Finland, Norway, Sweden, Italy - Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
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Pre-Departure Briefing for Finland, Norway, Sweden, Italy Global Relations Office 16 April 2019 Koh Li Ling (liling.koh@nus.edu.sg)
Agenda 1. Highlights of SEP 2. Preparing for SEP 3. What to expect at your destination 4. Settling in 5. Homecoming 6. Sharing by returning NUS exchange students 7. Networking
STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Stand out as a global citizen and future-ready graduate by embarking on SEP – our longest-running and largest student mobility programme – during your time at NUS!
What is SEP? SEP is an opportunity for students to: 1 Spend one or two semesters studying at a partner university 2 Earn modular credits toward their major in a new academic setting 3 Immerse themselves in a new place and culture 4 Enjoy tuition-fee waiver from the partner institution, and pay NUS tuition fees for the exchange semester(s)
TOP REASONS FOR GOING ON SEP (as reported by students) 1 To experience a different culture 2 Personal development 3 To experience a different education system AFTER THEIR SEP EXPERIENCE… ~99% Felt more capable of taking care of themselves ~99% Felt more willing to try out new things
Preparing for SEP BEFORE WE CONTINUE… Have you : 1. Submitted your application to our partner university? 2. Received/accepted offer by partner university?
Preparing for SEP ROAD MAP While waiting for • Set personal goals • Follow instructions in your acceptance acceptance package • Find out about host package (read carefully & meet destinations deadlines) • Plan itinerary • Read pre- • Apply for visa • Work out budget departure guide • Book accommodation • Attend country • Make travel arrangements After applying with briefing your host university Upon receiving your acceptance package
Preparing for SEP STUDY PLAN • Complete the module mapping process via the myEduRec (select Self Service – External Study). • Include some spare modules in your study list in case you are unable to secure your preferred modules or when your enrolled module(s) has been cancelled. • Should there be any changes to your study plan, seek approval from your home faculty immediately.
Preparing for SEP PASSPORT & FLIGHT • Ensure that passport is valid for 6 months after return date. • Do NOT confirm flight booking until you have received the acceptance from the host university and gotten your visa. • Arrive at least 2 weeks before study period and attend orientation programme.
What to Expect at Your Destination VISA - FINLAND General information about Residence Permits and Visa: http://www.finland.org.sg/public/default.aspx?nodeid=31587&contentlan=2&culture=en-US Application for Residence Permit: https://enterfinland.fi/eServices/info/studypermit & https://um.fi/residence-permits-to-finland • Health insurance is a requirement for the application of Residence Permit • Must show evidence of sufficient funds • Processing time: approx. 1 month and it could be delayed if there is incomplete application Apply and pay visa fees of €300 to €360 as soon as possible. Apply for a residence permit before you go to Finland. Information correct as of April 2019.
What to Expect at Your Destination VISA - NORWAY General information about visiting Norway: https://www.norway.no/en/singapore/services-info/visitors-visa-res-permit/ Information about holding a study permit: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/studies/studietillatelse/?c=sgp Apply for a Residence Permit (~ SGD310) • http://www.vfsglobal.com/Denmark/Singapore/english/pdf/Royal-Danish-Embassy-Singapore.pdf (page 3) • Processing time: approx. 2 months Apply as soon as possible. VFS manages the Residence Permit application for Norway. To check with embassy for more information/updates. Information correct as of April 2019.
