133 reviews
4.32 / 5 based on 133 reviews
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2
Derek B
Overall
I wish I had known...
I had the impression before going that locals are closed off to internationals and that most of your friends are going to be international but this certainly does not have to be the case. It's not that the locals are closed off- it has more to do with the cultural differences that cause the self-segregation.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
If you're someone who doesn't like to go out all the time and would be interested in interacting with the local community, I def. recommend the residential college. It is like a U.S. dorm building but with it's own clubs (sports, music, art, dance, writing, etc.) They also divide every few floors into a 'House' which holds its own events and helps with integrating into the local community.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
I think this program adapts to all kinds of students and it's certainly a top-notch option for those looking to study abroad (especially for native English-speakers who don't want to learn a new language). Good weather, food, well-developed, easy to travel around, good school, etc.
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2
Derek B
Housing
Type of housing: Residential College in UTown
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why?
Convenience, easier to interact with other students.
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Personal comments
I would highly recommend the residential colleges (CAPT, USP, Tembusu, etc.) because mostly locals stay in them so it's a great way to meet & interact with locals. They are also relatively new facilities in a really nice part of campus. There is a meal plan and the food is ok.
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0
Derek B
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
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Nightlife, Travel, Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
I didn't go out/party that often but there are definitely plenty of places to do that in SG (albeit a little expensive). Nothing I can add that the travel books don't already say. Travel is convenient and weekend trips to neighboring countries are feasible. One aspect I appreciated was being able to hang around the locals who typically don't go out even on weekends (a lot of the Residential College students go home though).
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0
Derek B
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Very English-friendly which is no surprise since it's their official language. I will say it can be hard to understand when Singaporeans speak really fast in Singlish, but they'll naturally adjust when they're talking to you.
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1
Derek B
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Food at hawker centers is cheaper but if you go to a normal restaurant, expect to pay typical American prices. Alcohol is fairly expensive (sin tax). Phone is reasonable if you get a pre-paid plan with minutes and use wifi (whatsapp, etc.) for most of your communication.
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Nightlife:
was more expensive than at home.
Housing, Overall:
was the same price as at home.
Travel, Food, Telephone:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Nothing surprising. The more you do, the more you'll spend. MRT/Bus are reasonable cost-wise but the costs do add up.
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2
Derek B
Academic
Course recommendations
The courses are graded on a curve which is different from quite a few American universities. Also Finals are heavily weighted which is a difference (>50% typically). Singaporeans work hard so the curve makes it a little harder to get the A. Overall though, I felt they were fair and learned quite a bit in some of my courses.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Somehow the classes felt more intimidating especially because the curve and the heavy weight on only a couple exams but it was ok.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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