GEx Chicago: Discovering Chicago's Iconic Architectural Landmarks as an NUS Student

 Context

Chicago, known as the Windy City, offers a unique blend of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture. During my time in the Global Experience (GEx) Chicago, an Independent Study Module by NUS centered around Agriculture, I had the opportunity to explore both the city's agricultural initiatives and its iconic architectural landmarks. This blog post delves into my experiences, sharing my favorite agricultural insights and architectural highlights in the city.

This blog post continues from the previous one, which occurred after my Student Exchange Programme (SEP) at NUS. Both NUS College (NUSC) and non-NUSC students are able to attend, and it involves conferences with various universities, community farmers, and networking sessions. Overall, this blog emphasizes the atmosphere, iconic scenes, and architecture of the city.

Previously mentioned universities include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Chicago, and Northwestern University.

Introduction

Chicago, known as the Windy City, is a vibrant metropolis that offers a unique blend of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning Chicago architecture. During my time in Chicago, I had the opportunity to explore its iconic landmarks, indulge in its famous culinary delights, and immerse myself in the local culture. My Chicago travel experiences were filled with exploration, from the famous deep-dish pizza to iconic landmarks like Cloud Gate. Here are some of my favorite experiences and must-visit spots in Chicago.

Deep-Dish Pizza Delight in Architectural Marvels

One of the first things I did during GEx Chicago was to dive into the city's renowned culinary experiences, starting with its legendary deep-dish pizza. The vibrant restaurant atmosphere and the rich, cheesy layers made this a memorable introduction to Chicago's flavors.

Other City Favourites: s 's

No experience in Chicago would be complete without trying the Chicago Style Hotdog, a signature item famously served at Portillo’s. This hotdog, with its unexpected toppings like a pickle almost as long as the hotdog itself, brought a new twist on flavors that felt both unique and nostalgic.

Historical Insights

Chicago’s rich history and innovation can be seen in its museums, with the Museum of Science and Industry standing out as a must-visit site. Located near Soldier Field, this museum showcases both historical artifacts and the latest advancements in science, making it an essential stop for any NUS student on GEx Chicago. Surprisingly, my Singaporean Military Identification Card (11b) even allowed me to bring six additional guests for free, an unexpected perk that made the visit even better!

Military Identification Document Usage

During my visit to the Museum of Science and Industry, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my Singaporean Military Identification Card (11b) allowed me to bring in six additional guests for free. I had expected such discounts to be available only to U.S. citizens, not foreign military personnel. Additionally, I noticed that I could receive military discounts not just in most museums, but also at O’Hare Airport for food, beverages, and purchasable items.

Iconic Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate, known more widely as “The Bean,” is another iconic attraction that every NUS student on GEx Chicago should experience. This reflective sculpture in Millennium Park perfectly captures the city’s dynamic spirit and provides a stunning backdrop for photos. Watching the crowds move around Cloud Gate was a highlight, as was taking long-exposure photos to capture its unique vibrancy.

Skyline Views

One of the most spectacular aspects of Chicago's iconic architectural landmarks is its skyline, particularly when viewed during a Chicago River cruise. The views at sunset are mesmerizing, with shades of purple reflecting off the water and buildings. The architecture along the river, a blend of historic and modern designs, tells Chicago’s story—from its rise after the Great Chicago Fire to its current status as a center of design and commerce.

Green Spaces

Outside the bustling downtown, Chicago has serene green spaces. Near Northerly Island Park, a beautiful creek opens onto Lake Michigan, and it’s especially picturesque during sunset. The flowers lining the shores add to the natural beauty of the area, providing a relaxing escape from the city’s urban pace.

Chicago River

The Chicago River itself is not only an iconic landmark but a historical and engineering marvel. Known for playing a critical role in establishing Chicago as a hub for commodities trading, it also has a fascinating backstory, with engineers reversing its flow to improve sanitation—a feat that aligns with the city's legacy of innovation. Walking along the Chicago Riverwalk offers a firsthand look at these architectural achievements, where you can appreciate structures like Marina City (nicknamed the "corn cob" towers), Trump Tower, and the historic Chicago Tribune building.

The Chicago River also holds a vast history, playing a crucial role in establishing Chicago as the origin of commodities trading. Additionally, the river is a testament to advanced engineering feats, including the reversal of its flow to improve sanitation and navigation.

Moreover, the Chicago Riverwalk offers a scenic pathway along the river, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the city’s architectural marvels. This urban oasis is perfect for leisurely strolls, dining, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Chicago. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply looking to experience the city’s unique charm, the Chicago River and its surroundings are a must-visit destination.

Urbana-Champaign Visit during GEx Chicago

Our GEx Chicago journey also took us to Urbana-Champaign in the first week, where we attended conferences and learning sessions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). From the busy academic schedule to the more relaxed, immersive experiences in Chicago, the transition felt seamless as we explored the city and its architectural landmarks in the weeks that followed.

Conclusion

Overall, the GEx Chicago experience for NUS students gave me an in-depth look at the city's agricultural innovations and stunning architectural beauty. I hope this blog post inspires my fellow students to explore both the agricultural wonders and architectural marvels of Chicago during their exchange.

Exploring Europe: My Favorite Cities during My Semester Abroad (NUS SEP) in Lyon, France

Context

This travel blog is part of NUS’ BT4212 Search Engine Optimization and Analytics Course, showcasing some of the best sites in Europe from my time as a Singaporean Exchange Student (SEP). Traveling through Europe allowed me to explore cities that left a lasting impression on me, with each destination offering unique experiences. 

