Study Abroad Success: My Semester at the Daytona Beach Campus

As a truly global university, Embry-Riddle can offer experiences that would be hard to find anywhere else.

Just ask Mark Jacob Lim. The B.S. in Aeronautics student at Embry-Riddle’s Asia Campus joined fellow Asia Campus students Arjun Vijay and Ho Kai Sheng and spent five months learning at the Daytona Beach Campus as part of unique, cross-campus study abroad experience.

After returning home to Singapore, Mark shared some of his impressions about what he called a “priceless” adventure that most college students could only dream about.

What Was a Typical Day Like for You on the Daytona Beach Campus?

My day would usually start with a morning Aerodynamics class on Tuesday and Thursdays at 8:15 a.m. However, on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, I would usually sleep in and head to the school’s well equipped gym at 10 a.m. for a solid workout session before my afternoon classes.

The classes I attended were engaging, and the professors were not only knowledgeable but also approachable. The state-of-the-art facilities and simulation labs added a practical dimension to my theoretical learning.

After classes, I would go to the Hunt Library in the Student Union to get some school work done or participate in my extracurricular activities, which were the SASE (Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers) and the Embry Riddle Soccer Club.

What Classes Did You Take?

My classes were AS309 (Aerodynamics); SF445 (System Safety in Aviation); BA427 (Management of the Multicultural Workforce); and BA411 (Logistics Management for Aviation/Aerospace).

Asia Campus Aeronautics major Mark Jacob Lim (left) and fellow Asia Campus students Arjun Vijay and Ho Kai Sheng hang out with ERNIE the Eagle on the Daytona Beach Campus. (Photo: Mark Jacob Lim)

What Did You Do on the Weekends?

Our weekends were a mix of exploration and relaxation. Often over long weekends or public holidays, my housemates and I would rent cars to go on road trips around Florida to other nearby cities such as Orlando and Miami. We even did an eight-hour drive down to Key West!

We would also go to local attractions in the area such as De Leon Springs State Park and Ponce Inlet Beach. Or we would head out to party in downtown Daytona Beach which has a vibrant night life with lots of eateries, bars and clubs. There was always something to do each weekend.

What Other Things About the Experience Stood Out?

One of the major highlights was an assignment for our BA427 class whereby we were tasked to do an activity outside of our comfort zone.

Thus, us Singaporean exchange students decided to go to a local bar called the Rockin Ranch to learn line dancing! Trust me, it is way harder than it looks.

But overall, it was such a fun experience as we got to meet with such lovely locals who taught us how to line dance and immersed us into their culture.

What Were the Faculty and Students Like?

I owe a significant part of my success during this semester to the dedicated faculty, global exchange administrative team and supportive classmates in Daytona Beach. The collaborative environment encouraged intellectual discussions, group projects and shared learning experiences. The academic advisors played a crucial role in helping me navigate the challenges of studying abroad, making the transition seamless.

What Were the Big Takeaways From Your Semester in Daytona Beach?

Studying abroad isn't just about learning from textbooks; it's about immersing yourself in a new culture, embracing diversity and adapting to a global perspective.

My semester in Daytona Beach was not only academically enriching but also personally transformative, as I felt that I have grown and matured so much. It provided a unique blend of academic rigor, cultural exposure and real-world experiences that have left an indelible mark on my educational journey.

The priceless core memories made over five months will forever remain etched in my mind.

What memories could you make here? Apply at Embry-Riddle today and find out.