Five-Day Farmstay (Breakfast Provided)

First trip out of Singapore alone, and to an unfamiliar place more than 10,000 kilometres away. Previously, the concept in my mind of Stanford University was, "Wow, big place, certainly too intellectually-upscale for the likes of me."

But a place affectionately called "The Farm" would certainly not be too intellectually-upscale. The sight which greeted me at the end of a gruelling journey was a colossal campus, and students racing around in jeans and sandals to class. Certainly very informal and unexpected of a institution of "higher learning". My hosts were largely made up of freshmen, and did not have a trace of the academic snobbery that so characterises many colleges. In fact, such an attitude was prevalent throughout the entire campus, where prejudices were virtually non-existent and everybody partook in the pursuit of learning and excellence with a zeal and life that would energise any visitor, me included.

To say that the place was beautiful would be an understatement. Being spread out over a large area, a sense of freedom naturally pervaded the place. Even though one was forced to sleep on the floor some nights, the pleasant surroundings, people and weather made sure that it was a comfortable stay.

Classes of course, were taught very professionally by the very best teachers. In the Literature, Economics and History classes I attended, I was struck by the experience and openness that the teachers were willing to adopt, and they formulated and embraced new insights and concepts with fervour, contributing tremendously to the already vibrant spirit of learning there.

I guess that the experience there could be best described as an "eye-opener". The sheer variety of people, backgrounds, experiences and simply, life down there makes one gasp for breath, then yearn for more. Anyone going would find it difficult to feel out of place there. Sending the Stanford Book Prize winner (or even any other sort of visitor) there every year would be a sure way to earn an Early Decision applicant for freshman classes.