Finding perspective beyond borders
April 06, 2026“Being well-rounded is important – not just for my personal growth, but for my career.”
For Justin Kam, an Environmental Studies major with a minor in Geographical Information Systems, this belief became the starting point of a journey that would take him far beyond the classroom. It led him to Arizona State University (ASU), where he spent six transformative months studying, travelling and discovering what it meant to learn from the world itself.
At ASU, Justin immersed himself in courses ranging from marine and avian ecology to animal evolution and behaviour and even tourism. Learning was hands-on and dynamic – shaped by laboratory sessions, guest lectures and field activities like birdwatching and ecological observation.
“The professors offered so many resources to support my learning,” he says.
But it was outside the classroom where these lessons truly came alive. Surrounded by America’s vast and varied landscapes and abundant natural diversity, Justin began connecting theory to reality. As he travelled across the country, each new environment became a living classroom, an opportunity to observe ecosystems up close and deepen his understanding of sustainability and environmental systems.
Living abroad for the first time also meant stepping into unfamiliar responsibilities. From managing rent and budgeting for groceries to cooking and navigating shared living spaces, daily life demanded quick adaptation.
“I had to learn how to be independent very quickly,” he says.
Some of his most meaningful experiences came from the moments in between. He played basketball at the campus gym, joined outdoor activities and formed connections with people from diverse backgrounds. Conversations stretched across shared meals, long hikes and road trips, each one offering a glimpse into different perspectives and ways of life.
“You can’t replace the experience of truly understanding a place and its people by being there,” he adds.
In six months, Justin travelled to 14 states, completed more than 10 hikes across four national parks and immersed himself in American traditions – from Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas celebrations to football games and NBA matches. Each experience added another layer to his understanding of the world.
Looking back, Justin credits the exchange with shaping both his academic journey and personal outlook.
“The experience taught me that the world has so much more to offer and that there are so many ways to contribute towards causes that I care about,” he says.
