Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It's impossible not to fall in love with Singapore <3 Past Review

By (IDCC and Global Perspectives, Bentley University) - abroad from 08/07/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

Nanyang Technological University: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was beyond worthwhile. I learned more than I ever thought I would while abroad. I gained so many new experiences and learned a lot about myself and the world. Most importantly I learned (the hard way) that I can do anything by myself. I cannot begin to put into words how amazing Singapore and Southeast Asia are. I want to go back as soon as possible because I miss Singapore so much.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

NTU is supposed to be a great school with very challenging courses but I found Bentley to be a lot more rigorous. Also I felt like the professors didn't care about the students. There are many resources provided and great libraries but they all had very odd hours which made it difficult to utilize them. Overall I like my education in the states much better than the education I received at NTU.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

NTU was not accommodating for exchange students. During "Orientation Week" we had one giant lecture and that was it. There was nothing set up for us to meet other exchange students and no guidance in terms of navigating school or Singapore.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Compared to the other halls on campus my dorm was very outdated and neglected.

* Food:

The food in Singapore is amazing but the food on campus is only okay and incredibly unhealthy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare in Singapore is spectacular. NTU sent to the low cost National University Hospital which I would not suggest going to. After I didn't receive the care I needed I went to Novena, Gleneagles and Mt Alvernia for follow up appointments and they were spectacular.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Singapore. Just be careful when it rains because NTU's tiles are very slippery!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Singapore can be expensive but NTU is located in the less expensive area.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 SGD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When traveling use Tiger Airways, never book hotels in advanced and be careful when bargaining.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Singapore
  • Southeast Asia
  • Singapore
* What could be improved?
  • A new host institution. NTU is not a good choice.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how far away NTU was from everything. I loved everything about my experience abroad except for NTU.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.