Preparing for SEP VISA - SWEDEN About the Residence Permit https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Universities-and-university- college/How-to-apply-for-the-first-time.html 1. Prepare the required documents and apply online https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private- individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Universities-and-university-college/How-to-apply-for-the-first- time.html 2. Receive an notification email from Embassy on the outcome 3. Schedule an appointment to collect the residence permit/decision according to notification email • Check the Swedish Embassy’s website (https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/about-sweden-non-swedish- citizens/singapore/) and the Swedish Migration Agency website (see above) regularly for updates • Visa Fee: SEK1,000 (~S$150) • Apply as soon as possible: Visa Processing Time: 1-3 months Information correct as of April 2019
Preparing for SEP Information correct as of April 2019 VISA - ITALY Long Stay Visa https://ambsingapore.esteri.it/ambasciata_singapore/en/informazioni_e_servizi/visti/ 1. Check if you need a visa via: http://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en#BMQuestionario. 2. Prepare the necessary documents according to visa results in #1. 3. Submit the visa application form and supporting documents at Embassy of Italy in Singapore. 4. Collect passport and visa when visa is approved. Visa fee is about €50 5. Visa processing time varies and can take up to 1 month Residence Permit Non-EU citizens with exchange period lasting for more than 90 days must apply for a Residence Permit within 8 working days following your arrival in Italy. The Exchange Students Desk will make an appointment with the support service during the Check-in. The support service for filling in the application for a Residence Permit is free of charge.
Preparing for SEP ACCOMMODATION General Guidelines: • Accommodation application instructions would usually be attached with your acceptance package or may come later. • Always follow the stipulated deadlines and apply on time to increase your chances of securing housing. • Depending on the universities, on-campus or off-campus housing may be available. The host universities will provide instructions and assistance in securing housing. • For more information on housing refer to: • Universities fact sheets: http://nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php >>> Partner universities • Resources provided by partner universities: https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/Partner%20Univerisity%20SEP%20application%20material%20for %20s/Forms/AllItems.aspx
Preparing for SEP HEALTH & INSURANCE • Read through the coverage from the NUS Students Travel Insurance http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/InsuranceCoverforOfficialNUSTrips.html. • Have a comprehensive travel and health insurance coverage for the full duration of your stay abroad, including travelling. • You may need to purchase additional health and/or travel insurance from your preferred agent. • Bring along the emergency hotline numbers and a copy of your insurance policy. • Report accident/loss at the earliest possible opportunity.
Preparing for SEP HEALTH & INSURANCE Finland Norway • Insurance must cover medical • If stay in Norway is between 3 and 12 months, apply for Norwegian expenses up to EUR 120,000 National Insurance Scheme which provide coverage for health services. during your stay in Finland. • The form must be sent to the insurance office in the municipality in which you are staying. • You need to show a certificate of health insurance when applying • Otherwise, the social security coverage from your home country should for your Residence Permit. have minimum insurance coverage amount for each benefit as follows: • Medical expense EUR30,000 • https://migri.fi/en/insurance • Medical evacuation EUR30,000 • Repatriation of mortal remains EUR30,000 (https://www.studyinnorway.no/study-in-norway/Health- insurance) • UiO: https://www.uio.no/english/student-life/health-insurance/ • NTNU: https://www.ntnu.edu/nirs/welfare-system
Preparing for SEP HEALTH & INSURANCE Italy (University of Bologna) Sweden • As an exchange student, after check-in, you will be • Exchange students are typically covered by an insured against accidents that may occur on the insurance policy provided by “Kammarkollegiet” university premises or any other place in which Student-IN, the Swedish State’s Insurance for Foreign studies and research activities authorised by the Students in Sweden. University are performed. • It includes emergency medical care (for non-EU • Non-EU citizens have access to the National citizens), liability coverage, legal coverage and Health Service only after paying an annual accident insurance. Property is not covered. This registration fee of €149.77. coverage is restricted to your study period at the host university and extends only to claims arising while • If you have a health insurance (purchased in Italy you are physically present in Sweden. or in your own country and stamped by the Italian Embassy) you may go to any General Practitioner, • Student-IN should be treated like a backup insurance, choosing one from the list of doctors published on students are highly recommended to have separate the website www.salute.bologna.it insurance coverage during the exchange semester.
