2011/08/01-2011/12/05
Returned Student Report
Brian Tan Guan Wen 陳冠文
Department of Hydraulics & Ocean
Engineering
Matric Number: E84975029
Returned Student Report
A Semester Aboard at the National University of Singapore
Being a participant in this exchange program, I have benefited from the privilege
to gain understanding of what’s the life of being an exchange student in
Singapore. I was admitted to the National University of Singapore for academic
year 2011/2012. Along with other listed schools, I have selected NUS in my list as
top priority. Many would ask, why Singapore? Why choose an outgoing partner
university that is just right across the border, from your country, Malaysia? To
answer these questions, I conclude with this statement. I have no regrets
selecting this school, and this is the best choice I ever made in my social life. I
met many acquaintances, new friends, and travel pals who share the same
commons in life perspective. Therefore, I’m really proud to represent my
University on behalf to take part in this program.
It’s not easy picking an outgoing school for a tendered exchange, out of many
schools that are so attractive to study. It was not easy for me, for sure. I have to
make sure I’m eligible to apply and the modules credit transfers are valid. Also,
I’m graduating the next coming semester so everything was quite rough for me
as I have to determine whether I’m ready for a transfer exchange. It took a while
for me to decide but eventually I decided to go. Administration really matters.
From applying to registration, it did take out a bunch of my time. There is lots of
preparation, researches, paperwork that needed to be following up on schedule.
I’m glad with the support by the administration executives along with the
associated department; I was able to complete the registration on time.
Administration really matters. Applicants must clearly understand the correct
procedures and be alert with the datelines. Another thing, be sure that the
exchange program won’t affect your academic course; otherwise it’s pretty risky
taking the dive.
Singapore at glance, the Lion city where Green is good
Singapore, a city-state, founded as a British Colony, since independence, has seen
prosperous growth in economic power and standards of living. Although
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urbanization has eliminated most primary forest, there are many trees replanted,
almost fifty-five percent of the country is covered with greenery. Because of these
combining efforts, Singapore is commonly known as the “Garden City”.
Trees and concrete roads, the harmony of living aside with nature.
NUS, a Leading Global University centered in Asia
The National University of Singapore is the largest and oldest University in
Singapore. It’s the biggest school in terms of school enrollments and curriculums.
In 2011, NUS was ranked 28th in the world and 3rd in Asia by the QS world of
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rankings. Currently, NUS has 16 faculties and schools across three campuses
around Singapore. This includes the School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of
Business, the School of Computing, the School of Medicine, School of Design and
Environment, School of Public Policy, NUS-DUKE Graduate Medical School and
many more. Not to mention faculties including the faculty of Engineering,
Science, Dentistry and so on. NUS even has its own music conservatory aiming
for students who wish to pursue a music academy degree in NUS. In education,
NUS adopts a semester-based modular system for conducting courses. It
combines small group teaching, which known as tutorials and course credits
which functions like an American credit system.
People, Living & Culture
Singapore has a resident population of about 4 million people. The Chinese
constitute 75% of the population, the Malays 13 %, and the Indians 6 %. The
Eurasians, Peranakans and others make up the remaining 3 %. Singapore climate
is warm and humid, with rain falls spreading throughout the year with a mixed
of monsoon season where frequent rainfall is generally occur. It lies just above
the equator; hence, there is no seasonal climate. Be preparing to be sweating in
outdoors. Hence, loosed and light summer clothing is recommended for outdoor
activities. It is strongly encouraged to attire appropriately in formal premises.
Improper wears includes flip-flops, booty shorts or indecent clothing. Airconditioned rooms are extremely chill, so do prepare a jacket or hoodie to wear
during lectures or in other indoor environments.
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A
stroll along the streets of Chinatown, a crossroad of culture mix
There are four official languages in Singapore: English, Chinese Mandarin, Malay,
and Tamil. English is widely spoken and it’s the language of administration, as
well as the medium of instruction in recognized institution. Malay, although is
less spoken or be heard, is actually the official national language. This was
explained that during the merger of Malaysia and Singapore at 1965, Malay was
the constitution language for both geopolitics territories. Until now, it’s still
widely spoken in the Malay community. English and Mandarin is widely use
because it’s easily understood by the majority likewise it has become a
communication language for most Singaporeans.
