When students arrive in Asia for the first time, they often focus on academics and travel checklists. But what if the real transformation comes not from what’s expected but from what’s overlooked?

The most impactful growth happens when students step beyond the familiar. Here’s how you can make the most of your time in Asia through lesser-known, high-reward experiences.

1. Build reverse mentorships with local peers

Instead of always seeking mentors above you, try learning from your peers, especially those from different backgrounds.

For example, one Master in Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB) student partnered with a Singaporean classmate to explore hawker centres weekly. What started as a food tour turned into deep conversations about race, religion, and the nuances of meritocracy in Singapore. It gave the students cultural insights no textbook or guest lecture could replicate.

Try this: Ask a local friend to “co-host” a cultural exchange session with you. One week, you share your culture; the next, theirs.

2. Volunteer with a nonprofit in a language you don’t speak

Yes, it sounds intimidating. But it forces you to develop empathy, observational skills, and creative communication—all key to becoming a global leader.

A former ESSEC student joined a recycling drive in Jakarta. Though she didn’t speak Bahasa, she learned to read cues, adapt quickly, and ask better questions—skills she later used in stakeholder interviews as a strategy consultant.

Tip: Start small. Find nonprofits via platforms like Giving.sg. Show up. Listen. Help. Grow.

3. Intern with a local SME, not just a global brand

While everyone else rushes to the big names, try an internship with a family-run business or regional startup. You’ll see real business challenges up close, like dealing with cash flow or scaling without a formal org chart.

One ESSEC student joined a Malaysian SME selling halal skincare. Unlike rigid corporate structures, she got to shape marketing campaigns, manage influencers, and present directly to the founders.

4. Visit Asia’s hidden gems

Don’t just stick to the touristy hotspots. Spend time in smaller cities like Surabaya, Ipoh, or Chiang Rai. Talk to locals. Ride public buses. Visit factories, night markets, and even community centres. A Global BBA student who visited her Indonesian friend’s hometown said it reshaped her thoughts about ambition, and resilience. It was life-changing.

Action Step: Plan a short trip to a lesser-known town once a semester. Focus on immersion, not Instagram.

5. Document your growth but not for social media

Keep a private reflection journal or voice memo diary. Capture what you’re learning—not just what you’re doing. How has your worldview shifted? What surprised you? What challenged your values?

Over time, these reflections become a powerful tool for job interviews, essays, and personal clarity. Asia isn’t just a place to study. It’s a place to unlearn, reframe, and evolve. The students who grow the most don’t do the most—they’re the ones who feel, reflect, and adapt the most. So, go off the beaten path. That’s where real learning lives!