PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING - April 2019 SEP & i-SP to Australia & New Zealand - NUS
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Who are we? Global Relations Office • Student Exchange Programme • International Summer Programmes • International Research Attachment Programmes • Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER) • Temasek Foundation International Leadership Enrichment and Regional Networking Programme • Sino-Singapore Undergraduate Exchange Programme • Yale Visiting International Student Program
About the briefing • Highlights of SEP & i-SP • Preparing for SEP & i-SP • What to expect at your destination • Settling in • Homecoming • Sharing by returning NUS exchange students • Networking
Student Exchange Programme • Spend one or 2 semesters studying in a partner university • Earn modular credits • Immerse in a new place and culture • Enjoy tuition-fee waiver from partner university, and pay NUS tuition fees for the exchange semester(s)
International Summer Programme (i-SP) • Spend 3 to 6 weeks studying/researching at a reputable university and exciting destination • Take unique courses exclusive to the summer programmes • Gain overseas exposure without disrupting your rigorous academic schedule • Earn up to 10 modular credits per summer programme • Transfer a total of 12 modular credits for free from a maximum of 2 i-SP
Available Resources • Pre-Departure Guide: https://share.nus.edu.sg/goabroad /SEP/Pre-Departure_Guide.pdf • Pre-Departure Video: https://share.nus.edu.sg/goabroad /Video/Pre-Departure_Video.wmv • Pre-Departure Briefing slides to be uploaded 2-3 weeks after briefing
1. 2. 3. AFTER APPLYING WHILE WAITING UPON RECEIVING TO YOUR HOST FOR YOUR YOUR UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCE ACCEPTANCE a. Set out personal goals a. Attend pre-departure a. Follow instructions in b. Find out about host briefing acceptance package destination/university b. Book accommodation c. Work out a budget c. Apply for visa d. Prepare your study d. Make travel plan arrangements SEP Roadmap
Setting Personal Goals TOP REASONS FOR GOING ON EXCHANGE: 1. To experience a different culture 2. Personal development 3. Travel opportunities AFTER THE EXPERIENCE: 1. 100% felt more capable of taking care of themselves 2. 99% are more sensitive to the needs of others from different cultures/backgrounds
Prepare Your Study Plan • Complete module mapping process via the NUS EduRec (select Global Education Self-Service External Study) • Check that the modules that you intend to take will be offered in the semester that you are there • Include spare modules in your study list (in case your preferred or enrolled module(s) has been cancelled) • Should there be change to your study plan, seek approval from your home faculty immediately
Passport & Flight • Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date • Make photocopies of your passport’s identification page and keep it separate from the original • Do NOT confirm flight booking until after you have received the acceptance from the host university and gotten your visa • Plan to arrive before study period and attend orientation programme
Visa – SEP to Australia • Apply for a sub-class 500 student visa at https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login after you are accepted by your host university and received an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from your host university. • Application fee: approx. AUD$575 • Processing time: 4-6 weeks (please apply early!) • Read through the visa conditions at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a- visa/visa-listing/student-500 before submitting an application • It is not recommended that you enter Australia with a tourist visa, hoping to change visa status later after arrival as your entry to Australia may be denied • For enquiries, contact the student eVisa helpdesk at eVisa.Students.Helpdesk@immi.gov.au.
Visa – SEP to New Zealand • Apply for an Exchange Student Visa at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand- visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/exchange-student-visa after you have received the acceptance offer from your host university • Check the acknowledgement page if you are required to submit your passport to the Immigration New Zealand Visa Application Centre. • Student Visa Fee: around S$295 • Processing time: around 23 days • Read through the visa conditions at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand- visas/apply-for-a-visa/visa-factsheet/exchange-student-visa before applying • Exchange students should not enter New Zealand on a visitor visa. You can apply for this visa only if you are outside New Zealand.
Visa – i-SP to Australia • Summer/Winter School students only requires a valid tourist or a visitor visa (not a Student Visa), which enable them to go to Australia for up to three months. • Singaporeans and some nationals may apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) visa. The online application service fee is A$20. Refer to https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/601- for more details. • Other nationals may check the appropriate visitor visas to apply from this link https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/visa-listing#Visitor%20Visas or use the visa finder: https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1. • Apply early and allow more time for the visa processing (after you are accepted by the host university).