Preparing for SEP COST OF LIVING • COST OF LIVING You should work out a budget covering accommodation, food, transport, clothing and entertainment • Estimated cost of living: Country Cost of living/ month Estimated SGD Finland €700 – €1,500 S$1,100 – S$2,400 Norway NOK$10,500 – NOK$16,000 S$1,680 – S$2,600 Sweden SEK8,000 – SEK10,000 S$1,200 - S$1,500 Italy €700 – €1,200 S$1,100 – S$1,900
Preparing for SEP Tips on costs saving • Cook! • Potluck • Enjoy student discounts (with your student card) • The nearest grocery store might not be the cheapest • Plan your trips in advance to save cost • Source for alternative means of traveling (e.g. bus rides instead of flights, etc.) • Use apps that will give you discounts
Preparing for SEP CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – DOCUMENTS □ Valid passport and visa □ Medical records (including vaccinations) □ Proof of acceptance by PU □ Insurance □ Study plan □ Forms of identification (ISIC youth card, driving license, etc.) □ NUS transcripts (to facilitate module registration) □ Bank draft/ credit card/ cash □ Proof of financial support □ Confirmed flight ticket □ Letter confirming accommodation □ List of emergency contacts □ Receipts of payments made (housing, admin fees, etc.) Please remember to make a copy of all important documents. Keep separate sets in different places. You might also like to leave a set at home, so that these documents can be easily sent to you in the event that you lose those with you.
Preparing for SEP CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – NECESSITIES □ Appropriate clothing □ Toiletries □ First-aid kit □ Hairdryer □ Medication □ Digital camera □ Adaptors and chargers □ Photos and souvenirs of home/ Singapore □ Umbrella/ raincoat □ Foodstuff □ Appropriate footwear □ Passport photos
Preparing for SEP PACK IT RIGHT FOR YOUR FLIGHT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlbnnWyDalQ&feature=youtu.be
Preparing for SEP DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER WITH MFA! • Singaporeans/PRs should register themselves with Singapore MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/pr eLoginEregisterView.action. • NS men must apply for the Exit Permit if travelling for more than 6 months: https://www.ns.sg/web/portal/nsmen/home/nstopics/ overseastravel/article/overseas-travel. • International students should contact their country’s diplomatic missions.
What to Expect at Your Destination ABOUT FINLAND • Land of a thousand lakes – 188,000 lakes to be precise • Best education system in the world • 3 million saunas in Finland (population of 5million) – average of 1 sauna/household • Santa Claus’ hometown • 1 hour ferry ride to Tallinn, Estonia
What to Expect at Your Destination University of Helsinki • Available direct flight from Singapore to Helsinki on Finnair • University of Helsinki is 20 minutes drive to the airport and is right in the city of Helsinki • Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering Espoo campus is 20 minutes train ride from University of Helsinki • Module restrictions at Helsinki are non-negotiable. • NUS students on "University bilateral agreement" are required to choose the majority of your courses from one faculty in Helsinki. Within one faculty, students can choose courses from several disciplines • Law, Politics, Media and Communication, Global Political Communication and English Studies are not open to NUS students
What to Expect at Your Destination WHAT SAY YOUR SENIORS? – FINLAND Helsinki is known to be a rather The Finns claim that the sauna expensive city, however, other than Specifically, just for Finland alone, I originated from Finland - and I wouldn’t the cost of eating out, I think the spend around 3K SGD on hostel, doubt it, given the thousands of saunas living expenses are similar to, and transport, groceries and other found in the country. Almost every in some aspects cheaper than, miscellaneous things. Generally, the other building has their own sauna and Singapore’s. So knowing how to cost of living in Finland is quite high. there are affordable sauna spas and cook will save you some money. resorts as well. Travelling out of Helsinki can be quite …the Finns… take their alcohol and saunas very seriously. So much so, expensive as the main airport, Helsinki- the Finns organize 3-course dinner parties dedicated to just being Vantaa Airport, does not have budget drunk! Called sitsits, everyone gets more drunk as the night goes by and flights. However, you will find that playing Finnish drinking games and screaming Finnish songs at the top Norwegian Air and SAS are cheaper of your lungs is absolutely mandatory. alternatives to the local Finnair.
