Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Diverse Challenge Past Review

By (Energy Management and Finance, University of Tulsa) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 04/24/2015 with

Singapore Management University: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my goals, and forced myself to adapt and grow.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

SMU is a very rigorous university, and excels in finance. The classes are all in seminar format, three hours per class. Much of the work in each class is group work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

SMU's office for global learning was very helpful and welcoming.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to find my own accommodations, which were sufficient.

* Food:

The food is fantastic in Singapore, if you enjoy a wide variety of cuisines!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's hard to say what the local culture is, given Singapore is so diverse. Just by exploring, you can immerse yourself easily.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

SMU provides access to their on campus heath center.

* Safety:

Singapore is a very safe city.

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

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)

It is possible to live very cheaply in Singapore. Transportation is cheap, and good food is very inexpensive at hawker centers.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~100 S$/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Hawker centers! Good food for cheap.

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

  • Local Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • The rigor of the classes.
  • The diversity of Singapore
* What could be improved?
  • It would be nice if there were a way to prepare for the different style of school.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how different the style of school is.

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!