I-SP Pre-Departure Briefing for China, Hong Kong, Taiwan - Global Relations Office May 2019 - NUS
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i-SP Pre-Departure Briefing for
China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Global Relations Office
May 2019
Agenda
1. Introduction
2. Pre-trip preparation
• Study plan
• Passport & Travel plans
• Health & Insurance
• Finances
• Pre-departure checklist
• Your destination
3. Settling in
4. Homecoming
5. Important Contacts and Links
Who are we? Global Relations Office (GRO) What can we do for you?
Short-term Programme – i-SP & i-RAP Spend 2 to 6 weeks reading intensive courses or completing research project at a reputable university overseas Opportunity to maximise the summer break; earn credits towards your NUS degree programme Immerse in a new place and culture
Pre-trip preparation
ROAD MAP
While waiting for
• Set personal goals • Follow instructions in
your acceptance acceptance package (read
• Find out about host package carefully & meet deadlines)
destinations • Apply for visa, if applicable
• Plan itinerary • Read pre- • Book accommodation
• Work out budget departure guide • Make travel arrangements
• Attend country
After applying with briefing Upon receiving your
your host university acceptance package
Pre-trip preparation
STUDY PLAN
• To transfer credit, submit module mapping in EduRec – Not applicable to i-RAP.
• Module mapping request is subjected to approval from the Faculties; approach your
Faculty’s Dean’s Office if in doubt.
• Total of 12 MCs from a maximum of 2 overseas summer/winter and research
programmes can be mapped without having to pay NUS tuition. Additional MCs
mapped will be subjected to Special Term fees. For details, visit the Registrar’s Office
website.
Pre-trip preparation
PASSPORT & TRAVEL PLANS
• Ensure that passport is valid for 6 months after
return date
• Research for your flight and confirm flight after
receiving programme acceptance and visa approval
• Make sure you have secured your accommodation
• Take note of the arrival time and accommodation
check-in time
Pre-trip preparation
VISA
China
• Apply for student visa X2
Visa type Description
X2 For stay of no more than 180 days; single entry only
• Students who have been accepted by the host university in China will receive the
acceptance letter. Some may have the JW202 student visa form.
• Apply at China Visa Application Service Centre
Website : http://www.visaforchina.com.sg/SGP_EN/
Address : 80 Robinson Road, #16-01/02/02A, Singapore 068898
Visa Enquiry : +65 67139380
E-mail address : singaporecentre@visaforchina.org
Pre-trip preparation
VISA
Hong Kong
• The host university will assist in the student visa application by acting as the
local sponsor for international students.
• Please ensure that you submit the visa application and supporting
documents to the relevant office by the deadline.
• Visa processing takes 6-10 weeks, apply as soon as you can.
CUHK : http://www.summer.cuhk.edu.hk/issfaqs/ (4. Student Visa section)
HKU : http://www.aal.hku.hk/summerinstitute/summervisa/visa/
• Check for additional requirement if you are Chinese, Hong Kong and Taiwan
passport holder.
Pre-trip preparation
VISA
Taiwan
• Visa exemption for Singaporeans for a stay of up to 30 days
• Other nationalities, please visit Taipei Representative Office to find out
more
Website : http://www.roc-taiwan.org/sg_en/post/34.html
Address : 460 Alexandra Road, #23-00, PSA Building
Visa Enquiry : +65-65000100
E-mail address : visataipeirep@gmail.com
• Visa application procedures differ for Chinese, Hong Kong and Macau
passport holdersPre-trip preparation
HEALTH & INSURANCE
• Students on NUS-endorsed overseas programmes covered under NUS Students Travel
Insurance
http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/InsuranceCoverforOfficialNUSTrips.html.
• May wish to consider buying additional health and/or travel insurance
• Bring along the emergency hotline numbers and a copy of your insurance policy.
• Report accident/loss at the earliest possible opportunity.
