Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Forever thankful for TEAN and Singapore Management University Past Review

By (Clemson University) - abroad from 01/01/2020 to 03/23/2020 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Singapore - Singapore Management University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad is SO worthwhile and I would recommend it to just about anyone! Not only did I learn about Singapore and the culture there, but studying abroad taught me a lot about traveling (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam) which allowed me to learn about even more cultures and lifestyles.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Singapore - Singapore Management University Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Singapore - Singapore Management University Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Singapore - Singapore Management University Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Singapore - Singapore Management University Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Singapore - Singapore Management University Photo

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.

I found Singapore Management University's rigor to be pretty on par with the US and have a pretty fair grading scale. You could tell that all of the professors and students really cared about what they were doing which motivated me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I have no complaints! Everything went smoothly thanks to all TEAN and SMU did for us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the city at Far East Plaza. Far East is an apartment building located over a mall off one of the most exciting streets in Singapore, Orchard Road. I truly felt like I was living in a hotel! It was an amazing complex in the perfect location.

* Food:

The food is absolutely delicious and SO cheap!! The food stalls are one of the things I miss most.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to connect with many Singaporeans that I met in my classes through group projects. They were all so kind and really gave me the locals guide to Singapore!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was abroad right at the start of COVID-19. I never needed healthcare, but there were many resources available and TEAN brought a nurse to come speak with us to answer any and all questions we had.

* Safety:

As a 20 year old girl, I cannot recommend Singapore enough as far as safety goes. I felt safe 100% of the time in a group and by myself.

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)

5: very minimal cost. Most meals at hawker centers (similar to an open air food court) are $4 SGD which is only $2.95 USD! It is honestly cheaper to eat out. Very easy to not break the bank while in Singapore.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $55-100 SGD which is about $41-72 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat the local food! If you only purchase western brands and seek out western restaurants you will spend lots of money! Nightlife here can also be expensive.

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
* 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?
  • All of the people in the TEAN program with me
  • Taking a weekend excursion to Sentosa Island with TEAN
  • The accommodations TEAN set us up in were incredible
* What could be improved?
  • I truly wouldn't change a thing about my experience
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that COVID was going to send me home a little bit early so I could cram in a few more restaurants/food stalls I wanted to try!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.