Singapore: The Southeast Asian Gem Past Review
By Justin M (HISTORY., University of California - Merced) for
National University of Singapore: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, of course! Cultural relativism. It was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to meet new people, challenge myself to try new things, meet new people, and strive academically. It has also made me appreciate the United States as well, and all of our silly amenities and leisure.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A ton of work, but I did not need/use all of it. Grading system is supposedly different - they round in many courses (modules). They take testing very seriously (assigned seating, "vigilators", and so forth). They also have "tutorials," which are the participation segments of the course. A LOT more students than UC Merced, so it is much harder to meet with the Professors. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our on-site adviser was a godsend. None of the other study abroad/exchange students had this sort of help. She led us through not only educational and administrative problems/guidelines, but also took us to dinner, provided tons of local/travel information, took us to tourist spots, and helped with any other disturbances that may have arisen. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Was placed in the brand new (furniture still in the wrapping) dorm/apartments in the Graduate Residences (North Tower). I did need to buy a pillow and sheets, but you don't need a blanket or anything like that. The room included a desk, bed, closet/dresser, and other storage, much of which had locks. Unfortunately my room did not have A/C, but it did have a huge fan. It gets extremely hot in Singapore. The rest of the apartment included a fridge, microwave, kitchenette sink, and storage. Double-sink bathroom with a huge bathroom and a huge shower (our room was handicap friendly). Two of my roommates were Swiss, which made the experience that much more fun. |
| * Food: |
A LOT of rice and noodles, prepare for it everyday. Food is extremely cheap though, probably half the price of meals in America because all food on campus is subsidized. The quality varies however, you just have to find what you like. Fruit and fresh fruit juice are ample and cheap on campus, which is extremely nice. They have vegetarian and halal food choices as well. Their breakfast options are terrible though, to American standards anyway. You can also cook on campus if you want to - I didn't because it was so cheap. You can find tons of food across Singapore, Singaporeans love to it and you can find many 24/hr dining halls (not on campus though). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Marina Bay Sands, Bay Beats, outdoor food stalls, Festival of Lights, Singapore Zoo, MacRitchie Reservoir, Clarke Quay, Chinatown, Arab Street, Little India, Sentosa Island, Palau Ubin, and many many more. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Singapore is EXTREMELY safe and clean. There are fines for everything so everyone keeps in line and the crime rate is extremely low. I got some sort of flu early on in the semester, went to the FREE health clinic and was treated within 15-20 minutes. I had to buy 9 different pills/medicine from the health clinic's pharmacy which totaled only $19 SGD, which is extremely cheap. You do need to watch out for food poisoning and mosquito bites though, especially until your body and stomach acclimate. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-150 USD, I mean all you are really paying for is food and fun. Your dorm and school supplies are sporadic. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | VISA's to other countries, miscellaneous expenses (included in your dorm total), and how much it costs to constantly be transferring money and exchanging it. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get ready to study because it's challenging! Dress lightly because it is extremely hot and humid, but also bring a jacket because it rains everyday! Get ready to travel because the opportunities are endless. Make friends and step out of your comfort zone as much as possible. Students of any discipline or major can find the National University of Singapore both fun and challenging. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Total War |
| Course Department: | History 2216 |
| Instructor: | Brian Farrell |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | One of the best Professors I have ever had. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about military history. He expertly used multimedia to keep the class interested and interesting. Definitely recommend him to any history student, as well as those that need to fulfill an Upper Division GE. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No, all of my courses counted. Make sure to contact your adviser as soon as possible to clear up any issues. |
