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Articles by Emily Mar
Which universities offer English-taught programmes in Taiwan?
Only conversational Mandarin required. Source: Chen Te/Pexels Copy link text Dreaming of studying in Taiwan, but not confident enough in your Mandarin to complete an entire degree in it? Good news — you don’t have to give up on the idea. English-taught programmes in Taiwan exist, which means it’s possible for you to study in English as you work on improving your Mandarin outside the classroom.
Your brain can multitask better than you think it can
Multitasking is perceived as highly inefficient -- until now. Source: Pexels/Iam Hogir Copy link text Multitasking feels productive. Two tasks at once, twice the progress, right? Not quite. Previous research has shown that our brains can struggle when we try to do multiple things at the same time. Most recently, however, researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong have found that our brains can get better at juggling tasks with practice.
Nobody thought I could get past remedial English, but I’m now heading to graduate school with full funding
Image is for illustration purposes only. Source: Safari Consoler via Pexels Copy link text You know that feeling when you finally think things are looking up, only for life to throw another curveball your way? One Nigerian student experienced it again and again throughout his college years. His lecturer shared his story on Reddit. Image is for illustration purposes only.
Cycle-friendly cities: A better way to travel for international students
In cycle-friendly cities, even pets end up riding shotgun. Source: Andrew Kota via Pexels Copy link text Traffic is a nightmare pretty much everywhere, and trying to figure out a new public transport system can be seriously confusing. Walking might seem like an option, but it usually just takes too long. For students, especially those in a new country, getting around can feel like a hassle. That’s where cycle-friendly cities come in. Cycling is a super practical way to get around.
The best student guide to afford Seoul’s living costs
Seoul has an amazing cultural scene and nightlife, but all that energy and variety comes at a price. The city’s vibrancy often goes hand in hand with a higher cost of living.Source: Emily Mar Copy link text Studying in Korea sounds like a dream — until you see Seoul’s living costs. Is Seoul expensive? A single person in South Korea typically spends between 750,000 to 1,000,000 Korean won (≈US$523 to US$697) per month. Seoul pushes those numbers higher than anywhere else in the country.
What I got wrong (and right)
The Korean winter is cold, dry, and crisp, with temperatures ranging between 4°C to -4C°C. Source: Theodore Nguyen/Pexel Copy link text I thought I knew winter. I had been through Melbourne’s grey, wind-bitten mornings. I had even gone skiing in Hokkaido, Japan, the coldest region in the country. So when I was preparing for my first Korean winter, I assumed I’d be ready for it. A few days before departure, a headline stopped me cold. South Korea was facing record-breaking temperatures.
Cash vs card. What is the best way to pay in South Korea?
Wondering how to pay in South Korea? Should you stick with cash or switch to cards? Read on to find out what works best. Source: Pincalo/Pexels Copy link text Paying for things is simple — just hand over cash or tap your card. But, when travelling overseas, the process can look a little different. There are many ways to pay in South Korea, for example, from cards to mobile and digital options. But when do you use each and is it the best cost-saving option each time?
New to South Korea? Here’s how to pay for just about everything
Wondering how to pay in South Korea? Should you stick with cash or switch to cards? Read on to find out what works best. Source: Pincalo/Pexels Copy link text Paying for things is simple — just hand over cash or tap your card. But, when traveling abroad, the process can look a little different. There are many ways to pay in South Korea, for example, from cards to mobile and digital options. Understanding these options ahead of time helps you avoid unnecessary hassle while traveling.
How much is it to be an international student in Seoul?
Seoul has an amazing cultural scene and nightlife, but all that comes with a higher cost of living. Source: Emily Mar Copy link text Life in Seoul comes at a price. A single person in South Korea typically spends between 750,000 to 1,000,000 Korean won (approximately US$523 to US$697 at the time of writing) per month; Seoul pushes those numbers higher than anywhere else in the country. Housing is the biggest expense, with rent averaging from 500,000 to 700,000 KRW (US$348 to US$488).