Singapore’s unique multi-racial and multi-cultural society has brought diversity
into this country. Each year on the official calendar, various festivals or carnivals
are celebrated throughout the year. These include, the Chinese New Year, Hari
Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and many more. Foreigners from another Asian
country will easily find home in Singapore
Singaporeans are foody people, just like our fellow Taiwanese. A common
greeting approach from Singaporeans is “Makan already?” which means “Have
you eaten?” There are so many variety of food offered and it comes with
different settings. “Hawker center” is a common household name for
Singaporeans. Clusters of food and beverage stalls are set up in a confined
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compound licensed under registration. Food centers can also be found in
shopping malls or similar places. Some places food vendors will expect the
customer to pay before serve, or number plates will be given by the stall operator
which represents a label for the customer order. Based on trust policy, food will
be delivered straight to your table. Do mind that some food courts are selfservice. Hawker center are typically found in public housing estate or transport
hub, which offers inexpensive food and quality assurance. Food hygiene is
carefully regulated by the National Environmental Agency. Retail food stalls are
given grades based on overall hygiene standards. If you would like to change the
settings in seasoning or more greens in your meal, customers are lawfully to
have the rights to request from the vendor.
The city where chewing gum is prohibited
No gum, no litter, no vandalism. Singapore is known for its stringent law
practice against illegal acts approved and established in the book of common law.
Be sure your Social Visit Pass is valid upon arrival. Student Pass must be up to at
least one month before expiring. Overstaying is an offence. Misconducting of
unauthorized narcotics in the process of manufacturing, trafficking or selling is
penalized with a death sentence. Law is in strictly order in Singapore, so do take
seriously.
Shopping Paradise, from imitation goods to high end Prada
You can shop till you drop. Singapore is an imported driving economy. It’s the
perfect place for buying stuff and selling stuff. Do mind that Goods and Service
Tax (GST) of 7% is introduced on nearly all supplies merchandises and services.
Bargaining is not commonly practiced in well-established shopping malls or
retail stores, but there are exemptions. Chinatown or Bugis is famous for its
randomizing supply of merchandise goods from all around Asia. Haggling can
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be seen in these places. In restaurants or hotels, service charge is levied at 10%
inclusive in the bill. Tipping is complimentary.
Academic Administration and Registration for Non-graduating Students
(Exchange)
1. General Criteria for Non-graduating Enrollments
Current student registered at a recognized institution and must have
completed two semesters (one full year) at university level. Students from
non-English speaking countries are required to submit either the TOEFL or
IELTS results and in cases of: applying to read modules in NUS faculty of
Law or graduate level modules from NUS School of Business. For more
requirements and academic matters, please forward referring to this
website. http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/edu/ng.html#general
NUS offer for Non-Graduating Students the following programs: Coursework
(Undergraduate/Graduate), Research (Undergraduate/Graduate) or the
combining of both. Please refer to the adequate steps to pursue each of the
following programs.
2. Application for enrollment
Exchange students must obtain a formal nomination approval from home
University in terms to attend school in NUS. Exchange applications will only
be accepted on the basis of partner’s schools qualifications.
Students can refer to https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/ng/GeneralInstructions-for-Application-to-NUS-NG-Programme.pdf before proceeding
to online application. After completing the online application form, download
and print a copy and submit along with supporting documents to the
designated administrator for post-process.
3. Modules Selections and Restrictions
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Students will need to select his/her sought modules along with the online
application. 3 modules are the minimum requirement each semester. Approval
would be given by the relevance department, and an email will be send latter on
to notify the outcome of the student’s application. There is a list of restricted
modules which exchange students are not allowed to apply unless certain
circumstance which were agreeable in
contract. https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/info/Non-Graduating-ModuleRestrictions.pdf
Plus, students who are taking up language modules are required to submit a
certification letter signed and sealed from the home University to declare ability
on that language subject. However, students would still need to sit for a
preliminary test subjective to the academic department acceptance. Students who
are taking beginner’s class are not required to sit for placement test but are still
required to hand up a formal letter from the home University to declare your
proficiency for acknowledgement of the application.
