SEPtoUSA Pre-Departure Briefing - Global Relations Office 25 April 2018 - NUS
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Pre-Departure Briefing
SEPto USA
Global Relations Office
25 April 2018
Jacob O’Quinn Manager (USA) jacob@nus.edu.sg
Global Relations Office Introduction
Agenda 1. Highlights of SEP 2. Preparing for SEP 3. What to expect at your destination 4. Settling in 5. Homecoming 6. 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
SATISFACTION SURVEY
99.3%
were either extremely satisfied or
satisfied with their exchange
98.9%
would recommend SEP to other
students
PRE-DEPARTURE VIDEO https://share.nus.edu.sg/goabroad/Video/Pre-Departure_Video.wmv
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 packagePreparing for SEP
STUDY PLAN
• Complete the module mapping process via the NUS Student Information System (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.
• Follow your host university’s advice as to when to
arrive that way you can attend the orientation
and/or registration sessions.Preparing for SEP VISA • DS-2019 (aka, “Certificate of Eligibility”, SEVIS generated form) governs your ability to legally stay in the US – make sure you don’t let this expire! Use this form to apply for your student visa at the US Embassy. Both J-1 visa and DS-2019 must be presented upon arrival at immigration. • (I-20 is for F-1 visa students, DS-2019 is for J-1 exchange students) • Cannot enter more than 30 days prior to course/study start date. • I-94 records when you enter/exit the country. Hang on to this – should be stapled in your passport, you will need it when you leave! Make sure the immigration officer at the airport TAKES this card from you when you leave. SEVIS – student & exchange visitor information system.
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 • Most American universities require their exchange students to purchase university health insurance. • Obtain professional advice on the vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases you might be at risk for at your destination • Arrange for a health check-up with your doctor, dentist and optometrist • If you have chronic health problems, you may need to work out a health management plan with you doctor. Make sure your medications are available at your destination or arrange to take them with you • If you are taking medications, please continue • It might be wise to take an adequate supply of prescription medications to last the period of stay
Preparing for SEP COST OF LIVING • Costs vary widely across states and cities in the USA. You should work out a budget covering accommodation, food, transport, clothing and entertainment. • Current exchange rate as at Nov 2017: SGD$1 = US$0.76 • Health care in the USA is notoriously expensive. Please ensure you have adequate health and travel insurance during your time in the States.
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.bePreparing 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 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.
What to Expect at Your Destination QUIZ TIME! 1. Name all 5 states labeled in the picture. 2. What is the capital of USA? 3. In which American city would you find the famous Chrysler Building? 4. What is the population of USA? 5. Which state is known as the Sunshine state?
What to Expect at Your Destination
WEATHER - AUTUMN (FALL) & WINTER
• The air will most likely be drier that Singapore. Be sure to
put on lots of moisturizer (lotion / lip balm).
• Have a good coat with you; the weather can change very
quickly. Shopping in the USA tends to be cheaper than
Singapore, but do your research beforehand!
• You may experience gloominess because you are not
used to the short days and cold weather (especially in
the latter part of the semester).
• 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.What to Expect at Your Destination
WEATHER - AUTUMN (FALL) & WINTER
Hurricane Season runs from 1 June
to 1 November each year, and can
affect the south and east coasts of
the USA.
• August and September tend to
be the most active months; but
with climate change, hurricanes
can happen as late as October
and November.
• If a hurricane is approaching,
the city/state has many days to
prepare. Please follow any
advice from the host university
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/11/us/hurricanes-landfall-by-state-trnd/index.html and/or local officials.What to Expect at Your Destination ACADEMIC CULTURE BE PREPARED FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ACADEMIC CULTURE! • Less scheduled class time • The need to be a more self-directed learner • Less individual attention from professors/lecturers • More active discussion in tutorial classes • An argumentative, not descriptive, style of writing in essays and exams • Few, but heavily weighted, pieces of assessment late in the semester • A different approach to grading assignments
What to Expect at Your Destination COLLEGE SPORTS CULTURE
What to Expect at Your Destination UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
What to Expect at Your Destination ACCOMMODATION • Make sure you have applied for accommodation – sometimes applying for SEP does not mean you have applied for housing. • You may be allowed to check-in only during working hours, so do find out prior to arrival. • If housing is only provided during the semester, find alternative lodging during the periods before and after term. • Check if school hostels provide daily/weekly/monthly rates outside of term time. • For off-campus housing, other than the facade (external and internal), do check out the charges for internet, telephone, electricity, water etc. Ensure that the locale is a safe one. Avoid signing any contract until you are agreeable to all the terms. • Ensure you clean the room before vacating (take photos on arrival and departure).
