Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rewarding Experience at SMU! Past Review

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/07/2019 to 04/26/2019 with

Singapore Management University: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academically, I gained valuable communication and research skills from my classes. Personally, I have expanded my horizon and became a more confident individual. I also gained a deeper understanding of the businesses in the Asia Pacific regions and became more aware of global issues.

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.

SMU courses are very rigorous but rewarding. Personally, I learned a lot from all my classes. The students are very engaging in class and the professors bring in their professional experiences and insights to make the class fun. The learning environment stimulates people to work hard.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

On-site administration for the student pass is easy. The staff at the SMU international office are very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to find housing on my own. SMU put us in a Facebook group and we find accommodation mainly through online communication. SMU did provide us with a list of recommended housing options (i.e. hostels) that students could take advantage of. I personally lived in a 6-person apartment. The overall process can be a little stressful because you are doing everything online.

* Food:

One of the best things about Singapore is that you can find all kinds of cuisines here - Chinese, Malay, Indian, Korean, Japanese, etc. Hawker center foods are very cheap and delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integrating into the local culture takes time but once you opened yourself up to other people, you would learn a lot from them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues over the course of the semester but SMU has a student wellness center that students can go to.

* Safety:

Singapore is very safe.

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)

I spent around $100/week.

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? I recommend future study abroad participants to definitely keep an excel sheet to track their expenses.

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

  • Americans
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Rigor
  • Engaging
  • Interactive
* What could be improved?
  • Housing options
  • Club events for international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you plan to travel, I recommend travel during January and February. SMU courses can be very rigorous (depending on what types of classes you take) and group projects take time. March and April can be very busy for SMU students so January and February are the best time to travel.

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!