What a nutrition student eats in a day
What you eat affects how you feel. But when you’re studying abroad, caught between lectures, deadlines, workouts, and more, food often slips to the bottom of the priority list. Nutrition student En Min Saw knows this all too well. “I’ve been there when you’re completely swamped with work. The last thing you want to do is cook,” she says.
What you can get out of a STEM degree besides a high pay
Figuring out what to study and what career path to follow can feel like an impossible task. Do you go with what you love or choose something more practical? Then there’s the cost of tuition, the years of study, and the stress that comes with it all. What’s worse, you may not even get a job after graduation. STEM degrees are often a safe bet. They’re stable, lucrative, and full of career opportunities. However, not everyone gets to a STEM degree the same way. Some know from the start.
5 Asian nutrition myths debunked by registered dietitian
Food is everything to Malaysians. From family tables to national festivals, food is seemingly everywhere. Except in its university curriculum. Growing up in Penang, a state known for its legendary laksas and nasi kandar, En Min Saw discovered this gap. In 2019, when she was searching for nutrition degrees at local universities, she found few options. So she left.
How to become an in-demand chemical engineering grad
If you’re Asian, you’ve probably heard from your parents: “I know what’s best for you,” or “Be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer if you want to earn good money.” Passion can wait but financial stability cannot. This was the reality for Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali from Kerala, India as well. He wanted to study either English or Maths, but his parents had only one path in mind for him: engineering. Instead of resisting, Ali decided to work with it.
Is getting a journalism degree in China worth it?
2025 is giving 1900s energy with the slow death of free speech. It’s a troubling reality for journalists or anyone pursuing a journalism degree today. Call it dramatic but it’s true. When Disney’s Beauty and the Beast hit theatres in Malaysia, a brief same-sex dance scene was all it took for censors to push back. In the US, books are vanishing from shelves just for talking about race or LGBTQ+ issues. Welcome to the new censorship era, where fear trumps facts. Censorship in China is on another level.
From scared to confident
Remember when you thought being an adult meant unlimited freedom — buying anything you want, staying up late, going on spontaneous trips? It’s not. It’s mostly managing money, juggling stress, and existential dread at 3 a.m. Tep Khemarin Chan, from Siem Reap, Cambodia, figured that out early. He’s being living alone abroad since he was 15, when he left home to study at Leysin American School in Switzerland (LAS) in Switzerland.
My international student homestay experience in Australia
When you study abroad, you usually go at it alone. Maybe if you’re lucky, a friend or two comes along. But for Shambhavi Polavarapu from Telangana in Southern India, the experience was a little different. She was only 17 when she left home for Australia. Forget living alone, she suddenly found herself with not one, but four guardians looking out for her. But it wasn’t stifling at all.
An 18 year old's secret to success in cybersecurity
“If you don’t sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.” These aren’t the words of a seasoned professional or a motivational speaker, but of 18-year-old Shambhavi Polavarapu from Telangana, Southern India. At 17, she packed her bags and left home to study a Bachelor’s in Information Technology, specialising in cybersecurity, at Deakin University in Melbourne.
Why 2025 is great to study a PhD in international relations
Serious question: why would anyone study a PhD? It is enormously stressful; the journey is long and demanding, filled with classes, research, teaching duties, and a constant pressure to produce. Burnout becomes all too common. But for Hyun Woo Jo, it’s a challenge worth taking on. His dream is to become a professor, and he knows that means he must first study a PhD. “Of course it’s tiring. I would rather watch Netflix than read articles and papers. Most people would be,” he says.
The benefits of a finance degree and teaching degree
Can’t decide on a major? In Cambodia, there’s a creative solution: just get them all. During the 2010s, juggling two or more degrees at once became a growing trend among Cambodian students. It even raised enough eyebrows for Education Ministry spokesman Ros Salin to step in, warning that piling on majors might not be as effective as focusing on one path. Yet, some students have successfully challenged that notion. Muylin Saing is one such example.
