UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS

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UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
Pre-Departure Briefing for
UK & Ireland
Tuesday, 7th May 2019
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
Shona Gillies-Grant,
Manager (U-wide Exchanges)
Global Relations Office

  groskg@nus.edu.sg
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
Who are we?
Global Relations Office (GRO)

 What can we do for you?
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
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
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
What to Expect at Your Destination

QUIZ TIME!
1. What age is Queen Elizabeth II?

2. What is the population of Scotland?

3. In which railway station can you find the Harry Potter trolley at Platform 9 ¾?

4. Name a famous drink from Ireland…

5. Which city are The Beatles from?
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - 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)
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
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
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
SATISFACTION SURVEY
     AY2016/17
             99%
were either extremely satisfied or
  satisfied with their exchange

             98%
 would recommend SEP to other
           students
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
PRE-DEPARTURE VIDEO
https://share.nus.edu.sg/goabroad/Video/Pre-Departure_Video.wmv
UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
PRE-DEPARTURE VIDEO
https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/go-abroad/ug/
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 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 (letter/email) from the
                      host university and gotten your visa (if applicable).
                    • Arrive at least 2 weeks before study period and
                      attend orientation programme.
Preparing for SEP

VISA – Ireland
 • Students studying in Ireland need to provide proof of having insurance
   coverage as part of visa application. Please refer to individual host
   university offer letter for more information
   1. UCD International Student Handbook
   2. TCD
   3. UCC
 • No entry visa is required if you are holding a Singapore passport (subject
   to change)
 • Register at Garda National Immigration Bureau within 1 month after
   arrival at host university. The GNIB will issue you with a residence
   permit/GNIB card. There is a fee for this card which must be paid by
   credit card, laser card or bank transfer. This fee cannot be paid in cash.
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom
                        https://www.gov.uk/
                        check-uk-visa
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom
Tier 4 Visa                                           Short Term Study Visa
A full-year exchange                                  A semester exchange

Apply in advance before you go to UK.                 You can apply in advance (charges apply):
http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/singapore/. Need to pay    http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/singapore/ OR:
£328 (subject to change).                             Get the stamp on your passport when you are clearing the
                                                      custom in UK (depends on nationality). This is free!
Visa validity is based on start and end date of the   The visa is usually valid for no longer than 6 months
exchange stated in the letter of offer from host
university
Allowed to work while holding Tier 4 visa             Cannot work while holding Short Term Study Visa
Many other supporting documents are required (i.e.    English proficiency supporting documents based on host
English Proficiency evidence).                        university’s discretions.
Applications times vary.                              Do not use eGates on arrival into the UK.
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom
  SHORT TERM STUDY VISA                    Do not enter UK via Ireland!
  For the application of Short Term Study Visa, you must bring along ALL original supporting documents listed
  on UK Visa and Immigration portal.
  1. https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa/documents-you-must-provide
  2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents
  3. Payment required if you have to apply for the Short-Term Study Visa in advance.

  TIER 4 STUDENT VISA

  1. Please refer to https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa.
  2. Stricter requirements
  3. Have to pay additional costs in order to receive free health services under the National Health Service
     whilst in the UK. This surcharge is mandatory and must be paid together with the application for a Tier 4
     Student Visa.
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom
 • The application for Tier 4/ Short-term study visa could take from 15 days to 3 months. This
   process can be slow and there is nothing NUS or you can do to speed up or help the process.
   So get your application correct the first time ! Or engage an authorized agent to do it for
   you. (http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/singapore/applicationcentre.html)
 • For visa applications there is a requirement for financial documentation. Read the
   requirements carefully – the bank account may need to be in YOUR name or require a
   notarized birth certificate (in English!)
 • CAS letter issued by the supporting UK university is required for Tier 4 Visa. Each UK
   university has their internal system to clear before they can process the CAS number for you.
 • ALWAYS check the latest information from UK Visa and Immigration’s website:
   https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom
 English proficiency supporting documents. Different universities have different requirements!

 NUS students should bring along original and photocopies of :
 - GCE “O”, “A” level certificates, SIPCAL certificates with English Language of Grade B or
   better; or
 - IELTS exam results of less than 2 years old and of at least 6.5 for reading, writing,
   listening, speaking; or
 - IB with English of grade B or better

 to prove their English language proficiency as part of their application to host universities in
 UK and for clearing the UK customs.
 • https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa/documents-you-must-providehttps://www.gov.uk/study-visit-
   visa/documents-you-must-provide
 • https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/knowledge-of-english
Preparing for SEP

    HEALTH & INSURANCE
•    NUS insurance: refer to: http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/services/billing-insurance/insurance-
     matters.html

•    Read through the coverage from the NUS Students Travel Insurance:
     http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/InsuranceCoverforOfficialNUSTrips.html.

