Alumni Spotlight: Caleb ('22) on Public Transport, Third-Culture Identity, and the Power of Place

Since graduating from ISZL in 2022, Caleb has been on an exciting journey of discovery, academic growth, and advocacy.

His passion for public transport and urban planning recently led to the publication of his article, “Building Livable Cities: A Student’s Insights Across Europe and Beyond,” by Columbia University’s European Department. In it, he explores urban design across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, advocating for walkability, public transportation, and sustainability.

SBB [Switzerland’s national railway company] really spoiled all of us — we took it for granted. Outside of a few cities, public transport in the U.S. is almost non-existent.

Reflecting on his time at ISZL, Caleb recalls how the international environment shaped his worldview. “Moving halfway across the world from Singapore was challenging, but ISZL brought together people just like me, making the transition easier.

The learning environment encouraged critical thinking, global engagement, and open-mindedness — qualities I’ve come to appreciate even more after leaving.

After starting university at Rollins College in Florida, Caleb soon realised that the curriculum wasn’t the right fit and decided to transfer. Despite the challenges of navigating his identity as a third-culture kid, this period of uncertainty led him to explore new passions.

I reconnected with the cultures that shaped me — reading about Japanese, Chinese, and Singaporean philosophies, then expanding my understanding of European cultures through travel and literature.

His interest in urban planning was sparked by firsthand experiences of car dependency in the U.S. “I didn’t own a car, so getting anywhere meant expensive Ubers. I started documenting my experiences in European cities like Berlin, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, capturing how much better life could be without car dependency.” This research and personal exploration ultimately led to his published article and a desire to keep learning and advocating for liveable cities.

Now, Caleb is preparing for the next chapter — transferring to American University in Washington, D.C., to study Journalism/Communication and German Language and Culture. “Having a proper metro system is a definite plus,” he jokes. “And being in the U.S. capital, with its international activities and events, will surely make me feel more at home than in Florida.”

With a passion for storytelling, urban design, and cultural exploration, Caleb is ready for the next adventure.

It’s been a wild ride since ISZL, but I’m grateful for everyone who made this journey special. In the words of my favorite anime, I’m ready to ‘Go Beyond, Plus Ultra!’