What to Expect at Your Destination ABOUT NORWAY • Head of state – King of Norway • Embrace consensus – most democratic country according to the Democracy Index • World’s largest salmon exporter • High cost of living • One of the tallest people in the world • Not in the European Union
What to Expect at Your Destination University of Oslo and NTNU • University of Oslo • Courses within Nutrition and Health Sciences, Geoscience, courses at the University Centre in Svalbard and Psychology might have restrictions and prerequisites may apply. • Courses with the codes ENG and NORAM tend to get fully booked quite fast, and priority given to Oslo degree-seeking students. • NTNU • merged with the University Colleges of Trondheim, Gjøvik and Ålesund. Note that you can only select courses in one city. • Please check the availability of English-taught courses at the respective city • Restricted modules: Architecture, Marine Technology and Electric Power Engineering.
What to Expect at Your Destination WHAT SAY YOUR SENIORS? – NORWAY Some useful apps for Oslo would be RuterReise Each of us goes for The cost of living in Norway is very high but (t-bane aka mrt app) that will help you navigate exchange with our own with careful budgeting, it can amount to the around as well as mattilbud which tells you the personal objectives, same costs as in Singapore. I spent about discounted groceries in the major convenience and its important to 8000 SGD on accommodation, transport, stores. Other useful maps for stay true to that and groceries and miscellaneous items for five travelling/navigating would be google maps or make the exchange months. CityMaps2Go which is an offline map in case experience your own. wifi is not available. At the beginning of the semester(January), the daytime was very short There are two students organizations ESN and in Norway. It was very easy to get depressed with heavy study iCot that organize trips in Norway throughout workload. I struggled for some time but by talking to my family, doing the semester at a very low cost. I highly sports and travelling with friends, things got better as the daytime got recommend my juniors to join these two longer. organization for cheap tours.
What to Expect at Your Destination About SWEDEN U-wide destination: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala, Lund • Sweden is a free and open society, embrace equality, avoid conflicts • Highly developed welfare system; one of the world’s longest life expectancies • Strong focus on sustainability and environment • Leading country for innovations • Swedish “tea-breaks” – FIKA • A number of Nobel Laureates affiliated to the U-wide exchange universities. • Daylight – sun rise around 9, sun set around 3
What to Expect at Your Destination WHAT SAY YOUR SENIORS? – SWEDEN The only challenge I faced was being homesick. I did Seeing how students from other countries approachnot expect myself to feel this way, but it is definitely I exchanged around 2000 SGD to Swedish their university education common to miss home and your family. It gets worse Krona before I flew, but actually it is very gives me a new during holidays such as CNY as your social media perspective of how NUS easy to pay with a debit card while in feeds get flooded with posts from family and friends students may sometimes Sweden. The DBS multi-currency card was fail to realise that a back in Singapore. However, this is definitely something that most of my Singaporean university education goes something that you can overcome with your friends used due to the good rates offered. Singaporean friends in Sweden. We were also kindly beyond simply obtaining a degree. invited by a Singaporean mum who lives in Lund to . celebrate CNY with her family. Sweden has a strong second hand culture. You can save quite a bit if It was difficult to adapt to the winter climate. I was you buy second instead. Similarly, you can also sell things off second prepared with sufficient winter clothing but it still hand if you plan ahead before returning. There are many international took me 3 weeks to actually adapt to the winter students in Stockholm, if you are looking for specific things like climate. In addition, the day light in Sweden during textbooks and appliances (RICE COOKER!), you can also make a post winter lasts for only about 8 hours and it becomes and look for them beforehand. Otherwise, you can also deposit them dark after 4pm. I slowly settled in and made new at the nearest secondhand shop near your place. friends to hang around in corridors during winter.
