UK & Ireland Pre-Departure Briefing for - NUS
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Pre-Departure Briefing for UK & Ireland Monday, 23rd April 2018
Shona Gillies-Grant, Manager (U-wide Exchanges) Global Relations Office groskg@nus.edu.sg
Who are we? Global Relations Office (GRO) What can we do for you?
Agenda 1. Highlights of SEP 2. Preparing for SEP 3. What to expect at your destination 4. Settling in 5. Homecoming 6. Sim cards 7. Sharing by returning NUS exchange students
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?
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
AY2016/17
99%
were either extremely satisfied or
satisfied with their exchange
98%
would recommend SEP to other
students
PRE-DEPARTURE VIDEO https://share.nus.edu.sg/goabroad/Video/Pre-Departure_Video.wmv
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 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 (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 • No entry visa is required if you are holding a Singapore passport • 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. The fee for this card is €300 and 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-visaPreparing for SEP
VISA – United Kingdom
Tier 4 Visa Short Term Study Visa
A full-year exchange A semester exchange
Apply in advance via agent before you go to UK. Apply in advance via agent:
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 one week in advance and one week after
exchange stated in the letter of offer from host the end of the exchange duration or no longer than 6 months
university
Allow to work while holding Tier 4 visa Cannot work while holding Short Term Study Visa
Many other supporting documents are required (i.e. Do not need to submit too many supporting documents. English
English Proficiency evidence). Refer to the links given proficiency supporting documents based on host university’s
discretions.
15 days of application time if you apply in Singapore Given upon entering UK for nationality that does not require an
entry visaPreparing 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. Pay approx. £85 if you have to apply for the Short-Term Study Visa in Singapore via the authorised agent
TIER 4 STUDENT VISA
1. Please refer to https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa.
2. Stricter requirements
3. Have to pay an additional £150 in order to receive free health services under the National Health
Service whilst in the UK. This surcharge is mandatory and must be paid by 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 is extremely 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 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
English Proficiency
Host University IELTS/TOEFL Host University IELTS/TOEFL
Imperial College London Yes. Or: Certified photocopies of Durham University No*
Updates from PUs on
GCE “O” or “A” level certificates
with Grade B or better for English
English Proficiency
University of Nottingham Yes. Or: Photocopies of GCE “O” University of Birmingham No* (subject to change)
or “A” level certificates with Grade
B or better for English
University College London Yes. Or: Photocopies of GCE “O” University of Glasgow No*
or “A” level certificates with Grade * Provide photocopies of GCE
B or better for English
“O” or “A” level certificates
Newcastle University No*. Maybe an entrance test or King’s College London No* with at least Grade C or better
random interview upon admission
for English or other recognized
University of Liverpool Maybe* University of York No*
certificates to prove English
University of St Andrews No* University of Bristol No*
proficiency level. Some
University of Manchester No* University of Leeds No* subjects at host universities will
University of Sheffield No* University of Edinburgh No* require at least Grade B for
University of Bath No* Trinity College Dublin No* English language on the GCE
University College Dublin No* “O” level certificate.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 - £1,900Preparing 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.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/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 2 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 costsWhat 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 waterWhat 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 timeWhat 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 discussionWhat 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 exchangeWhat 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. Student 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/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_singapor
e_citizens/advice_for_singaporeans_going_overseas/Travel%20Notice%20Booklet/2012/
MFA%20Booklet%20English.pdfSettling 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 Information System – NUS SIS
• 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 yourselfSettling 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
activitiesSettling 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.sgSettling 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 112Settling 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 999Homecoming
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
reportHomecoming
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/iro/sep/pals/pals.html @NUSPeerAdvisors
5. Help out at SEP outreach activities and help your juniors prepare for their SEP journey aheadSEP 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/
TAKE PART IN THE
Be a SEP Ambassador for Singapore and NUS!
SESSION ONE SESSION TWO
Date : 15 May 2018 Date : 5 July 2018
Time : 2.30pm – 4pm Time : 2.30pm – 4pm
Venue : Global Lounge Venue : Global Lounge
Shaw Foundation Alumni House, L1 Shaw Foundation Alumni House, L1W 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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