Accommodation Things to note: • Australian National University: On-campus accommodation is guaranteed. Apply for accommodation as soon as you have submitted your exchange application with ANU. • Monash University: On-campus accommodation costs about AUD1,000 per month. Affordable comparing to other Australian universities. Please apply early if you are keen. • University of Adelaide: Recommends that exchange students consider the Urbanest Student Accommodation. • University of Melbourne: Offers residential college housing on campus. Melbourne is located very close to the CBD, housing charges are quite steep. Refer to Melbourne website for housing options or you may consider other off-campus accommodations. • University of New South Wales: Various options including catered colleges, self-catered university apartments or privately run colleges on or close to campus. Housing is not guaranteed. There are various housing options in the beautiful suburbs surrounding the campus.
Accommodation Things to note: • University of Sydney: Offers guaranteed accommodation at Urbanest, a student accommodation complex within 15 minute walk to campus and located on the doorstep of downtown Sydney. Apply before the housing application deadline. • University of Queensland: Limited places available in their Residential Colleges. Visit UQ website http://www.uq.edu.au/studyabroad/find-accommodation for other housing options. • University of Western Australia: Offers residential college housing but it is not guaranteed. Most international students are housing at the University Hall. Refer to UWA website https://study.uwa.edu.au/student-life/accommodation for other housing options.
Accommodation Things to note: • University of Auckland: Various accommodation options available on and near to campus. Refer to http://www.accommodation.auckland.ac.nz for more details. • University of Canterbury: It could be difficult for students coming for one semester to find private rental accommodation. UC strongly recommend that students apply for accommodation on-campus (students must apply for accommodation online by the deadline and also return all subsequent accommodation contracts by the required deadlines in order to secure the room). • University of Otago: Renowned for its residential campus environment and exchange students coming to Otago are encouraged to apply for Uniflats. All the University Flats are located within an easy walk of the University campus • Victoria University of Wellington: Shortage of on-campus accommodation. Please apply early even before receiving the acceptance offer from VUW. It is difficult to secure housing near the campus. Research early for housing options.
Accommodation • Make sure you have applied for accommodation as it is typically separate from the programme application. • You may be allowed to check-in only during office hours, so do find out prior to arrival. • For off-campus housing, other than the facade (external & internal), do check out for additional charges. Ensure that the locale is safe. Avoid signing any contact until you are agreeable to all the terms.
Health • Before leaving: – Get professional advice on vaccinations and medications – Arrange a health check-up with your doctor, dentist and optometrist • If you have chronic health conditions, you may need to work out a health management plan with your doctor: – If you are taking medications, please continue – Make sure that your medication is available at your destination – If you intend to bring your own medication, please ensure that you are allowed to enter the country with the quantity
Useful links • Travelling with medication to Australia: https://www.tga.gov.au/entering-australia • Bring goods/ food into Australia: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/travelling/bringing-mailing-goods • Travelling with medication to New Zealand: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability- system/medicines-control/bringing-medicines-new-zealand • Bringing goods/ food into New Zealand: http://mpi.govt.nz/travel-and- recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/items-to-declare/
Australia Health • It is mandatory to purchase the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy. You can purchase it through your host university. The cost is approximately AUD$330 per Insurance semester. • OSHC cover for visits to doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance services and selected pharmaceuticals (medicines) https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/ove rseas/overseas_student_health_cover.htm New Zealand • It is mandatory to purchase the Studentsafe - University insurance plan which covers health and travel insurance benefits. You can purchase it through your host university. The cost is approximately NZ$310 per semester. http://www.studentassist.co.nz/
Travel Insurance • Have a comprehensive travel and health insurance coverage for the full duration of your stay abroad, including traveling • Travel insurance is not the same as health insurance (different insurance covers different things) • Check that the policy suits your needs • Read through the coverage from the NUS Students Travel Insurance: http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/Insurance CoverforOfficialNUSTrips.html • Bring along the emergency hotline numbers and a copy of your insurance policy • Report accident/loss as soon as possible
Budget Country Estimated SGD Australia S$2,300 – S$4,000 per month New Zealand S$1,800 – S$2,200 per month • The estimated cost of living, includes accommodation, food, transport and entertainment. • It is important that you record your expenses to make the most out of your budget and to ensure that your budget will last until the end of your SEP. Currency exchange rate as at 16 Apr 2019: AUD$1 = approx. S$0.97 NZ$1 = approx. S$0.91
Packing checklist 1 – 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.) □ Proof of financial support □ Bank draft/ credit card/ cash □ Letter confirming accommodation □ Confirmed flight ticket □ Receipts of payments made (housing, admin fees, etc.) □ NUS transcripts (to facilitate module registration) □ List of emergency contacts 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.