What to Expect at Your Destination
INTRO TO THE USA
The USA is a BIG, diverse and often very peculiar country!
• Distances are great, so traveling between cities and states will take
time!
• The USA uses Imperial System vs. Metric System. Get used to things
like inches, feet, miles, pounds and ounces!
• 1 mile equals 1.6 Kilometers.
• 1 inch is about 25 millimeters or 2.54 centimeters
• A 3-foot measurement is almost exactly 1 meter
• 1 Kilogram is just over 2 pounds
• 1 pound is about 454 grams
• The USA uses Fahrenheit rather than Calcium
• 0 degrees Celsius = 32 degrees Fahrenheit
• 27 degrees Celsius = 81 degrees Fahrenheit
• In general, religion or politics are not good conversation
starters in the USA (people can get very passionate!).Washington D.C. to Boston
438 miles / 704km / 7+hrs
Atlanta to Miami
663 miles / 1067km / ~9.5hrs
San Diego to Seattle
1,255 miles / 2020km / ~19hrs
Washington D.C. to San Fran
2,812 miles / 4,527km / 42+hrsWhat to Expect at Your Destination
AIR TRAVEL
The major airlines in the United States Flying is relatively more expensive compared to Southeast
are as follows: Asia; but if your host university is near one of the major
hubs, you could get a good deal!
• Alaska Airlines • New York City [JFK airport (More Int’l), LaGuardia-LGA
• Allegiant Air (More Domestic), EWR-Newark (Int’l/Domestic)
• American Airlines • Los Angeles (LAX)
• Delta Air Lines • Chicago (ORD-O’Hare)
• Frontier Airlines • Houston (IAH) – good hub for flights to/from Mexico
• Hawaiian Airlines • Washington D.C. [IAD-Dulles (More Int’l), DCA-Reagan
• JetBlue (More Domestic), BWI-Baltimore-Washington (nearby)
• Southwest Airlines • Atlanta (ATL)
• Spirit Airlines • Miami (MIA) – gateway to Latin America
• United Airlines • Boston (BOS)What to Expect at Your Destination
TRAIN TRAVEL
Northeast
Corridor
(DC to Boston)
The main train service provider is Amtrak; but outside the
Northeast Corridor, parts of the Midwest (in and around
Chicago) and Southern California (Santa Barbara to LA to
San Diego), the connectivity tends to be limited and it is
often more economical to fly, drive or take a bus.What to Expect at Your Destination BUS OR COACH TRAVEL Similar to train travel, bus or coach services tend to be the best in the Northeast Corridor, parts of the Midwest (in and around Chicago) and the West Coast (Washington, Oregon, California). If you have the time, bus services such as Megabus and Greyhound are the cheapest way to get around. Do note: Arrival/departure times can be in the wee hours of the morning and often in the downtown parts of cities. Exercise caution when choosing these bus times, and travel with someone if possible.
What to Expect at Your Destination
DRIVING (CAR RENTALS / HIRES)
Driving in the States is fairly easy.
Most major cities are connected by
the interstate highways. Things to
note:
• USA drives on the opposite side of
the road, and the driver’s seat is
on the left side.
• Be particularly careful in school
zones and around school buses.
