saying our prayers before dinner. I thought that must be something that binds their family together. I had more interesting experiences from learning water skiing to visiting the Amish town (those who had watch the movie ‘The Witness’ by Harrison Ford will know what I’m saying).

All parties come to an end. It was sad when it was time to say goodbye to our friends in Delaware. I appreciate their hospitality and warmth and they will always remain in my sweet memories. All in all, it was great fun in America and a true taste of Americanism.