Packing checklist 2 – Necessities □ Appropriate clothing □ Toiletries □ First-aid kit □ Hairdryer □ Medication □ Digital camera □ Adaptors, multiplug, chargers & LAN cable □ Photos and souvenirs of home/ Singapore □ Umbrella/ raincoat □ Passport photos □ Appropriate footwear □ Food recipes Pack right for your flight! By law, there are certain items that are not allowed in your carry- on/luggage. Watch the following video for more information on what is allowed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlbnnWyDalQ&feature=youtu.be
Pack Right for your Flight Food? Cash? Medicine? Labtop? Toiletries? Power bank? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlbnnWyDalQ&feature=youtu.be
Before you fly… • Singaporeans/PR should register with Singapore MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preL oginEregisterView.action • International students should contact their country’s diplomatic missions NSmen • NS men must notify MINDEF of their trip and apply for the Exit Permit if required at www.ns.sg
• Largest country in Oceania and world’s 6th largest Australia country by total land area • Inhabited by indigenous Australians for about 60,000 years before the first British settlement in the late 18th century • Over 25 million population on 7.7 million km2 land • One of the most sparsely populated countries in the world (population density: 3.3 persons per km2) • Similar land area as USA (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) • Travelling time by flight between western and eastern part of Australia (Perth to Brisbane) is about 4 hours 30 minutes • Capital: Canberra • Major metropolitan areas: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast and New Castle • Famous for its national wonders and wide open spaces, beaches, deserts, “the bush” and the “Outback”
What to expect in • A diverse nation with multicultural population Australia • Friendly, laid-back nature, excellent education system and high standard of living • Attractive study destination • Impressive technology and research resources – Australia is at the forefront for new technology and innovations • Vibrant cities with lots of festivals and events • Generally a safe place to live and study • Academic Calendar: Semester 1: Mid Feb to Late Jun Mid Feb to Mid May (UNSW) Semester 2: Mid Jul to Mid Nov Mid Sep to Mid Dec (UNSW)
• An island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean New Zealand • Comprises of 2 main landmasses – the North Island and the South Island, and around 600 smaller islands • Between 1250 and 1300, Polynesians settled in the islands, the country developed a distinctive Maori culture and became a British colony in 1841 • Over 4.9 million population on 268 thousand km2 land • One of the most sparsely populated countries in the world (population density: 15 persons per km2) • Travelling time by flight between North and South Island (Auckland to Dunedin) is about 1 hour 45 minutes • Capital: Auckland • Most populous cities: Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch • Known for its stunning and diverse natural beauty: jaded mountains, raging rivers, steaming volcanoes to sweeping coastlines.
What to expect in • Approx. two third of the population lives New Zealand in the North Island • Auckland is the largest city and the most ethically diverse • Warm and welcoming people • High quality of life and diverse communities • Well-reputed universities • Stunning natural scenery and an unbeatable range of outdoor pursuits • Generally a safe place to live and study • Academic Calender: Semester 1: Mid February to Late June Semester 2: Mid July to Mid November
Academic Culture • Less schedule class time • The need to be a more self-directed learner • Less individual attention from professors/lecturers • An argumentative, not descriptive, style of writing in essays and exams • Few, but more heavily weighted, pieces of assessments late in the semester • A different approach to grading assignments • Find out about the academic expectations and examination format for yours modules at the host university • Be more active in class discussions • Examination dates are released closer to the end of the semester
Preparing for cold weather • Climate varies greatly within Australia and New Zealand. There are four seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the north for Australia. • Winter (June to August) • Usually cold and relatively wet • Day temperature range from 6 to 18 degree Celsius • Night temperature may drop near to 0 degree Celsius in certain areas • Air will be dry – put on lots of moisturiser. • Have a good coat with you; the weather can change rapidly • You may experience gloominess because you are not used to the short days and cold weather. • Bring thick waterproof coats, warm jumpers, jeans/warm trousers, scarves, gloves, warm waterproof shoes, umbrella etc.
Spring • Spring (September to November) • Mild and usually wet • Average temperature range is 10 to 22 degree Celsius • This is usually the wettest season of the year • Bring jacket, light jumpers, t-shirts, light casual trousers and jeans, water proof shoes and umbrella • Daylight Saving Time • Australia – starts on the first Sunday in October and ends on the first Sunday in April when all clocks are put forward one hour. The states and territories that participate in daylight saving are Tasmania, Victoria, the ACT (Australian Capital Territory), New South Wales and South Australia (excluding Queensland). • New Zealand – starts on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday in April the following year when all clocks are put forward one hour (2am becomes 3am).