•    Have 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 if
     the NUS insurance coverage is not enough to meet the host university’s requirements or host
     country’s immigration policy

•    Copy and save the emergency hotline numbers in your notebook / smart phone and bring a copy of
     your insurance policy on your exchange

•    Report accident/loss at the earliest possible opportunity.
Preparing for SEP

COST OF LIVING - Dublin
                                                        On-campus
                   Item                        (shared /single/catered/non-             Private flat (shared /single)
                                                          catered)
 Rent                                                   €545 - €1008                            €400 - €1,000
 Food                                                    €250 - €350                             €250 - €450
 Gas/electricity                                              €33                                 €40 - €80

 Internet/ telecommunication                              €20 - €40                               €20 - €40

 Local Transportation (Bus)                                  €119                                    €119
 Printing, stationery, books                              €75 - €100                              €75 - €100

 Clothes, Social, Miscellaneous                          €175 - €200                             €175 - €200

 Total per month                                       €1,217 - €1,850                         €1,079 - €1,989
Students are advised to budget for any initial costs you will likely incur (e.g. short term accommodation upon arrival in Dublin or
make a deposit for accommodation which might be the equivalent of 4 weeks rent).
Preparing for SEP

COST OF LIVING - London
                                                               Per year (39 weeks)                      Per week (39/52 weeks)

Rent                                                           £8,034                                   £206 (average)
Food                                                           £1,950                                   £50
Household goods                                                £390                                     £10
Insurance                                                      £64.74                                   £1.66
Personal items*                                                £2,223                                   £57
Leisure items**                                                £975                                     £25
Travel***                                                      £881.40                                  £22.60
Books and equipment (includes laptop)                          £585                                     £15
Total                                                          £15,103.14                               £387.26
Costs note
* Personal items include clothing, mobile phone bills, medical expenses, toiletries and other small personal items.

** Leisure items include hobbies, sport, entertainment subscriptions, social and cultural activities.

***Travel can vary according to where your accommodation is located. This is the price for a weekly zone 1 Student Oyster pass.
Preparing for SEP

COST OF LIVING - Edinburgh
                              University room in halls (shared
                                                                 Private flat (shared /single)
                              /single/catered/non-catered)

Rent                          £360 - £700                        £600 - £1,200
Food                          £140 - £250                        £200 - £350
Gas/electricity               Usually included in rent           £40-£80
Internet/ TV package          £20 - £60                          £35 - £85
Mobile phone                  £10 - £50                          £10 - £50
Laundry/toiletries            £10-£40                            £10 - £40
Local Transportation (Bus)    £45                                £45
Printing, stationery, books   £25 - £50                          £25 - £50
Total per month               £610 - £1,195                      £965 - £1,900
Preparing for SEP

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – DOCUMENTS
□   Valid passport and visa                                □    Medical records (including vaccinations) –
                                                                depends on exchange location
□   Proof of acceptance by PU
                                                           □    Insurance
□   Approved Study Plan from NUS
                                                           □    Forms of identification (ISIC youth card, driving
□   NUS transcripts (to facilitate module registration)
                                                                license, etc.)
□   Proof of financial support
                                                           □    Bank draft/ credit or debit card/ cash
□   Letter confirming accommodation
                                                           □    Confirmed return flight tickets
□   Receipts of payments made (housing, admin fees,
                                                           □    List of emergency contacts
    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    □   Laptop
□   First-aid kit           □   Hairdryer
□   Medication              □   Digital camera
□   Adaptors and chargers   □   Photos and souvenirs of NUS/ Singapore
□   Umbrella/ raincoat      □   Foodstuff
□   Appropriate footwear    □   Passport photos
Preparing for SEP

PACK IT RIGHT FOR YOUR FLIGHT

     Food?                                                          Cash?
Medicine?                                                      Laptop?