What to Expect at Your Destination WEATHER (Finland, Norway, Sweden) • Air will be dry – put on lots of moisturiser. • Have a good coat with you; the weather can change rapidly and it can be expensive to buy winter wear at your host country. • You may experience gloominess because you are not used to the short days and cold weather. • Try autumn/winter activities that you would not be able to do in Singapore, such as skiing. • Even when the weather is cold, the locals may still eat cold food as a proper meal. • It is likely to have heating indoor, be aware of such so you can dress appropriately for best comfort.
What to Expect at Your Destination University of Bologna • University of Bologna • Found in 1088, it is the oldest university in Europe • NUS’ only University-wide Italian partner university and among the most prestigious Italian universities • The most beautiful university in Europe according to the Times Higher Education World University ranking (https://www.italymagazine.com/featured- story/stroll-around-university-bologna) • Bologna is a university town and many tourists visit daily
What to Expect at Your Destination ACADEMIC CULTURE • Smaller class size for seminar style classes and more interactive amongst students as well as professors • Courses may not be confirmed until you arrive or register at PU • For some PUs, classes may be conducted in the respective native languages even if initially indicated as ‘taught in English’ • Professors are approachable and friendly; less formal student-teacher relationship • Less competitive learning environment yet rigorous • May expect higher degree of independence in learning • Students are expected to share their views in class or engage in open discussion of topic • Strict on plagiarism; if you use the exact words or even paraphrasing, of the reference source, you must use quotation marks and credit the source • Exam schedule may not be available till later during semester - alternative assessments may not be available
What to Expect at Your Destination SAFETY • Safety should be the priority in all that you do. • Assess the risk of what you are about to do and try to minimise and even avoid unnecessary risk. • If confronted, give up your valuables and do not resist as your safety is the most important. • Ask locals about any dangerous areas or locations that should be avoided. IMPORTANT: Update your contact information in EduRec (previously known as myISIS)
What to Expect at Your Destination FIND OUT MORE ABOUT… • Climate and time difference • Exchange rate and cost of living • Regional map and local transportation • Cultural similarities and differences • Health and safety • Meet and greet services • Living and studying at host university • Expectation and academic assessment at host university • Activities for exchange students at host university
What to Expect at Your Destination USEFUL RESOURCES • Partner university fact sheets: http://nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php >>> Partner universities • Partner University application instructions and university information: https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/Partner%20Univerisity%20SEP%20application%20material%20for%2 0s/Forms/AllItems.aspx • Read seniors’ reports of host university: https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/SEP%20Report/Forms/AllItems.aspx • On being prepared while overseas: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/dam/mfa/images/Consular%20Information/for_singapore_citize ns/advice_for_singaporeans_going_overseas/Travel%20Notice%20Booklet/2012/MFA%20Booklet %20English.pdf
Settling In MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SEMESTER • Don’t just stick to Singaporeans! Make an effort to meet different people and be open-minded about differences. • Even while having fun, make sure you are aware of any important academic dates and not miss any deadlines! • Take note of your exam dates. If your semester overseas overlaps with the new NUS semester, start making arrangements for early exam or alternative assessments. If neither is possible, apply for an extension of your leave of absence from NUS. • Activate the email account given by your host university to receive important notices and announcements. • Check both host university and NUS email frequently. • Always stay in touch with your family and friends back home. • If a problem arises, try to resolve it. However, if you are unable to, ask for help.