I went to study in US and had the time of my life.
For most students, no matter how much they love their university, there are some downsides. Long commutes, budgeting, making friends, and getting used to a new accent. The list goes on and on. But not for Sovichea Saron from Kakab, Cambodia. After moving to Phnom Penh to study a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at Paragon International University, his academic journey took an exciting turn when he got to study in US.
Mental health advocate wins prestigious US scholarship
Before becoming a mental health advocate, Akiko Inoshima from Japan was struggling with anxiety and depression herself. She was spending months in a hospital bed. The pressure to succeed in high school had pushed her past her breaking point. It was a dark and lonely time. But instead of letting it define her, she is using that experience as her motivation to get into some of the world’s best schools, win scholarships, and fight for others.
5 smart ways to use AI in classrooms and homework
“Using AI is a basic life skill now, and if you’re not using it, you’ll be at a competitive disadvantage,” says Matt Hall, a professor in Texas. This mindset is catching on fast. The use of AI in classrooms is rising fast, with nearly half of US teachers and K-12 students report using ChatGPT on a weekly basis. Teachers are using it to plan lessons, give quick feedback, and support students more effectively. Students are turning to AI for explanations, practice, and even help with brainstorming.
The best advice on pursuing a public health career
Five years to become a dentist. Eight (or more) years to become a doctor. It’s a long road, but for many, the payoff is worth every sleepless night and sacrificed weekend. For Rawan Taha from Africa, that wasn’t the case. “I studied dentistry for my undergraduate degree, but I quickly realised I didn’t want to be a clinician,” she says. “I just felt unhappy all the time.” That unhappiness forced her to pause and reflect.
A biochemistry degree student's secret for success in the US
People love to complain. Bad weather? Long lines? A missed coffee order? There’s always something to vent about. Yet when Rei Shan Leo, a Malaysian who attended Arizona State University (ASU) for her biochemistry degree, looks back on her study abroad experience, she has nothing but fond memories. “I don’t want to sound like I’m promoting the university, but I honestly had an amazing time there,” she says. Why a biochemistry degree? At first, Leo wanted to study actuarial science.
The best advice on for a career in international development
It takes six years to become a dentist. It’s a long road, but for many, the payoff is worth every sleepless night and sacrificed weekend. For Rawan Taha from Egypt, that wasn’t the case. “I studied dentistry for my undergraduate degree, but I quickly realised I didn’t want to be a clinician,” she says. “I just felt unhappy all the time.” That unhappiness forced her to pause and reflect. She didn’t have a plan, but she knew one thing for sure: she wanted a career with a broader impact.
2 simple tips from an ex-law French student
You’re offered a lot of new and exciting opportunities in university, and for Olivia Boissel, one of the biggest offerings that was laid out for her in her third year of undergraduate studies was to choose between going on an exchange, doing an internship, or starting a personal project. She chose the first and headed to study in Japan at Tokyo’s Waseda University. “I thought it might be the only time in my life when I could immerse myself in an Asian country,” she explains.
How to succeed in freelancing, tips from a five-year pro
Olivia Boissel’s plan was to become a judge. She had earned her Bachelor of Arts, Juris Doctor, and Master of Arts Cultural Policy and Management at Sciences Po, one of the top public universities in France. “I went through the whole process,” says Boissel. “I completed my degrees and I did internships at courts in France.” While working, however, she realised that she didn’t see herself living in France for the rest of her life and being in a very “French-focused” line of work.
Male psychology student thrives in high-paying 'feminine' field
Ever been told you’re good at listening to people and should pursue a psychology degree? It’s not all said in jest, or at least, Zhao He Kok from Malaysia didn’t take it as a joke. “Back in high school, I realised how much I love talking to people and listening to their problems,” says Kok, now a psychology student. As someone who knew he was into healthcare and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, this route made sense.
