Great experience - S'pore is a very happening place Past Review
By Dave M (Communication and Media Studies., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
National University of Singapore: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
On my travels, I realize that despite some countries being under-developed, they showed a sense of humility and pride. But most people from the west (like other exchange students) don't have that, nor do they understand that different cultures have different ways of perceiving and living life. Please be culturally respectful and humble, it'll pay off.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Other 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Depending on what classes you take, some can be very intense or very laid back. For example, a business class could be very intense, a speech class could be laid back but strict on grading, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The international exchange office is superb. I'm surprised it only has a few people to help everyone, but they really get the job done, plus they don't charge an application fee (like those people in the study abroad office ... study abroad and international exchange are 2 different things). |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in "common wealth" while I was there. It's off-campus nearby a supermarket, hawker centers, and the MRT. Make sure you remember the address because there's a lot of "common wealths" when you first get here and talk to a taxi driver. The flat was a hostel with a bunch of other international students living there. My room was air-conditioned, and we had a laundry machine and a place to hang our clothes. There's 4 people who live in your flat, but 2 people per bedroom. Don't worry about transportation to school, every morning you get free bus rides to school. ---------------------------------------------------------------- if you get into Prince George's Park, it's like a resort there. It's an on campus dormitory with water fountains, a convenience store, couple of food courts. You still see other people around, but you get a whole room to yourself. There are community kitchens and laundry machines are coin-fed. It's not tooooo hot in Singapore, it's just humid. I'd say if you have a fan you're absolutely fine. I lived without my air conditioner. |
| * Food: |
There's a variety of cheap food here. Lots of chinese, indian, malay, indonesian and "western food" (which i'm sure you can live without, and other Asian food. Eating food at a mall vs. hawker center can greatly influence how much you pay, but I'd say quality every is great. You get a lot of food, and if you're worried about hygiene, they're required by law to post up their health/clean inspection grade. Don't eat at "C" places, eat at "A" or "B" level hawker centers. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All those laws about S'pore is a little exaggerated. Sure gum is banned there,and security cameras are every where there's a market but I never saw a "toilet police" in case you don't flush. >.> |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It's a very safe country. Just stay out of trouble and don't do anything ridiculous and you'll be fine. |
| 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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get a copy of "Lonely planet", don't be afraid to travel, have no fear, and satisfy your appetite for adventure! Plus be culturally respectful, don't go there thinking America is the best, blah blah, don't be rude. |