Settling In MITIGATING CULTURE SHOCK • Recognise feelings of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc. is normal and okay 1. Honeymoon phase 2. Negotiation phase 3. Adaption phase • Talk to friends or a counsellor • Keep in regular contact with friends and family back home • Join university and community activities
Settling In EXPECTED CONDUCT • Respect others and behave respectably too. • You are representing yourself, your school and your country. • Obey laws and regulations of host country, host university, Singapore and NUS. • Read rules and regulations at host university and ensure that you do not violate them. (e.g. rules on plagiarism and cheating) • Do not be pressured into anything. Just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t make it right. Be comfortable being your own person. Anti-drugs campaign by Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) Hotline for Central Narcotics Bureau: 1800-325-6666 | Website: www.cnb.gov.sg
Settling In EXPECTED CONDUCT Hotline for Central Narcotics Bureau: 1800-325-6666 | Website: www.cnb.gov.sg
When caught in a threatening situation
Settling In USEFUL CONTACTS • Make your own list of emergency contacts 1. Embassies/ High Commissions: www.mfa.gov.sg 2. Local emergencies numbers 3. Credit card and bank telephone numbers 4. Insurance hotlines 5. NUS Emergency contact: +65 6874 1616 (24 hours)
Settling In USEFUL CONTACTS • No Embassy in Finland – to contact the Duty • No Embassy in Sweden – to contact the Duty Officer in Singapore Officer in Singapore Ambassador Ambassador (Non-Resident) Mrs Jayalekshmi MOHIDEEN (Non-Resident) Mr Quek Poh Huat Chancery c/o Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chancery c/o Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tanglin Tanglin Singapore 248163 Singapore 248163 Telephone 63798000 (MFA), 64231233, Telephone 63798000 (MFA), 69168102 64231638 Fax 64747885 (MFA) Telefax 64747885 (MFA) E-mail quekph@spgroup.com.sg E-mail clockwork@pacific.net.sg Other Information For visa & general queries, please Other Information For visa & general queries, please write to mfa@mfa.sg. write to mfa@mfa.sg. Mission Locator: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/missions/singapore_mission/mission_locator.html
What to Expect at Your Destination USEFUL CONTACTS • Consulate-General of Republic of Singapore Address: Strandveien 15A, 7th floor 1366 Lysaker Norway PO Box 132, 1326 Lysaker, Norway Phone: +47 67 10 99 20 Fax: +47 67 10 99 21 Email: sgconsulate@easternbulk.com Website: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/oslo
Homecoming BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY • Say your goodbyes and “thank you’s” • Complete ex-matriculation process at host university • Make sure your room is in a presentable state before leaving • Follow NUS’ deadlines for CORS module bidding and application for on- campus housing • Prepare and submit your SEP report
Homecoming THINGS TO WHEN YOU RETURN 1. Submit your SEP report 2. Join the Welcome Back Session (to accumulate point for the Outstanding NUS Exchangers Award) 3. Complete the SEP Evaluation Survey 4. Join the Peer Advising Programme Advising Programme seeks to build a community of Peer Advisors (PAs) consisting of students who have been on SEP and are keen to contribute. Link up with our Peer Advising Leaders (PALs) to find out more: peeradvising@nus.edu.sg http://tinyurl.com/peeradvisingNUS http://nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php @NUSPeerAdvisors 5. Help out at SEP outreach activities and help your juniors prepare for their SEP journey ahead
Take part in The ONE Award □ Represent NUS at your exchange university’s exchange fair/ information session □ Join the NUS SEP Ambassador Training before leaving (compulsory) □ Join the Welcome Back Session upon return (compulsory) □ Participate in exchange events and activities upon return □ Collect your card at the SEP Ambassador Training and start accumulating points to be awarded the Outstanding NUS Exchanger Award
Outstanding NUS Exchanger Award • To qualify, you must complete at least 1 SEP semester abroad and attend at least 1 compulsory activity • Proof of participation is required for receiving stamps • 8 Points = Gold Award 6-7 Points = Silver Award 4-5 Points = Bronze Award • Submit this log card to GRO by 30 May (Sem 1 SEP) or by 30 Dec (Sem 2 SEP)
Be a SEP Ambassador for Singapore and NUS! SESSION ONE SESSION TWO Date: 14 May 2019, Tuesday Date: 4 July 2019, Thursday Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm Time: 2.30pm – 4.00pm Venue: Global Lounge Venue: Global Lounge
W E L C O M E T O Y O U R BIG ADVENTURE! THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER – GO OUT THERE AND OWN IT!
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