Thanks to the Study Abroad Program (SAP), Virginia Díez, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation (BFA) student at DigiPen Europe-Bilbao, is spending an academic year at our Singapore campus. In this article, she talks about how this experience is transforming her personal growth, expanding her cultural horizons, and enriching her academic portfolio.
DigiPen Singapore, located on the Institute of Technology (SIT) campus in the digital district of Punggol, is in one of the world’s most innovative and connected cities. Singapore is home not only to tech and entertainment giants like Google, Facebook, Ubisoft, and Lucasfilm Singapore (ILM), but also to prominent local video game companies such as Sparky Animation and Koei Tecmo. This proximity gives students the chance to learn from industry leaders and explore the dynamic Southeast Asian market. Virginia has experienced this environment first-hand by visiting state-of-the-art facilities, meeting inspiring professionals, and connecting with a highly diverse community.
I think I might be the only European person on campus. In Singapore, people come from many countries all over the world, and the international mix is amazing. Culture flows in a very open and diverse way. For example, I’m now preparing to celebrate the Chinese New Year.”
At DigiPen Singapore, five degrees are offered in art, design, programming, and engineering, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation that Virginia is pursuing. The SAP gives our students the opportunity to study in another country and on another continent while following the same methodology and educational system as in Bilbao. Classes have a similar number of students and a similar approach to the European campus. Virginia describes her regular school day as her routine in Bilbao, although there’s one notable difference about life in Singapore: students spend much more time on campus. “After class, we usually stay for lunch in the canteen. Then we take the opportunity to work on our class projects,” Virginia notes.
One of the most striking differences is the focus on developing an artistic portfolio. While in Bilbao, artists and programmers often choose to collaborate to create full video games; in Singapore, BFA students primarily work independently on creating cinematics, detailed 3D models, elaborate environments, or advanced game assets. work is more segmented. This approach allows artists to concentrate on specific pieces that fit perfectly into their portfolio. Virginia also highlights the industry professional talks they’ve had during classes.
Some days, DigiPen graduates come to show us where they’re working and provide examples of career paths. On other days, we have industry professionals who invite us to contact them and explore job opportunities. They always emphasize that we have a place in the job market.”
From day one, Virginia felt welcomed thanks to the warm reception from DigiPen Singapore’s students, faculty, and staff. Even before she arrived, they made sure everything was ready for her to feel at home in her new life. In September, before classes began, she received a tour of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) campus, where DigiPen is located. On her first day, two fellow students were assigned to help guide her around the campus and ease her transition. During her first week, she also participated in an orientation event organized for SIT’s international exchange students. This event was a great opportunity to get to know the city and connect with other students in a similar situation.
“Making international friends was great because we shared the same adjustment process, but I also value meeting local students on campus, as they further enrich my experience,” Virginia notes. The prior connection with the group of Singaporean students who spent the previous summer studying at the Bilbao campus also played a key role in her integration. They fondly remembered their stay and were excited to return the favor by inviting her into their lives in Singapore.
What surprised me the most upon arriving was that I thought people would be much different from me. Here, I realized that even though they may be a bit more reserved, they also enjoy going out, sharing, gathering, and having fun just like in Spain. That helped me a lot.”
Virginia never imagined she would spend an academic year in Singapore or live alone on another continent. Despite the distance from her family and friends, this experience is proving to be life-changing. She has learned from people with different cultures and perspectives, allowing her to grow both personally and professionally. Singapore’s vibrant culture motivates and inspires her to keep creating and validates her as a young artist.
In addition to learning new skills and gaining valuable experience, Virginia has gained independence, confidence, and security and feels more prepared to tackle any challenge. “When I return in May, I know I won’t be the same person who left Spain in August. I’ve grown and matured more than ever. This experience has shown me how vast the world is and how much there is left to explore and learn,” she assures.
For Virginia, the value of this experience outweighs any difficulties of being far from home. That’s why she encourages anyone considering the Study Abroad Program (SAP) to take the leap: “Don’t overthink it, just go for it. You won’t regret it.” Singapore, with its cultural richness and innovative environment, has transformed her life. Will you take the leap and discover all that an international exchange can offer you?