An unknown region with so much to offer. Past Review
By Carlos L (Nanyang Technological University) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 05/07/2013 with
Nanyang Technological University: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned that what makes a country great is not necessarily its size or the natural resources it possesses but instead the will of its people and the effective leadership of its government.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The examinations tended to be more difficult than what I was used to at Bentley. Also, the class sessions were significantly longer. The professors were good and always willing to help you with any doubts (as long as you could get in touch with them which was difficult). The score you get depends on the whole class' average so it is important that you do take care of being at least above it in order to get a good grade. You should also know that your score will depend on two or three activities or examinations during the whole semester. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was annoyed at the fact that I had to pay for air-conditioning since Singapore is such a hot and humid place. |
* Food: |
The food is great and cheap, although the canteens close early at night. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Singaporeans are very nice people overall and are interested in knowing what the West is like and how do Westerners feel now that they are on the other side of the world since they are also thinking on going abroad at some point. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never used the health care center. |
* Safety: |
Singapore is the safest place I have ever been to and never did I expect anything bad to happen to me at any time. Still I would recommend that everyone watch over your belongings at all times. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 was fairly easy to live at first because I mostly spent money on food. However, the food portions there were smaller than what I was used to and ended up spending more than what I expected. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not change your money at the airport money changers; try to spend only on what you need. |
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 |
I had to speak English at all times and since I was learning Italian I had to use that as well every week. |
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? | Intermediate Level French |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Hang out with people who speak the language you are practicing and listen to them carefully since what you learn in class and how it is spoken by natives tends to be very different. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That even the country plagued with the most undesirable problems still has a chance of succeeding. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Italian Level I |
Course Department: | Department of Modern Languages |
Instructor: | Ariana Caruso |
Instruction Language: | Italian |
Comments: | The class was fairly easy and the teacher was great; she was very nice to everyone and was always willing to help and explain anything that was not clear. |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
International Business Environment |
Course Department: | |
Instructor: | Krishna Udayasankar |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | This was not your typical GLS class because in the assignments, the teacher wanted you to go into depth about the subject you had been assigned. The trouble was that one never really knew how in-depth she preferred it. This does not mean that the class is difficult; the subject is easy and it can be very interesting for you depending on what you like to learn about. |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Intermediate Microeconomics |
Course Department: | Department of Economics |
Instructor: | Sheshana Shubhasree |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | The class was challenging because the professor tried to give the whole subject rather too quickly despite the fact that her class sessions were two hours long. She was however willing to help you with any doubts you had. Nevertheless, she was usually difficult to get in touch with. |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Financial Management |
Course Department: | Finance Department |
Instructor: | Dr. Kong |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | The teacher was knowledgeable about the subject and explained the topic well. However, the examinations were still quite difficult. |
Credit Transfer Issues: |