August 3-12, 2026
Imagine discovering Singapore not just as a tourist, but through the eyes of someone who calls it home and has lived its history, growth, and global rise.
We created a truly unique opportunity with Eckerd ASPEC member Henry Balani to explore this fascinating city with him. He’ll share Singapore’s vibrant culture, political landscape, and cutting-edge role in finance with us as only a resident can.
For Eckerd lifelong learners this means more than sightseeing—it’s an opportunity to engage with Singapore on a deeper level:
- learning how this small nation became an economic powerhouse in only one generation
- exploring its rich cultural heritage during National Day festivities
- and connecting with retirees from Singapore’s University of the 3rd Age.
Traveling alongside a local peer offers unmatched access, insider stories, and the comfort of knowing you are experiencing Singapore as more than a visitor—you’re stepping into a living classroom led by someone passionate about sharing his home with you.
Henry is an accomplished business executive and lecturer who teaches graduate-level international business courses and has taken graduate students to explore Singapore on several occasions.
This trip has been custom-designed for our Eckerd College community of lifelong learners. We will enjoy talks by leading experts in government, business, and banking, field trips and excursions designed to see Singapore as an insider, and participate in the magic of National Day during a 10 day/9 night adventure!
Program Highlights include:
Culture Heritage & History
Chinese Heritage Center, photo by John Leong for Pixabay.
- Discover the primary populations that call Singapore home, Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian, through visits to unique neighborhoods, museums, and centers of worship.
- Enjoy the delights of Hawker food stalls, including a visit to one visited by celebrities like Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsey, that features a Michelin-starred rice stall. Hawker centers provide entertaining and delicious adventures in dining.
- A day devoted to learning about Singapore’s national government, and hear from a member of Parliament.
- Participate in Singapore’s 61st National Day holiday, a time for celebrations and events commemorating Singapore’s independence.
Sustainability & Conservation
Gardens at Singapore Airport, photo by Tahi1904 for Pixabay.
- Explore the national Redevelopment Authority and participate in a hands-on urban planning exercise.
- Discover the reason Singapore is a called a “City in a Garden” and learn about the intentional sustainability practices adopted at every level of society here, and tour the Sustainable Singapore Gallery.
- View the amazing Gardens by the Bay, a top TripAdvisor worldwide attraction home to more than 5,000 species of plants.
- Venture on a nighttime safari at the renowned Mandai Wildlife Preserve where you will see the nocturnal creatures up close in their habitat.
Community Connections & Service
- Meet members of Singapore’s University of the 3rd Age and exchange information about retirement life with them.
- Tour the Ministry of Education Heritage Center and learn about their public school system, followed by a visit to a local school.
- Discover the business center of Marina Bay and the innovation district of Fusionopolis, a world-class science and technology park.
- Learn about Smart Nation Singapore and their citizen group of retirees and disabled who are shaping the future.
Program Details:
Dates: August 3-12, 2026
Cost: $5,700 per person double occupancy; add $500 for a single room.
Group Size: 15-20 participants maximum
Your registration includes:
- Pre-Departure Learning – Several lectures about Singapore’s history and the importance of National Day
- Accommodations – 9 nights in a boutique, upscale hotel in historic Chinatown
- Culinary Delights – 20 meals included (Daily Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners)
- In-Country Transportation – Comfortable motorcoach for several excursions, a metro card to use the subway while there; flights from the U.S. are not included
- Academic Insights – Engaging lectures and conversations with locals and subject-matter experts on history, culture, and economy
- All Entry Fees – for all group activities, including museums, a scenic boat tour, the wildlife center and botanical gardens, and more
- Local ASPEC Guide – with us the entire trip, along with an Eckerd Staff member, you will be traveling with a native as a native
- Emergency Medical Insurance – for medical emergencies while abroad, death in the family or new medical conditions that prevent departure, etc., also includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage due to airline issues
- MORE!
This exclusive Eckerd College program is open to all ASPEC and OLLI members, Alumni, faculty, staff, family, and friends.
Join us and celebrate Singapore’s National Day, engage with local experts and residents, and experience the country’s rise as a global hub for innovation and culture!
Interested? Have questions? Contact Eckerd Study Travel Manager Judy Tilton at tiltonjd@eckerd.edu.
Zoom Information Session
On September 18 we will hold a live information session when our host, Henry Balani, will share what makes this trip so special, and Judy Tilton, Study Travel Manager, will review details about traveling with Eckerd College lifelong learners what you can expect with this amazing tour.
Singapore surprised the hell out of me in the best way possible. I thought it’d be all glitz, no soul… but wow, was I wrong. From hawker stalls to hidden gems, this city is packed!
TripAdvisor Traveler
Malacca, Malaysia
We have added an exciting optional excursion to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its culture and history.
This 3-day extension is $1150 per person (double or single occupancy) and includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Singapore
- Airport transfers
- 2 nights’ accommodations in a beautiful hotel
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners together
- Guided excursions with a local professional, English-speaking guide
- Entry fees to museums/activities
- Malaysian tourist visa
Why Travel with OLLI at Eckerd?
At OLLI at Eckerd College, we curate intellectually enriching journeys tailored for passionate lifelong learners. Whether engaging in local history, exploring world-class museums, or enjoying curated cultural events, our programs blend adventure with education—because travel should be as enlightening as it is inspiring.
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to travel solo but with a group that I have an Eckerd connection with. It is a great learning experience and provides a safe and secure way for me to adventure out into the world. These programs open my eyes to different experiences that I would not have he [sic] courage to go, do, amd [sic] see on my own.“—2024 Buenos Aires Participant