• Be familiar with claim procedures and documents/info to be submitted, eg photographs of
incident, serial numbers of electronic equipment and obtain receipts, etcPre-trip preparation
FINANCES
• Do your sums and make sure you have enough money for the duration of your
programme
• Bring sufficient cash with you or draw cash from ATMs (bank charges may apply for
each withdrawal)
• Advisable to have a credit card with you in case of emergencies
• Ensure that all cards have been approved for overseas use
• Exchange rates (for reference only)
Currency 1 SGD* =
CNY Renminbi 5.0
HKD 5.7
TWD 22.7
*based on exchange rate extracted from XE Currency on 14 May 2019Pre-trip preparation
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – DOCUMENTS
□ Valid passport and visa □ Passport-sized photographs
□ Proof of acceptance by Programme Host □ Insurance
□ NUS transcripts (to facilitate module registration) □ Forms of identification (ISIC youth card, driving
license, etc.)
□ Letter confirming accommodation
□ Bank draft/ credit card/ cash
□ Receipts of payments made (housing, admin fees,
etc.) □ Confirmed flight ticket
□ Medical records (including vaccinations) □ List of emergency contacts
Please remember to make copies 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, Hairdryer, personal necessity □ First-aid kit □ Digital camera □ Medication □ Photos and souvenirs of home/ Singapore □ Adaptors, chargers, LAN cables □ Foodstuff □ Umbrella/ raincoat □ Reusable shopping bags □ Appropriate footwear
Pre-trip preparation
Your destination
Region/City University
China Beijing • Peking University
• Tsinghua University
Shanghai • Fudan University
• Shanghai Jiao Tong
University
Hangzhou • Zhejiang University
Hong Hong Kong • The Chinese University
Kong of Hong Kong
• The University of Hong
Kong
Taiwan Taipei • Asia University
• National Cheng Kung
University
• National Taiwan
UniversityWhat to Expect at Your Destination
ABOUT China
China
• Population of over 1.4 billion people -world's largest
population
• Total land area - 9.6 million km2 (13,770 X
Singapore)
• Being the most populated country, the Chinese
comfort zone of personal space is much tighter than
those of Westerners
• No. of world heritage sites in China – 50
• A very fast-growing and developing country
• A cashless society
• Social media and censorships in China
WhatsApp -> WeChat
Twitter -> Weibo
Google -> Baidu
Facebook messenger -> QQ
YouTube -> YoukuPre-trip preparation
Your destination – China
• Emergency numbers
Function Number
Police (Emergency) 110
Police Text message 12110
Ambulance 999/120
Fire 119
• Mostly cashless, drink bottled/boiled water, BYOB
• Useful Apps: Baidu Map (百度地图)，Da Zhong Dian Ping (大众点评)，Di Di Chu Xing (滴
滴出行)，WeChat (微信)，WeiBo (微博)，Tao Bao (淘宝)，Alipay (支付宝)，Ctrip (携程)，
Tie Lu 12306 (铁路12306)What to Expect at Your Destination
ABOUT Hong Kong
Hong Kong
• an autonomous territory of People’s Republic of
China
• Population of over 7.3 million people
• Total land area - 1,106 km2 (2x Singapore)
• Approximately 3/4 of Hong Kong is rural
• One of the world’s most densely populated places
• Hong Kong has the smallest average flat sizes in
the world, about 470 sq ft
• Official languages - Chinese and English; spoken
language – Cantonese
• One of the least car-dependent cities; Efficient,
reliable and relatively affordable public
transport system (MTR, buses, trams etc)Pre-trip preparation
Your destination – Hong Kong
• Emergency numbers
Function Number
Emergency services (Police, 999
Fire, Ambulance)
Police hotline +852 2527 7177
Hong Kong Observatory + 852 1878 200
• Learning some Cantonese will be helpful
• Efficient, reliable and relatively affordable public transport
system (MTR, buses, trams etc)
• Get a student Octopus card
• Sharing table at dining outlets
• BYOBWhat to Expect at Your Destination
ABOUT Taiwan
Taichung
Taiwan
Asia University • Also known as Formosa
Taipei • Total population : 23.5 million people
National Taiwan University • Total land area : 36,193 km2 (50 x
Singapore)
• Still using traditional Chinese characters for
the written form of the language
• Taiwanese people are very welcoming and
Tainan
helpful towards foreign travelers or expats
National Cheng Kung
• One of the most efficient recycling systems
University in the worldPre-trip preparation
Your destination – Taiwan
• Emergency numbers
Function Number
Fire and Ambulance 119
Police 110
• Official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but
because many Taiwanese are of southern Fujianese
descent, Min-nan (the Southern Min dialect)is also widely
spoken.