     Toiletries?
                                                                  Power bank?
             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/co
   mmon/preLoginEregisterView.action.
 • International students should contact their
   country’s diplomatic missions.
 • NS men must notify MINDEF of their trip and
   apply for the Exit Permit if required at
   www.ns.sg.
What to Expect at Your Destination
                                     ABOUT UK & Ireland
                                     • 17 U-wide PUs in UK and 3 U-wide PUs in
                                       Ireland
                                     • 9 Fac-level PUs in UK and 1 Fac-level PU in
                                       Ireland
                                     • There are four countries in the UK
                                     • Northern Ireland is different from Ireland
                                     • Bring along PU acceptance letter whenever
                                       you travel
                                     • Big cities are more cosmopolitan. Some
                                       cities are considered as more “English” –
                                       Durham, York, Leeds, etc.
                                     • Read the history between Ireland and UK
                                     • Clothing could be cheaper in the UK
                                     • Cook your own meal to save costs
What to Expect at Your Destination

    WEATHER (AUTUMN/WINTER)
•    Air will be dry – put on lots of moisturiser.
•    Have a waterproof/ water resistant, warm coat with
     hood with you; the weather can change rapidly
•    Waterproof / water resistant backpack
•    Shorter daylight with cold weather could cause
     depression.
•    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.
•    Drink lots of water
What to Expect at Your Destination

    WEATHER (SPRING/SUMMER)
•    It might still be cold when you arrive – check the weather
     before you leave and pack accordingly.
•    Bring along an umbrella or poncho as there might be bouts
     of showers in spring.
•    In spring, more people will be susceptible to flu and cough.
•    In summer, the sun rises early and sets maybe about 9pm.
•    The weather in summer can be very sunny and feel
     scorching.
•    Drink lots of water.
•    Put on lots of sunblock and moisturiser, and bring along a
     pair of sunglasses.
•    Tune your watch accordingly to keep track of time
What to Expect at Your Destination

ACADEMIC CULTURE
•   Less contact time, more self-directed learning
•   Confirmation of modules is only possible when you are physically on campus
•   Examination dates are released closer to the end of the semester
•   Examination format could be conducted differently
•   Be reasonable and respectful. Early assessment for semester 1 exchange might not be
    approved by host university.
•   There might not be continuous assessment
•   Project work is expected, please be present for group work
•   Attendance will be taken at the host university
•   Be more active in class discussion
What to Expect at Your Destination

 CITY or CAMPUS UNIVERSITY ?
City University                                                   Campus University
Courses from various faculties and departments are pocketed       All faculties/schools/departments are situated
all around the city. Travelling between faculties / departments   within close proximity which is accessible by
could easily take 15 to 30 minutes bus rides. Some faculties      walking or internal shuttle buses.
are even situated on the outskirts of the city.
Limited university accommodation for students. University         University accommodation can usually be found
accommodation is also pocketed all around the city                within the campus compound.
Student clubs, societies, and activities might be dispersed and   There is usually a centrally located Student Union
not as accessible                                                 where students can find different student clubs,
                                                                  societies, activities, etc.
Facilities such as gym, swimming pool, computer labs, library     There is usually a centrally located sports facility,
are not found in close proximity, depending on which              libraries and study areas within the campus
faculty/school the student is attached to while on exchange
What to Expect at Your Destination

ACCOMMODATION
• Take photographs of your accommodation during check-in and check-out
• If needed, prepare a checklist of the items you received in your room and
  which you have returned at the end of the exchange
• Read the small print before signing any rental contracts
• Arrive at least a week before term starts to check-out possible
  accommodation options
• Accommodate, mitigate, or request for room change if necessary
What to Expect at Your Destination

ACCOMMODATION - UK
• London – university accommodation is not guaranteed. Students might
  need to source for private accommodation
• Outside of London – depends on the host university. Some university
  accommodation is allocated on first-come-first serve basis if students apply
  before the stipulated deadline
• Some universities have more vacancy for university accommodation in
  semester 2
What to Expect at Your Destination

ACCOMMODATION - Ireland
• Dublin – university accommodation is not guaranteed. There is a severe
  housing shortage in the city of Dublin, especially for Trinity College Dublin
• Cork– university accommodation is not guaranteed too due to housing
  shortage in Cork. However, host university will try to allocate university
  accommodation to non-European exchange students.
• Some university accommodation is allocated on first-come-first serve basis if
  students apply before the stipulated deadline
• Students might need to source for private accommodation
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 safely is the
  most important.
• Ask locals about any dangerous areas
  or locations that should be avoided.
What to Expect at Your Destination