This statistics student created the best time management app
Remember Dory from “Finding Nemo”? The lovable blue fish who is forgetful, easily distracted, and often off in her own world? While her quirks are endearing, they also mirror what many individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience in real life. ADHD affects about 3.1% of adults worldwide, and in the US alone, one in nine children between the ages of three and 17 has been diagnosed with it.
5 int'l students tell you what it's like
Studying abroad is definitely getting tougher for international students. The US, UK, Australia, and Canada — the traditional “Big Four” — have made things harder by increasing student visa fees and limiting the number of students allowed in. But not all is lost, especially since there are still plenty of other study destinations available. China stands out especially. With its fast-growing economy, the country holds plenty of promise, especially in industries like technology, finance, and business.
6 scariest horror stories that happened on uni campus
It’s late at night. You’re in the university library, burning the midnight oil to prepare for tomorrow’s exam. Your stress and anxiety levels have never been higher. Suddenly, as you’re deep in focus, completely absorbed in your notes — thump. Maybe you brush it off without giving it a single thought, but before you can lock back in to your studies, another thump follows. Once is a coincidence, twice is a pattern, so you look back, but there’s nothing — you’re the only soul on this library section.
Computer science degree beats bootcamps
Remember the 2020s? The start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kitchens became cafés with Dalgona coffee. And somewhere in between all that? Computer science degrees started trending too. “At the time, there were three big trends in Indonesia,” says Gregorius Hans Andreanto from Jakarta, Indonesia. “Computer programming, investing, and cryptocurrency. I was too young to invest, and crypto felt like a scam.
A Tsinghua int'l grad's guide for engineering management
From the five keys to success to the seven Cs of success, everyone has, at one point or another, asked this question: how to have success? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but if you’re wondering how you can do well at university and find a career you love, Takaya Inoue might be able to help. After all, you don’t become the youngest Japanese student in a master’s engineering management programme out of sheer luck, let alone one at China’s #1 university.
The best reasons to pursue a commerce degree abroad
You can find inspiration anywhere. It’s more than just using that inspiration to create or do things; it can also help you figure out your next steps. For Xin Lyn Lai from Malaysia, her inspiration to pursue a commerce degree came from the American drama television series “Emily in Paris.” Most might think that watching the show would inspire, perhaps, a fashion, marketing, or international business degree, but not for Lai.
Learn how conservation science fuels a young ocean advocate
Ever seen a Javan Rhino in the wild? How about an Amur Leopard? Chances are, you haven’t — and you probably never will. Brigitta Maria Andrea Gunawan, a conservation science student and National Geographic Young Explorer from Indonesia, wants to change that. She refuses to stand by as nature disappears, even when she’s confronted with disheartening stats. Many of them. Environmental science research by finds that 42,100 species are threatened with extinction in the coming decades.
The truth about UI/UX design jobs in malaysia
Nothing worries Asian parents more than hearing their child wants to change their field of study or career — especially if it means moving from science to the arts. Just ask Lai Ya Qing, a 24-year-old from Malaysia. “Medicine was such a long route,” she says. “So I picked clinical psychology instead.” But halfway through her studies, Qing wanted something more unique. On a friend’s suggestion, she decided to take up another major: UI/UX design (or human-centred design).
9 best schools for economics in the world
What do actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, singer Lionel Richie, and Walmart founder Sam Walton have in common? Well, besides being icons in their fields, they all studied economics. According to Harvard Business School, one of the best schools for economics in the world, this subject explores how individuals, groups, and nations manage and use resources. With this degree, you will be landing jobs as an economist, data analyst, financial risk analyst, financial planner, and actuary, to name a few.
7 types of performance arts degrees that pay the best
It’s an exciting season for various types of performance arts. With the Grammys wrapped up and the Oscars just around the corner, all eyes are on the biggest night in film. Among the top contenders for the 2025 Best Picture Oscar are “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Gladiator 2,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Wicked,” “Blitz,” “Challengers,” and “Maria” — a very diverse lineup. But the Oscars aren’t just about the stars on screen; they celebrate the incredible work behind the scenes as well.
