Laura Scheffner - Expat in Singapore
Laura Scheffner is a 24-year-old expatriate in Singapore who works in the Marketing field. Born and raised in Munich, Germany, she relocated to Singapore as she always had a fascination for travel and different cultures. “I do not feel like I chose Singapore but rather that destiny chose it for me,” she said. “It was the right place at the right time sort of experience, the opportunity was there and I took it.” Presently, she has been living in Singapore for over 3.5 years with her 21-month-old son.
Miss Scheffner noted that her most difficult experience as an expat in Singapore had much to do being alone overseas. “I did not know many people and did feel a bit lonely at times,” she said, adding that she also dealt with a language barrier. “In Singapore many people talk in what is called “Singlish,” I was not able to understand a word in the beginning,” she explained.
Expats living overseas may find it challenging to navigate another country and culture by themselves. One way for expats to better adjust to another culture is by having a support system, which they can find in several clubs and associations around the area. Additionally, those who are having problems with a language barrier can visit their local embassy for additional information on where to find language-learning classes and opportunities.
Find out more about Laura Scheffner’s experiences in Singapore in her full interview below.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I was born and raised in Munich, Germany to a Spanish mother and German father.
Q: What made you move out of your home country?
A: I always had a fascination for travel and different cultures. So when I got the opportunity to travel I immediately took it.
Q: Where are you living now?
A: I live in Singapore now
Q: How did you come to choose this new country of residence?
A: I do not feel like I chose Singapore but rather that destiny chose it for me. I had never thought I would ever be living here. It was the right place at the right time sort of experience, the opportunity was there and I took it.
Q: How long have you been living in Singapore?
A: I have been here for 3,5 years.
Q: What has been the most difficult experience you've had when you were new in your host country?
A: The most difficult experience was that I did not know many people and did feel a bit lonely at times. Also there was a clear language barrier for me. In Singapore many people talk in what is called “Singlish”, I was not able to understand a word in the beginning.
Q: Would you say that formalities like getting visas or work permits and international health insurance was particularly difficult in Singapore? What was your experience with these?
A: I had a very good experience with that as my company did take care of most of that leaving me without much to worry about.
Q: Are you living alone or with your family?
A: I live here with my 21 month old son.
Q: How are they adjusting to the Expat Lifestyle?
A: My son was born in Singapore so for him Singapore is his home. If feels quite funny though when I am back in Europe and realize that even though he might have a German passport he will consider himself Singaporean when he grows up.
Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people? Do you mainly socialize with other expats in Singapore? How did you manage to find a social circle in Singapore?
A: In the beginning it was a bit challenging and I did only socialize with people I did know from work. As time did pass though I did find myself a good group of friends of local and expats friends.
Q: What are the best things to do in the area? Anything to recommend to future expats?
A: That all pretty much depends on weather and mood. What I have always enjoyed doing on a weekend is be outdoors, get the bike out and stroll around east coast park. Stop for some food close to the sea and have a relaxing evening with friends. At night I would recommend going to 1 Altitude, which is Singapore’s highest rooftop bar with a 360 degree view of our beautiful city.
Q: How does the cost of living in Singapore compared to your home?
A: A cup of coffee in Germany costs 2-3 Euros, but in Singapore it costs S$ 7. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant in Germany costs around 15 Euro, but in Singapore it costs around S$ 13. For meals in expensive restaurants, in Germany it costs 25 euros and $40 in Singapore. A bottle of wine in Germany costs 3 Euro, and $20 in Singapore. For cigarettes in Germany, it costs 5 Euros and costs $13 in Singapore. In Singapore it is almost double the price!
Q: How do you find the local culture and people in your host country?
A: I actually started to celebrate some of the local traditions such as Chinese New Year and Diwali with my son. I think it’s a blessing to be able to experience so many cultures in one place and to embrace them. Singaporeans are very success driven with a strong entrepreneurial mind which I personally do really like and think that in my home country they should get a bit more of.
Q: What do you think are the positive and negative sides of living in Singapore?
A: Positive: Singapore is a very westernized country that still has a lot of the Asian charm, it makes living here as an expat very comfortable. Singapore’s location is also really central in South East Asia and allows us to explore nearby places such as Thailand and Bali on some weekends. Negative: Singapore can be very pricy and very rainy and grey in the wet season.
Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes?
A: Yes I do miss family at times but usually we get so busy with everyday life that it is not too bad.
Q: How do you cope with homesickness?
A: We might stop by at Brotzeit, which is quite popular German restaurant, and have an Applestruddel. I love food so comfort food will do the trick.
Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?
A: As of now I have no plans to leave Singapore very soon, I would consider living in the USA or Bali though.
Q: What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
A: The hardest part was when I gave birth to my son here, I got very homesick. I would have loved to have all my friends and family around at such a happy time in my life.
Q: What tips can you give other expats living in Singapore?
A: To meet new friends it is a great idea to start evening courses such as mandarin or dancing for example.
Q: Do you have favourite websites or blogs about your host country?
A: www.my-yummy-mummy.com Facebook group great for expat wives