LIFESTYLE
• “In Rome, do what the Romans do” ?
• Different cities might have different vibes even if the cities are
  in the same country
• Download this app: CultureCompass
• Stay open-minded and try not to generalise
• Get involved in the student activities at host university
• Expand your social network
What to Expect at Your Destination

USEFUL RESOURCES
•   Partner university specific information:
    http://www.nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php
•   Read seniors’ reports of host university:
    https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/SEP%20Report/Forms/AllItems.aspx
Settling In

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SEMESTER
•   Take note of all important academic dates and not miss any deadlines!
•   If your semester overseas overlaps with the new NUS semester. If early assessments is
    possible, inform your Dean’s Office about your late return to NUS. NUS Faculties/Schools
    seldom invigilate partner universities’ examination in NUS.
•   Synchronise all your email accounts (host university, NUS, personal) to receive important
    notices and announcements frequently.
•   Update your local contact number to NUS Student System
•   Always call home to alert your parents/guardian about your travels to different countries.
•   Reply to GRO if contacted to request for status updates
•   Ask for help if the problem cannot be resolved by yourself
Settling In

MITIGATING CULTURE SHOCK
                      •   Recognise feelings of surprise,
                          disorientation, confusion,
                          frustration etc. is normal
                            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
                          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. (e.g. alcohol, drugs, etc.)

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

USEFUL CONTACTS
•   Make your own list of emergency contacts
    1. Embassies/ High Commissions: www.mfa.gov.sg
    2. Local emergencies numbers (e.g. Police, ambulance, fire brigade, etc)
    3. Host university emergency hotline(s)
    4. Credit card and bank telephone numbers
    5. Insurance hotlines
    6. NUS Emergency contact: +65 6874 1616 (24 hours)
Settling In

USEFUL CONTACTS – United Kingdom
High Commission of The    High Commission of The Republic of Singapore - London
Republic of Singapore -
London                    Address: 9 Wilton Crescent Belgravia London SW1X 8SP
                          Tel: 0207 235 8315
                          Fax: 0207 245 6583
                          E-Mail: singhc_lon@mfa.sg

                          Operational Hours: Mon - Fri
                          General: 9am to 1pm; 2pm to 5pm

                          Counter service/visa hours (open to the public): 9.30am to 12.30pm
                          Closed on Sat, Sun, UK Bank Holidays and Singapore National Day
Police                    999 or 112
Ambulance                 999 or 112
Fire Brigade              999 or 112
Settling In

USEFUL CONTACTS – Ireland
Consulate-General of the          Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore - Ireland (Dublin)
Republic of Singapore - Ireland   Honorary Consul-General
(Dublin)
Honorary Consul-General           Mr Ronald J BOLGER
                                  Address: 2 Ely Place Upper, Dublin 2
                                  Telephone:        001-(353)-1- 669-1700
                                  Telefax : 001-(353)-1- 669-1710
                                  E-mail: ron.bolger@ely.ie
                                  Homepage:         http://www.mfa.gov.sg/dublin

Police                            112 or 999
Ambulance                         112 or 999
Fire Brigade                      112 or 999
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’s deadlines for
                              CORS module bidding and
                              application for on-campus
                              housing

                          •   Prepare and submit your SEP
                              report
Homecoming

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://www.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
SEP

CARBON FOOTPRINT
•     Did you know a return flight Singapore to London equates to 1.74 tonnes of CO2e per Economy class traveler?*

•     NUS is committed to being a global university, but is also aware of and cares about the environment

•     Suggested ways to reduce your carbon footprint:

 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that recycling glass, aluminum, plastic,
  and paper could save 582 pounds of CO2 per year, equivalent to more than 600 miles of driving.**

 Buy less meat. By one estimate, consuming a pound of beef gives off more carbon than burning a gallon of gasoline.**

 Bring your own bags and buy in bulk when possible to reduce packaging.

 Reduce your consumption of bottled water and other packaged drinks.

 For more ideas: https://cotap.org/reduce-carbon-footprint/
* https://calculator.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx?tab=3

**http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/before-the-flood/articles/14-easy-ways-to-reduce-your-own-carbon-footprint/
Cultural intelligence: the competitive edge for leaders | Julia
Middleton | TEDxEastEnd

                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izeiRjUMau4
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 – 4pm                      Time    : 2.30pm – 4pm
Venue   : Global Lounge                     Venue   : Global Lounge
         Shaw Foundation Alumni House, L1            Shaw Foundation Alumni House, L1
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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