Speeding in a school zone and
overtaking a school bus (while it is
dropping off students) are some of
the worst driving offenses (i.e.
have the highest penalties).What to Expect at Your Destination LIFESTYLE – DINING • Dining out in the USA tends to be more expensive. • Portions in the USA are H-U-G-E. If you are at a restaurant, often you can share items for no extra charge, or a small ‘sharing fee’. If you cannot finish, feel free to ask for a ‘to-go’ box (everyone does it!). • Almost all restaurants in the USA serve tap water for free. Just ask for tap or ‘regular’ water. • USA has a strong tipping culture in most bars and restaurants – as well as other service related industries including salons and taxis. In general 15-20% is socially acceptable.
What to Expect at Your Destination LIFESTYLE – SHOPPING • Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price; 4-6% is typical. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices, but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay. The price displayed is rarely the final price you pay. • When making large purchases by credit card, it is common for U.S. retailers to ask to see some form of photo identification. Shops may also ask for photo identification if buying some over-the-counter medicines. • It is very common for shop assistants to greet you and make small talk when you walk into a store. As a result, it is customary to say ‘thank you’ when leaving the store.
What to Expect at Your Destination
LIFESTYLE – ALCOHOL & TOBACCO
• The drinking age in the USA is 21 years old nationwide, and it is strictly
enforced. When purchasing alcohol in either the shop or a restaurant, you
will almost always be asked to show a photo identification with your
birthdate on it.
• The legal age to smoke is 18 years old, and smoking is often NOT permitted
in restaurants, bars, nightclubs or many other covered public area.
• You are NOT allowed to purchase alcohol or cigarettes for someone who
is underage. Police watch for this --especially in college town /
neighborhoods -- so please be mindful!
• States and cities usually have strict open-container laws therefore you
cannot consume alcohol in public spaces (i.e. walking down the street) or
have open containers in the car while driving.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.sgWhat 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.
• Be aware of Fire Escapes in all accommodations
and teaching spacesWhat 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 specific information:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/prog/sep/partner-universities.html
• Partner University application instructions and university information:
https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/Partner%20Univerisity%20SEP%20application%20material%20for%20s/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_citizens/advice
_for_singaporeans_going_overseas/Travel%20Notice%20Booklet/2012/MFA%20Booklet%20English.pdfSettling 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 counselor
• Keep in regular contact with
friends and family back home
• Join university and community
activitiesSettling 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 The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Washington DC Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore to the United Nations in New York The Consulate of the Republic of Singapore in New York The Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in San Francisco https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/newyork- consul/nytcon_embconsulates.html
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’s deadlines for
CORS module bidding and
application for on-campus
housing
• Prepare and submit your SEP
reportTAKE PART IN THE
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
Peer 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/iro/sep/pals/pals.html @NUSPeerAdvisors
5. Help out at SEP outreach activities and help your juniors prepare for their SEP journey aheadBe an SEP Ambassador for Singapore and NUS! SESSION ONE SESSION TWO Date : 15 May 2018 Date : 5 July 2018 Time : 2:30pm to 4:00pm Time : 2:30pm to 4:00pm Venue : NUS Global Lounge Venue : NUS Global Lounge
Thank you and Enjoy your Exchange!
REGIONAL NETWORKING
Universities in the Universities in the Universities in the Universities in the
Northeast Midwest/Central: South: West:
Boston University Carleton College U Texas Austin U Washington-
Boston College U Wisconsin-Madison Texas A&M Seattle
Brandeis U Northwestern U Rice University U Oregon
Cornell U U Illinois Urbana Tulane University U California
U Connecticut Champaign University of Miami (Berkeley, Davis, Irvine,
Merced, Los Angeles,
U Pennsylvania Washington U St. University of Florida Riverside, San Diego, Santa
Penn State University Louis Georgia Tech Barbara, Santa Cruz)
Colgate University Purdue University Emory University U Southern California
Carnegie Mellon U U Notre Dame University of Georgia U Arizona
U Pittsburgh Case Western U North Carolina Arizona State U
University of Maryland Reserve Duke University U Colorado Boulder
George Washington U U Michigan-Ann University of Virginia University of Alaska
Georgetown University Arbor College William & Mary University of HawaiiYou can also read