Note: All photos are taken unedited with my Pixel 8 Pro's phone camera!

Main European City of Stay: Lyon

Known as France’s Food Capital, Lyon captured my heart with its breathtaking architecture, rich cultural atmosphere, and warm, welcoming locals—dispelling any stereotypes I had. For any Singaporean SEP student, Lyon is a great city to explore French gastronomy and soak in the local way of life.

Getting into Lyon

Upon arriving, I quickly learned that navigating Lyon’s transit system is easy and affordable. An insider tip: instead of the pricier Rhonexpress, try taking Bus 47 to Meyzieu and then the T3 line to Part Dieu, saving nearly 18 euros on the journey!

Parc de la Tête d’Or: A Lyonnaise Gem for SEP Students

Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’Or, or "Golden Head Park," is a massive green space offering peace and relaxation. I was fortunate to be placed at INSA Lyon for my SEP, a short walk from this stunning park. This is one of the best spots for a Singaporean Exchange Student to unwind, explore, and connect with nature. It includes wide fields, a free zoo, botanical gardens, and even row boats—all of which made my visits after school a real highlight.

Parc de la Tête d’Or, or the Golden Head Park, is an expansive green space that left a lasting impression on me, especially coming from the small city of Singapore. The park is so vast that it took me more than three visits to explore its entirety.

This park, located in Lyon, is a must-see for anyone traveling through Europe. It offers vast green spaces, a free zoo, and a botanical garden, making it one of the best spots to visit in Lyon for nature lovers.

Main Features:

• Free Zoo and Botanical Garden: One of the park’s highlights is its free zoo and botanical garden, offering a delightful experience for nature and animal lovers.
• Wide Green Fields: The park boasts wide green fields perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors.
• Row Boats: Certain sections of the lake offer row boats, providing a serene way to explore the water.
• Mini-Golf Area: For those looking for a bit of fun, the park also features a mini-golf area.

It was common for us to visit the park after school to explore, take pictures, and participate in various activities. The park’s diverse attractions and serene environment made it a favorite spot for students and locals alike.

La Confluence a Lyon

An iconic and scenic area where the Saône and Rhône rivers meet, La Confluence offers beautiful sunset views and opportunities to capture the city’s stunning natural and architectural blend. It’s also home to the famous Musée des Confluences, a natural sciences museum that SEP students can visit to learn more about France’s natural history and architecture.

La Confluence is another iconic part of Lyon, a perfect example of how European cities blend nature and modern urban life. Known for its stunning rivers and wildlife, La Confluence is a great place for sunset photos and exploring Lyon’s scenic side.

Beyond the museum, La Confluence is a haven for wildlife, particularly swans that live, sleep, and feed on food given by locals. The area is famous for its stunning pink sunsets, making it an ideal location for capturing breathtaking sunset photos and stargazing.

Favorite European City: Interlaken, Switzerland

Prices

Among all my European travel experiences, Interlaken stands out as my favorite. This Swiss city offers breathtaking landscapes, and it’s an ideal destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Despite being rather pricey (about 180 euros to travel from Lyon to Interlaken and back), there are affordable grocery stores with decently priced eatery outlets (about 20 francs, which is reasonable for Switzerland).

City History and Context

Interlaken, known as the city "In Between Lakes," was my favorite destination. As a nature enthusiast, I found it to be one of the best sites in Europe to experience Switzerland’s mountains, lakes, and forests. While Switzerland can be pricey, Interlaken has affordable eateries and grocery stores. My journey from Lyon to Interlaken was worth every euro, with scenery that’s unmatched in other European locations.

Nearby European Towns: Grindelwald and Iseltwald

Nearby, the towns of Grindelwald and Iseltwald add to Interlaken’s charm. Grindelwald is known for Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," which is Europe’s highest peak and offers skiing and sledding. Iseltwald’s picturesque port is famous for its appearance in the Netflix series "Crash Landing on You".

Most Desired European City: Venice

Venice, the city of canals, captivated me with its unique beauty and historic charm. Exploring the canals, walking across the city’s many bridges, and enjoying the incredible food make Venice one of the best sites in Europe for Singaporean Exchange Students. Staying just outside the main city made visiting Venice both affordable and accessible, with frequent trains and buses into the city center.

During my European travels, I conducted most of my research while in Europe, often in the cities themselves. However, Venice captivated me the most. I was eager to visit and soak in its unique atmosphere, especially with the popular saying, “Visit Venice before it sinks.” Surprisingly, even on a weekend, Venice was not crowded. We stayed just outside the city, which is a more affordable option, and enjoyed convenient express train and bus services to and from Venice.

What fascinated me about Venice was the extensive use of boats, which essentially replaced cars in the city. Despite this, there are ample bridges and walkways, making it easy to explore Venice on foot. Although Venice is a popular tourist destination and can be quite expensive, similar to Switzerland, I was pleasantly surprised by the many free exhibits available throughout the city. While Venice has its share of paid attractions, like Doge’s Palace, it also offers free exhibits and scenic spots perfect for students on a budget. And of course, it’s an ideal destination for capturing unforgettable photos of charming canals, gondolas, and colorful architecture.

Conclusion

As a Singaporean Exchange Student, my time exploring Europe’s best cities—from the culinary capital Lyon, to scenic Interlaken, to the iconic canals of Venice—has been incredibly rewarding. Each city offered experiences unique to Europe and broadened my perspective on culture and lifestyle. If you’re planning an exchange, I highly recommend adding these destinations to your travel itinerary.