During the 2023 fall semester, MBU senior Mary Cheatham set off to Singapore to study abroad. As a History major and Asian Studies minor, Mary selected a program offered by third-party provider, CIEE, to take coursework in Mandarin, Malay and Singaporean history and culture.
“Writing this paragraph months later, this experience abroad was one that I will never forget, and I do not think it is an exaggeration to claim that it was the highlight of my life up until now. Academically I was able to achieve true independence and given the opportunity to explore archives and interview as needed for my capstone. Personally, it allowed me to really come into my own as Mary and engage the world as a woman for the first time – and I did so without a single negative incident from a Singaporean. I returned home well positioned for my final semester, and have constantly urged as many students at Mary Baldwin as possible to attend a study abroad program.”
Although the program took place in Singapore, Mary had the opportunity to visit other countries during the semester.
“The Malaysia trip was absolutely fabulous. In just two days we were consistently doing some cultural activity and not a single one was dull. The tour guide for Malacca gave us a wonderful tour of the old city, replete with the colonial history of the town under both the Dutch and later British. We participated in Jianzhi (Chinese paper cutting) and were able to spend much of the night exploring the mile-long lively night market only two blocks from the hotel. The highlight for me was the Peranakan museum which is a common type of museum in Southeast Asia where the homes of early Chinese settlers in S.E.A. were preserved. Due to my historical focus being in Chinese and Southeast Asian history, I loved seeing museums that combine the two and provide insights into the distinctions and interconnected relationships between all of these groups throughout history.”
Having graduated in May, Mary is currently pursuing employment and graduate school opportunities in Southeast Asia.