Each academic year there will be a new timetable presented to students. Usually
it’s out after June each year. https://webrb.nus.edu.sg/ctt/builder.aspx Sadly,
students who are applying for the upcoming 1st semester are not able to use this
timetable to verify clashes in examination and lectures. However, students can
still view last year’s timetable as a benchmark. Normally there is more than one
class selection to choose upon on the same subject but this is just an empirical
assumption. Advanced subjects are the exemptions which are usually located in
higher levels modules. (Level 3000 above). Students can make adjustments on the
beginning of semester after formal registration at arrival time. There is a different
package for exchange students to apply for modules, so don’t do through NUS
Centralized Online Registration System (CORS). The system can’t register any
modules for exchange students. Accommodation of clashed modules is not
forbidden.
There are two different modes for a module. Either is an examination module or
an audit module. Students must ensure that the selected modules are in the right
coordinated mode. Student’s who add/drop any modules after the stipulated
period will be considered as a fail subject.
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Two copies of transcript will be sent directly to the Office of International Affairs.
Students can only collect their transcript there or apply for an informal transcript
online via the IRIS system.
4. Mandatory and Miscellaneous Fees
Tuition and school fees are waived. Students are still required to pay for Student
Activity & Service fee and the Health & Insurance scheme fee. Plus, students are
also required to pay for an additional fee to apply for a student pass. Payment
cannot be done by cash. I recalled these fees are marginal and should be easily
covered. However, accommodation fees are generally not waived and students
must cover for the whole
expense. http://nus.edu.sg/osa/housing/General/rates.html. Generally students
will choose to live in dormitories because of its locations and rates. This applies,
however, students who are taking courses in the main campus. It may be difficult
for students who are taking courses in other campuses to travel back and forth to
school each day. Students can find useful housing information on websites or
seek information from the Office of Student
Affairs. http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/downloads/forms.htmlHowever, the school
is not responsible to give any assistance for searching a house off -campus.
5. Application for Student Pass
Submission for Student Pass application is required at least a month and not
more than two months before commencement of academic coursework.
Submission is done by Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration
System (SOLAR) through Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Applicants must obtain a valid passport. If SOLAR application is approved
and the applicant is from a visa-required country, an IPA letter will be sent
by email, otherwise you can enter Singapore with just your passport. Be
noted if the application has been approved after completing SOLAR, means
you are allowed to enter Singapore with a multiple journey visa. Applicants
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using an IPA letter to enter Singapore are reminded that the letter only
served as a single-journey pass, a permit to enter Singapore once. I’m not
sure whether Taiwan is a bonded country with Singapore, for my case, I
don’t need one. Please refer tohttp://www.ica.gov.sg. Please take note a
medical examination must be prosecuted if your studies is for six months
above.
6. Application for On-campus Accommodation
Online Application is available online for students to select their desired
dormitory on stipulated period. https://uhms.nus.edu.sg/PreMatstudents/Default.aspx?Params=L9ezxPcQnQukDDhuxAMbDfw%2bGJVh
XDGOmo6vEQxlEOE%3d. Be sure to check your mail for accommodation
information sent by the Office of Student Affairs. For dormitory options,
please refer to http://nus.edu.sg/osa/housing/General/options.html. From
what I experienced, most non-graduating exchange students will normally be
arranged to live with other exchange students. I lived in Graduate Residence,
one of the newest student’s dormitory in campus. It wasn’t my first choice,
but I ended up given this place. Staying on-campus is a sure one experience
you will never forget, the endless activities, small and big gatherings, potluck
parties and so forth has given me a comfortable feeling that I’m living at
home.
Individual Bedroom, cosy and clean.
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7. Pre-registration
An email will be sent to incoming students regarding pre-registration.
Students are instructed to sign in to this system, https://isisprereg.nus.edu.sg.
Students have to update and verify their personal particulars and information.
A login ID and password will be sent via two separate emails.
These are the important things to remember before departure. There is an
Airport Meet and Greet Service organized by the Office of Student Affairs. Be
sure to make an appointment with them if you need assistance upon your arrival.
