Studying Abroad at National University of Singapore Past Review

By (Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services., The University of Texas at Austin) for

National University of Singapore: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself as well as various cultures of the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was light, but our program had to be prepared in a quick fashion, as the circumstances in our original Thailand study abroad program had to be changed. The university in Singapore seemed similar to that in America, but we did not get a true feel for the educational system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration coordinators of the program were extremely helpful with all aspects of the trip: social, academic, and personal.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Prince George Park Residences, Assorted Hotels in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hanoi, Halong Bay <br /><br /> The hostel was very hot, humid, and it was infested with bugs. There were ants and spiders in the bedrooms, but that is to be expected in a humid Asian country such as Singapore. Sheets and pillows should be purchased because the ones supplied were not very clean. Vietnam's hotels were very nice, and the service was fairly efficient.

* Food:

It was cheap and diverse, but the hours were a little inconvenient.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many activities and fun cultural learning experiences. One of the best was the tea brewing activity.

* Safety:

The cities in Vietnam were a little less safe than Singapore, but the slightly higher amount of danger increased everyone's caution, and it showed students that they could adapt. Singapore was essentially 100% safe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Less cultural exploration in tour groups, more free time to explore

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be ready to accept other cultures and different circumstances.

Comments

Thanks

texas August 07, 2010

T

texas August 07, 2010