From SMU to New York: A Donor's Gift Beyond Borders

“The scholarship not only provided me with a sense of financial security to study in an expensive city like New York, but it also opened the doors to an international learning experience and culture that I might not have been able to experience otherwise.”  

In an ever-globalising world, university education is no longer confined to the classroom. In greater measure, the benchmark of an enriching and holistic university experience lies in the global pathways it offers. It is increasingly about providing students with opportunities to venture beyond physical boundaries and traditional classroom settings. Yet, despite the provision of these initiatives, many students are still limited by financial constraints.  

To help bridge this gap and make global education more accessible, donor support plays a vital role. It empowers students to pursue their aspirations by easing the financial burden of overseas study. For Germaine Goh, the Lin Foundation Scholarship was the key that unlocked her dream of living and studying in New York City for a semester under the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP).  

“The scholarship was truly life changing,” Germaine shared. “It empowered me to step outside my comfort zone and fully immerse myself in a diverse and dynamic environment at Baruch College. It also eased my financial worries and allowed me to focus on academics and cultural exchange during my time there. The scholarship gave me the confidence to explore new opportunities and inspired me to give back to my community.”  

Studying abroad opened up new horizons and perspectives for Germaine. Reflecting on her experience at Baruch College, she highlighted the unique approach the institution takes to learning.  

“There was a distinct emphasis on fostering a wide range of perspectives and encouraging students to express opinions, even those that challenge conventional thinking or involve controversial topics. This environment made it easy to engage critically with complex subjects and consider viewpoints that might be less commonly discussed elsewhere.” she said.

The ISEP’s strong emphasis on cultural exchange and building global connections aligned perfectly with Germaine’s goal of broadening her horizons and developing skills to thrive in an interconnected world. Upon returning home to SMU, she continues to apply the lessons from her time abroad to enrich her learning and personal growth.  

“The global mindset and cross-cultural skills I gained during my semester abroad have become central to both my academic and professional growth. I actively apply what I learned by building inclusivity and ensuring open communication in group projects, internships, and even in daily interactions. My experience has also made me more adaptable and effective when navigating multicultural environments.”

Particularly interested in software engineering and business analytics, Germaine sought out experiences in New York that both aligned with her career goals, and also allowed her to explore related fields.  

“I connected with accomplished professionals whose insights have been invaluable. I also had the unique opportunity to visit iconic places like Wall Street, where I observed the fast-paced financial world up close. Shaped by the city’s energy and global outlook, these experiences and connections simply would not have been accessible to me outside of the International Student Exchange Programme.”

Now that she has returned, Germaine reflects on the immense value of her experience. “This gave me the chance to truly immerse myself in New York City’s vibrant cultural diversity. Living and studying there exposed me to a constant exchange of ideas and perspectives from people around the world.”

In addition to advancing her career and exploring possible opportunities, Germaine also embraced the simple, everyday joys of life as a New Yorker. “Some of my favourite moments include evening runs through Central Park, strolling along the pier, and attending Broadway shows with friends, which are experiences unique to New York, that deepened my appreciation for diversity and created lifelong memories.

Pausing to reflect on the generosity that made her journey possible, Germaine expressed heartfelt gratitude to her donor, the Lin Foundation.

“I would have faced significant financial barriers. The high cost of living and studying in New York would have caused considerable stress and limited my ability to make the most of the exchange experience. Your support has been instrumental in shaping my personal and academic growth journey, and the scholarship was truly life changing. Thank you once again.”

Germaine Goh Li Shi (BSc (IS) 2025), Lin Foundation Scholarship Recipient