Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A taste of Asian education system December 12, 2024

By (NUS exchange program, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/12/2024 to 12/06/2024 with

National University of Singapore: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot of exchanger friends. Yes, worthwhile. Staying in a new environment is always good for our horizon.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very intense work load.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I dont like host country program administration. They did not provide help when I needed. There were not a lot events for exchangers too. I feel disconnected to the community.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am not satisfied. I got rejected for the first two rounds. I got an offer 3 days before the semester began.

* Food:

Cheap, accessible, various.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very careers and academic orientated. The whole society is stressful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

School hospital covers a part of diseases.

* Safety:

The safest city around the world.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I have an immersive Asian country education experiences, which is distinctly different than American.

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? live on campus.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None. I am a native Chinese speaker.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? None.

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
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Good people
  • Accessibility of the country
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Host administration should provide more assistances.
  • Should form more connections with locals
  • Housing selection system should be improved.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are a lot of activities in hauls.

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!