7 most prestigious art schools to seize your best future
Even if you're not a fan of his gothic fantasy work, you have to admit that Tim Burton is good at what he does. Did attending one of the most prestigious art schools help? Probably. Source: AFP Copy link text When we think about the most prestigious universities in the world, we think of places like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Imperial College London, and the University of Oxford.
10 most prestigious women-only universities in the world (2026)
Actress Claudia Kim (Kim Soo-Hyun), who starred in movies like "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," graduated from Ewha Womans University with a major in international studies. Copy link text Let’s set the record straight — women-only universities are far from the outdated myths that often surround them.
Study in Italy without IELTS: 5 best Italian universities for international students
Copy link text Italy: the land of pizza, football legends, and designer fashion. But there’s so much more to this country than meets the eye. Underneath all the glitz and glamour is a hub of creativity, research, and world-class education waiting to be discovered. The best part? Many of Italy’s top universities actively welcome international students and provide pathways to study in Italy without IELTS.
9 best music degrees that lead to great careers
Music degrees can take you places. Maybe one day you'll get to perform with Taylor Swift. Source: AFP Copy link text It’s easy to romanticise dropping out of performing arts and music degrees and skip right to your career, especially when you hear stories of celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Lady Gaga who took that route. However, the reality is that many artists have found success with formal education.
11 fun cooking shows to watch after Culinary Class Wars
Cooking shows can help anyone learn to cook by teaching techniques, inspiring new recipes, explaining the science behind food. Source: Pexels Copy link text Few things are as comforting as a good meal, especially when you’re far from home. For students studying abroad, the taste of a home-cooked meal can make all the difference, bringing warmth and familiarity into unfamiliar surroundings.
9 degrees that cause the most mental burnout
Copy link text Nowadays, it comes to no one’s surprise that students are grappling with anxiety, depression, mental burnout, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts. Between the seemingly endless grind of study sessions to conquer deadlines and exams, increasing barriers to education, and rising costs, this mental health crisis among university students could be seen from a mile away.
9 popular international student visa fees and their details
Soaring student visa fees have been putting an additional financial strain on international students. Copy link text Despite securing acceptance letters from institutions in top study destinations, many would-be international students have their dreams dashed at the next stage — failing to obtain visas. Take Canada, for example — 62% of study permit applications were refused in 2025, which is the highest it has been in 10 years.
Culinary Class Wars chefs are even smarter than you think
Culinary Class Wars is a global hit, and even celebrities like BTS’ J-Hope are hooked. Source: Culinary Class Wars/Netflix Copy link text The knives are out on Netflix’s newest reality TV hit, Culinary Class Wars. If you haven’t been binge-watching it, it’s just like MasterChef and Iron Chef — except on steroids. It’s way more high stakes and with a lot more contestants — as many as 100 chefs, with 20 elite Michelin-starred, ex-MasterChef, ex-Iron Chef going head-to-head against 80 underdog chefs.
Meet 11 of the world’s most talented young prodigies as of 2026
A child prodigy is, technically, a child under the age of 10 who produces meaningful work in some domain at the level of an adult expert. Source: MART PRODUCTION via Pexels Copy link text Naturally curious and intelligent, children are constantly learning, growing, and evolving. All they need are the right opportunities to reach their full potential — just like some of the youngest prodigies in the world.
9 sexiest languages in the world
We can't believe Hindi didn't make it into the list of sexiest languages in the world either. Source: AFP Copy link text German is direct, Russian is scary, and English sounds the most polite. But what about the sexiest languages in the world? While many would think it is French, the language was recently dethroned by another.
9 best university towns where budget-strapped students can live large
The best university towns offer a blend of cultural experiences, networking possibilities, and a supportive atmosphere for students and professionals alike. Copy link text In a college or university town, the school’s the heart that pumps life into the streets and the economy. And no, this doesn’t mean it’s always “hip” and cool. Some of the best university towns are — you’ll find Pinterest-worthy cafes and an indie record store sandwiched between the shoplots.
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