Summer • Summer (December to February) • Sun is very harsh in Australia, put on lots of sunblock, even on a cloudy day as you can get burned quickly. • The UV rays in also very strong in New Zealand. • Get a water resistant SPF30+ (or higher) sunscreen. • Bring along a hat and a pair of sunglasses • Sun rises early and sets late
Lifestyle • Australians are quite casual and informal (i.e. most students refer to their lecturers and tutors by their first names) • Australians expect everyone to be treated equally. It is common to thank shop assistants and other service staff when they assist you. • It is important to be on time in Australia — it is polite to call if you are going to be late for an appointment. • Smoking is not permitted in restaurants, bars, nightclubs or many other public covered areas. • Littering is prohibited, as is drinking alcohol in a public place. • If you're not sure of something, or need an explanation, don't be afraid to ask. Most Australians will be happy to help you if you're unsure of something.
Lifestyle • The standard casual greetings in Australia is “Hi how are you” and Hi how are you going”. However, it doesn’t represent actual questions that need constructive answers.. • Communication is more open and direct. They say what they mean and are generally more individual and outgoing than other cultures. • The cost of food and transportation is higher comparing to Singapore. Learn to cook as eating out can be costly. Get concession card for travelling on public transport. • Alcohol is served in many social occasions. Do not be pressured into drinking. Know your limit! • In Australia, coffee isn’t fuel for work – it’s a way of life. You can find nice coffee from almost any café! • Read about the Australian English Phrases you need to befriend Aussies http://www.fluentu.com/english/blog/australian-english/
Lifestyle • New Zealanders are generally casual and relaxed, and dress informally on most occasions, including when going to a café or shopping. • Many New Zealanders have a quite direct and frank way of speaking. • Appointments are made in advance to see professional people (i.e. to see a doctor or lecturer) • New Zealanders can be passionate about sports particularly ruby. Playing sports is a great way to make friends. • New Zealand is not a dangerous country but it is prone to earthquakes and you are likely to feel a few minor tremors each year. • Both Maori and English are official languages, with English as the main language spoken.
Lifestyle • New Zealanders often get together in pubs, bars or cafes rather than restaurants, which can be costly. It is acceptable NOT to drink alcohol when socialising. • At dinner parties it is customary for guests to bring a bottle of wine. It is also common, but not obligatory, to ask "Is there anything I can bring?" Often, the hosts will decline the offer, but sometimes they will suggest that you bring pre-dinner snacks, a salad, a dessert or perhaps after-dinner mints. • Sometimes guests will be asked to ‘bring a plate’. This is a local phrase that means ‘bring some food’. It is best to ask what sort of food is expected since this will vary depending on the event. • If someone says "We’re having a ‘do’, and hope you can come", this means you are invited to a party!. Please ask if you are expected to bring anything.
Safety • Safety should be priority of all that you do • Assess the risk of what you are about to do and try to minimize and even avoid unnecessary risk • In case of an attack: Run, Hide, Tell (https://www.sgsecure.sg/resources/Documents/Ru n%20Hide%20Tell%20English%2026%20January%20 2017.pdf)
Safety • Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas • Exercise common sense and stay alert • Do not carry large amounts of cash, flash money and credit cards • Avoid underpasses, dark streets, dilapidated streets and lonely areas, especially at night or when you are alone • If confronted, give up your valuables and do not resist as your safety is most important • Ask locals about any dangerous areas or locations that should be avoided
Travelling Safe on Road Trips • Distance-driving under unfamiliar road and weather conditions along with irregular mobile phone connectivity in rural areas heightens the risk to a foreign driver’s safety and well-being • It is important to plan your journeys carefully, and take frequent rest breaks • Where possible, consider alternative travel options such as bus or coaches when travelling to remote tourist spots • If you plan to drive, familiarise yourself with and adhere to the local road and traffic rules
Australia Water Safety • Read about the water safety advice for Australia at www.royallifesaving.com.au and beach-related safety at www.sls.com.au. • Always swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach. Lifeguards patrol this area, making it the safest area for swimmers, where you will avoid dangers like rips, undercurrent, rocks, reefs, jellyfish and other hazards.