If you are checking early in be sure to make an early booking with the dormitory
curator. Just for reference, please
check http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/housing/General/Check_in_out_dates.html.
Students have to check in and register on the indicated hours and periods. Officers from
the Immigration Authority will also be there on registration day to assist students to
precede their student’s pass application. Student’s Pass can be collected after two weeks.
Students who missed registration day must be followed up with an appointment with
the bureaucrats to proceed theirs student pass.
General Knowledge of Living in Singapore
The weather in Singapore is generally hot and humid throughout the year.
Afternoon thunderstorms often happen in Singapore, after a warm sunny day.
The monsoon season starts around September till January. Do attend to weather
forecast and bring a compact umbrella in case when you are leaving out the
house. In campus, there are sidewalks shelters provided throughout campus.
Singapore is generally hot throughout the day and windy by night. However,
indoor environments are just the opposite. Singaporeans really like to soak in
cold air-conditioning compounds. If you are not accustomed with cold indoors,
always bring a jacket along. In food places around Singapore, for example in a
hawker center, there are janitors walking around to collect dirty plates and clean
tables. It’s a good etiquette to clean up your own table but in general people
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aren’t tending to do so. Speaking about food places, hawker centers are the best
places for a gourmet meal. Food sold in hawker centers is typically more
affordable and tastier for most Singaporeans. Singaporeans likes spices in their
food, like extra pepper or chili in meals. Don’t afraid to ask for less salt or less
seasoning in your food, it’s legal for customers to request for a customization in
food seasoning.
Chili crabs, a
well known local dish in Singapore. Do not miss it.
In Singapore, it’s safe to drink from the tap. Unlikely for Singaporeans, many
would still choose to boil their water before drinking. Water filters or fountains
can be found in fixed points around the campus.
All electrical appliances in Singapore are using a three-pin G (UK) type adapter
plug/socket. The single-phase voltage is 230V and 50 Hz in frequency. A type C
two-pin plug is also valid in Singapore you might need an attachment to fit in
the socket.
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Pre-paid and post-paid mobile phone services are available in all mobile
operators in Singapore. A phone call will be charged on both of the caller and the
receiver. This is quite unique in Singapore because I have not seen other
countries which adapt a double credit charges system in mobile services. Top-up
cards are also available in convenience store or retail merchandises.
Transportation Facilities in Singapore
Singapore, being known as the many gateways for other different countries,
tends to be the biggest investors in public transport. Getting around in Singapore
is easy and convenient. Fares are conducted in cash or stored credit card, also
known as the EZlink card. Hop on, tap in, tap out is the three basic steps for a
ride on the bus or the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train. The single journey cost
will be deducted automatically from your contactless card. An EZlink card cost
$5, which has no value in it and it’s non-refundable. Stored value can be top up
at any concession kiosk across the island. http://www.ezlink.com.sg/ez-linkcard/where-cards-sold.php. NETS card is another alternative cash card where
you can purchase goods item at concession vendor stores, at the same time to use
it as a transportation card. This card, however, is not usable on trains.
Flag down rate for a taxi is $3.00, here’s a table for
reference. http://www.taxisingapore.com/. Taxis are reasonable transportation if
travelling in groups to reach to another destination in shorter time. Taxis fares
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are strongly regulated and haggling is prohibited. Taxis come with many
different colors. From the usual red and yellow taxis, to the color blue and white.
This is to differentiate taxi companies and fare prices. Just be sure to study and
understand before getting into one. In Singapore, people have to line up at taxi
stands allocated beside a bus stand. This is customary and liberal for other
passengers. Taxis will still stop if you are flagging at an emergency location
where there are no taxis stands around.
Banking Facilities in Singapore
The three major banks, Development Bank of Singapore (DBS)/ Post Office
Savings Bank (POSB), United Overseas Bank (UOB), and Oversea-Chinese Bank
Cooperation Limited (OSBC) are available for exchange students to open a bank
account for transaction and other banking services. Many banks in Singapore
offer a wide range of services. ATMs serving 24hrs are available vastly at point
locations. ATMs allow transaction only in Singapore dollar currency. Registered
money changers can be found in shopping malls or public housings.
