Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Diverse people and experiences; unrelenting, non-stop summer weather Past Review

By (Rhetoric and Writing, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/13/2012 to 12/10/2012 with

National University of Singapore: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. Learned a lot about the region and about myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses were challenging and many included weekly readings, individual/group projects, and exams.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Had to search for information and opportunities to get involved--not well facilitated by international student office.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Prince George Park Residences were dated and management was not very helpful. Other options were better, such as Graduate Residence.

* Food:

Great on-campus options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Easy to just surround oneself with other exchange and international students, but Singaporean students were generally friendly in classes and clubs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Easier if you stay on campus. Singapore is an expensive place.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at grocery stores/department stores that cater to locals, not expats. Eat in Hawker centers.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Variety of international students
  • Local food
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • Housing process
  • Inclusion of international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The high cost of living in SIngapore.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!