Staying Safe in New Zealand • Earthquakes occur frequently in New Zealand as the country is situated at the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. There are thousands of earthquakes occurring in and around the country each year and about 150-200 are big enough to be felt. The largest city within the highest-risk zone is Wellington, followed by Hastings and Napier. Most earthquake-related injuries and death result from falling debris, flying glass and collapsing structures. Read about staying safe during an earthquake https://getprepared.nz/assets/Publications/Earthquake-Planning-Guide.pdf • Many tourists come to New Zealand to participate in extreme adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, sky diving, hiking, rappelling, climbing, motorcycling, and kayaking. Very often, injuries and even death result from participating in such activities. You should use caution and common sense when engaging in adventure sports. Never participate in these sports alone, always carry identification, and let someone else know where you are at all times.
Last things to do before leaving… FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR HOST DESTINATION □ Visit partner university website to find out about: □ Airport pick up services □ Local transport/ healthcare concessions □ Expectation and academic assessment □ Activities for exchange students □ Read about partner university on Sharepoint: https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/default.aspx □ Read MFA’s guidelines: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Where-Are-You-Travelling-To □ Read up on climate and time differences □ Exchange rate and cost of living □ Health and safety
• Remember your exchange goals • Don’t just stick to Singaporeans! Make an effort to meet different people and be open-minded about differences. • Try new activities while on exchange • Make sure you are aware of important academic dates and not miss any deadlines! • Activate the email account given by your exchange university to receive important notices and announcements and check both NUS and exchange university emails frequently • Try to resolve problems on your own before asking for help • Take part in school activities/clubs/trips • Stay in touch with family back home • Plan ahead of time, but also be flexible Making the most of your semester
Mitigating Culture Shock • Recognise feelings of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc. – It’s ok to feel this way – Culture vs Personality – Honeymoon Negotiation Adaption phase • Keep in regular contact with friends and family back home • Talk to friends or a counselor • Join university or community activities
Expected Behaviour • Respect others and behave respectably too • You are representing yourself, NUS and Singapore (and your home country) • Obey laws and regulations of your exchange destination, exchange university, Singapore and NUS • Read rules and regulations at exchange university to ensure that you do not violate them (e.g. rules on plagiarism and cheating) • Do not be pressured into anything; be comfortable being your own person
Expected Behaviour It is not true if someone tells you that it is not an offence to consume illegal drugs overseas. You can be arrested and face the same penalties as if the offence has been committed in Singapore. FACT: All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents found to have consumed illegal substances even outside Singapore will face the penalty of imprisonment of up to 10 years, fine not exceeding $20,000 or both.
Useful Contacts • Local emergency numbers (Ambulance/Police/Fire): – Australia: 000 (non-emergency: 13 14 44) – New Zealand: 111 (non-emergency: call the police station closest to you) • School and apartment emergency numbers • Credit card and bank telephone numbers • Insurance hotlines • Ministry of Foreign Affairs contact: +65 6379 8000 (24-hours) / Email: mfa@mfa.sg • NUS Emergency contact: +65 6874 1616 (24-hours)
High Commission of Republic of Singapore Contacts Canberra – Australia Wellington – New Zealand Address: Address: 17 Forster Crescent, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, 17 Kabul Street, Khandallah, Wellington 6035, Australia New Zealand Phone: +61 (2) 6271 2000 Phone: +64 (4) 470 0850 / 0851 Emergency: +61 414733944 Fax: +64 (4) 479 4066 / 2315 Fax: +61 (2) 6273 9823 Email: singhc_wlg@mfa.sg Email: singhc_cbr@mfa.sg URL: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/wellington URL: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/canberra Office hours: Mon – Fri (9am to 1pm; 1.45pm to Office hours: Mon – Fri (8.30am to 5pm) 5pm) Sat & Sun (closed) Sat & Sun (closed)
Before leaving… • Say your “goodbye”s and “thank you”s • Complete your ex-matriculation process at exchange university • Make sure your room is in a presentable state before leaving • Follow NUS’ deadline for module bidding for next semester (and application for on-campus accommodation) • Prepare and submit your SEP report
When you return… □ Submit your SEP report □ Complete the SEP Evaluation report □ Complete module mapping □ Bid for modules □ Join the Welcome Back Session □ Join the Peer Advising Programme • Email: peeradvising@nus.edu.sg • Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/peeradvisingNUS □ 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
SEP Ambassador Training SESSION ONE SESSION TWO Date : Tue, 14 May 2019 Date : Thu, 4 July 2019 Time : 2.30pm – 4.30pm Time : 2.30pm – 4.30pm 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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