Crime Rates and Crime Prevention in Singapore
The crime rate in Singapore statistically is the lowest in the world. There are still
reports of petty crime or other crime activities, but law enforcers are keeping
these to the minimum. Singapore’s strict laws have become infamously
recognized by the world. Drug abuse is limited in this region. Drug accessing is
illegal. Overall, it’s easy to get caught than committing a crime in Singapore. I
have seen night joggers many times on pedestrian walks. Apparently people feel
safe to do night activities in this country, which also shown how safe this country
is, despite surrounded by other South East Asia countries. I don’t have to worry
being mugged at gunpoint or being snatch because I have confidence that I’m
being watched closely by security enforcers. That’s my own opinion, just to
emphasize how safe this country is.
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Tourism and Travelling in Singapore
The first thing you will realize when you reach Singapore at the airport, is how
gorgeous and busy this airport is. Changi Airport has become one of the
attractions in Singapore, for being well-established and huge in size. Tourism has
definitely become a majority investment in Singapore. There are many shopping
malls, recreational parks and natural reserved sanctuaries. Although Singapore
being small and occupied, incredibly you feel like living in a giant’s castle.
Outdoor sports activities are popular in this country. Sentosa Island, a land
reclamation island was built to serve the best in entertainment and tourism, is
valuable to visit. If you are not fancy in commercial places, there are quite a few
natural spots in Singapore where you can still indulge in the traditional living of
Singaporeans. Pulau Ubin, an escorted island where remains the old Singaporean
look of lifestyle, is certainly a must go place in Singapore.
My cool buddies taking a photo, with the Merlion in the background
Travelling is one thing you must mark in your itinerary. Being situated at the
ideal location, Singapore has become an easy gateway to other South East Asia
nations. Budget airlines, such as airline companies Jetstar, Tiger Airways, Cebu
Airways and etc offers cheap affordable air tickets for travelling. Do make sure
you are not choking up with school work and a valid passport/visa before
planning a trip. I did plan a few weekends to travel on short trips to other
countries like Indonesia or Thailand. I did plenty of round trips to my home
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country, Malaysia. I felt excited doing so because each time I travelled along with
few of my friends whom I met during this exchange program. It was fun and
remarkable.
The notorious Singlish, a Singapore thesaurus of colloquial English
Living in Singapore, you are obliged to get use with Singlish. Everywhere you
hear and speak, Singlish exists. Singlish is the conventional language for most
Singaporeans. The suffix “lah” is the common word of the day. Basically, every
word or sentence can ends with a “lah”. Here’s a fine website for foreigners to
learn about anything about
Singlish. http://www.talkingcock.com/html/index.php.
Downtown Singapore Night skyline along the wharf
Living and Study Experience in NUS
18 weeks of tight schedule did make my stay in Singapore productive and
enriching. The first two weeks was grace period. I finally settled down after
orientation and other organized activities. Modules modification is completed on
the second week. All courses are commanded in English, except for Language
modules. Along aside with workload requirements, extra-curriculum is
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equivalent important. Hard-core studying is imperative in NUS. Ask any NUS
students, they will find this is actually true. The campus is a great place to relax
and study. Bench chairs and study tables can be found in any corner of the
school compound. Wireless internet is available throughout the campus. A
library with full equipped facilities and quiet area are available for all students
and staff with a matriculation card. Lecturers will notify audit and examination
students about the recent updates prior lectures and after class. Students can
found many useful links and information within the school’s portal for student
coursework portfolio. Reminding that exchange students don’t have to go
through the same bidding modules process with local students. If you can’t
apply for a module, please forward to the primary facilitators for manual
registration. Sports gym or facilities are free for all students except for ball courts
which must be apply beforehand. Facilities registration can be filled online.
Medical consultations are located at designated locations. There’s a clinic and
dental care on campus. Appointments must be made.
Other best part living in Singapore is those many hangouts with acquaintances
and friends. Food junctions and alcohol bars were the places that we most
hanged around (We are all aged to drink legally). We had done lots of trips
together overseas and locally. Travelling is definitely the wow factor about
experiencing the life of an exchange student. So do setup a good time
management for studies and playtime.
All photos are accredited to Brian Tan Guan Wen.
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