• Concession tickets available to students
• Night markets are exciting places where you can find food,
drinks and shops
• BYOBPre-trip preparation
WEATHER (SUMMER)
• Warm, humid and rainy weather
• Typhoon season
• Familiarise yourself with warning system in the city,
take note of the precaution advisories
• Useful links
China Meteorological Administration
http://www.cma.gov.cn/en/WeatherWarnings/
Hong Kong Observatory
http://www.hko.gov.hk/informtc/tcService.htm
Taiwan Central Weather Bureau
https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/prevent/
Tips and information
o https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-
typhoon-season-travel.htm
o https://www.chinahighlights.com/hong-kong/article-
typhoons.htm
o http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201509280010.aspxPre-trip preparation 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 • Registration/Orientation • Living and studying at host university • Expectation and academic assessment at host university • Activities for summer school/international students at host university
Pre-trip preparation 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 notify MINDEF of their trip and apply for the Exit Permit if required at www.ns.sg. • International students should contact their country’s diplomatic missions.
Pre-trip preparation SAFETY • Safety should be the priority in all that you do. • Minimise and even avoid unnecessary risk. • If confronted, give up your valuables and do not resist. • Ask locals about any dangerous areas or locations that should be avoided.
Settling In
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER
• Attend the registration/orientation activities, if any.
• Familiarise yourself with the new environment Don’t just stick to Singaporeans! Make an
effort to meet different people and be open-minded about differences.
• Plan for your trips in advance to maximize your exposure in a limited time.
• Even while having fun, make sure you are aware of any important academic dates and
not miss any deadlines!
• 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
EXPECTED CONDUCT
• Respect others and behave respectably too
• Be curious and open-minded
• Recognise the differences – it’s a matter of perspectives, don’t be judgemental
• 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 personSettling In
EXPECTED CONDUCT
Drug Use
• An offence to consume illegal drugs overseas
• Can be arrested and face the same penalties as if the offence
has been committed in Singapore
• Imprisonment of up to 10 years, fine not exceeding $20,000, or
both
Anti-drugs campaign by Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)
Hotline for Central Narcotics Bureau: 1800-325-6666 | Website: www.cnb.gov.sgSettling 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 – EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Singapore Embassy in Beijing, China Singapore Consulate – General in Singapore Trade Office in Taipei,
Hong Kong Taiwan
Address:
No. 1 Xiu Shui Bei Jie, Jian Guo Men Address: Address:
Wai, Chao Yang District, Beijing Unit 901, 9/F, Tower 1, Admiralty 9th Floor, 85 Jen-Ai Road, Section 4
100600 Centre, 18 Harcourt Road Taipei 106, Taiwan
Phone: Phone: Phone:
Tel : (86)-10-6532-1115 Tel : (852) 2527 2212 Tel : (886) 2 2772 1940
After office hour Tel : (86)-
13910755251 Email: Email:
singcg_hkg@sgmfa.gov.sg singtr_tpe@mfa.sg
Email:
singemb_bej@sgmfa.gov.sg Website: Website:
http://www.mfa.gov.sg/hongkong/ https://www1.mfa.gov.sg/taipei
Website:
http://www.mfa.gov.sg/beijing/Homecoming
BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY
• Say your goodbyes and ‘thank-
yous’
• 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 post-
programme reportHomecoming
THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU RETURN
1. Share your summer experience with future participants by submitting a post-programme report
2. Complete the i-SP Evaluation Survey
3. 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://www.nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php @NUSPeerAdvisors
5. Help out at i-SP outreach activities and help your juniors prepare for their i-SP journey aheadPRE-DEPARTURE VIDEO https://share.nus.edu.sg/goabroad/Video/Pre-Departure_Video.wmv
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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