|
SMU - SINGAPORE MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY Program Level: Undergraduate Number of Weeks/Term: 14 |
- Background
- Location Information
- Program Dates
- Host Institution
- Academic Information
- Academic Disciplines
- Credit Transfer Information
- Eligibility Requirements
- Program Costs
- Housing and Meals
- Insurance
- Extracurricular Activities
- Climate
- VISA & Passport Information
- Your Next Steps
- Experiences of Former Students
- Contact Details
BACKGROUND
Georgia Tech (GT) has developed a number of overseas programs around the globe. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a portion of their academic programs in top-notch foreign universities that are partnered with GT. As a result of immersion in a foreign academic and cultural environment, students have the maximum opportunity to learn to operate effectively in an atmosphere that is wholly different from that of GT and the U.S.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Singapore
Singapore is a city/state located on an island about the size of Atlanta inside I-285. It is connected by bridge to Malaysia and is very near other South East Asia countries and is connected to the rest of the world via its fantastic airline. Singapore has a population of around 4 million. Singapore is a multicultural city. There are three major ethnic groups - Chinese (80%), Indian (10%) and Malaysian (10%). Relations among these ethnic groups are excellent. In addition, there is a smaller American/European population. Each ethnic group continues to celebrate its own culture and language. However, the common language for Singapore is English.
Singapore was colonized by the British as a port that would serve as a hub for moving goods between Europe and East Asia. To this day, that is the major industrial activity. Singapore has a very active international airport with flights around the world (Singapore Airlines is rated as one of the best commercial airlines in the world) and a very large and productive sea port that continues to be one of the major ports for transporting goods to and from East Asia. Singapore also has two of the leading universities in Asia and these universities host students from around the region.
Singapore is a vibrant and exciting city. It has all of the amenities of a large city including shopping, cultural events, clubs and bars and a variety of types of restaurants. There is an excellent transportation system including buses and subways. Singapore provides an easy entry into Asia because everyone speaks English and because it has the comfortable feel of large Western cities but with the obvious location and populations of Asia.
PROGRAM DATES
Fall Term: mid August - late November
Spring Term: early January - mid April
Academic Year: mid August - mid April
NOTE: Students may participate in this program for the fall, spring, or for a full academic year.
YEAR PROGRAM STARTED:
2005
HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Singapore Management University is located in the historic Bras Basah district of Singapore's city center and has a student population of approximately 5,000.
SMU is modeled after the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The Wharton model for SMU's broad-based curriculum is adapted for the challenges of doing business for the world, from Asia. It adopts a flexible, multidisciplinary approach towards managing the increasingly complex demands of modern businesses, notably with an emphasis on computer literacy and technology, company internships, business visits and student exchange programs. The objective is to develop well-rounded students with the ability to focus on specialized careers. Their curriculum equips students with a total skill set comprising hard knowledge skills (analytical thinking and problem solving) and soft people skills (communication, presentation, leadership, and team-building). Their state-of-the-art campus is completely wireless and is equipped with high-tech teaching tools. Currently, SMU has 141 partner universities in 41 countries and promotes exchange programs to all of its undergraduates.
The OIE advisor for this program visited the campus in March 2008. To see pictures of campus and to learn more about this school and surrounding areas, please view the following slideshow click here
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Subject Areas Available:
- Accounting
- Economics
- International Affairs
- Literature, Communication, and Culture
- Management
- Modern Languages
- Psychology
- Public Policy
- Sociology
Course Information
For detailed course information: click here Top
CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
Credit for courses taken as part of GT exchange programs is added as transfer credit on the GT transcript. Since it is important to know which kind of credit students will earn abroad as soon as possible, GT requires that courses be pre-approved for transfer. With a Foreign Credit Approval Form (available from OIE) in hand, and the credit transfer system information (listed below), students should submit course descriptions to the appropriate academic unit to request their approval. If taking Math classes, for example, then the student should go to the GT School of Mathematics to get permission for the courses to transfer to GT. If approved, the GT School of Mathematics signs the Foreign Credit Approval Form showing how the courses will transfer so that students will know which type of credit they should expect to receive.
For detailed credit transfer instructions click here
For the Foreign Credit Approval Form click here
CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This information is intended for undergraduates students only. Graduate students must speak with their academic unit to to determine the acceptance of transfer credits.
SMU uses the following credit transfer system:
1 SMU credit = 3.12 GT credit
GRADING SYSTEM
SMU uses the following grading system listed below:
SMU Grade = US Grade
80-100 = A
70-79 = B
60-69 = C
50-59 = D
0-49 = F
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
PROGRAM COSTS
The same matriculation, tuition and other mandatory fees (including transportation, technology, activity, health, and athletic) apply to a term abroad as would normally apply at Georgia Tech. Exchange students must pay tuition and fees to the GT Bursar for each semester they are abroad. No other expenses associated with this program are paid to GT; instead, these expenses are paid on site.
The currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar. Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the newspaper or click here for the most current rates.
DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! See the OIE web site for more info: click here
Following are cost estimates for one semester at SMU that may help you prepare for your term(s) abroad. All costs are in USD.
In State Tuition $3,035 Out of State Tuition $3,285 GT Mandatory Fees $818 Books and Supplies $250 Administrative and/or Application fees $0 Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals) $1,035 Roundtrip Airfare $1,700 Room and Board $4,550 Additional Language Instruction $0 Mandatory Insurance $150 Total $11,538 (in state) $11,788 (out of state)
*Out-of-state students pay in state tuition, plus $250 for this exchange program.
*Costs in the preceding chart are estimates for undergraduates based on tuition rates posted by the GT Bursar for "continuing students." Guaranteed tuition rates, graduate tuition rates, and MBA tuition rates vary. Please check the GT Bursar's web site click here to confirm actual tuition rates based on degree, term, or level of study. Actual costs may be higher or lower than those listed above, depending on the exchange rate and personal spending habits/needs.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Housing
SMU does not have on-campus housing for international students; they recommend exchange students live only off-campus in a condominium. Students will receive housing options in the acceptance packet issued by SMU. The Office of Student Life will also provide housing assistance to all international students. Students should stay at a backpacker's lodge (hostel) upon arriving in Singapore. Student groups of 4-5 can then look for an apartment or condominium to rent for the semester. For more information click here.
Meals
INSURANCE
Students participating in this program will be required to purchase a Student Personal Accident Policy and Medical Insurance through SMU. Please see click here for more details. This cost is included in the above cost estimates for the program.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Office of Student Life (OSL) works closely with the SMU Sports Union (SSU) to offer aerobics and Learn to Play Instructional classes for students ranging from golf to rock climbing. SMU boasts a large gym, rock climbing wall, and roof-top outdoor pool.
Presently, there are 31 athletic Co-Curricula Clubs (CCA) in SMU. These are registered with the Students' Association (SA) that promotes participation in a particular sporting activity. Each club varies in its objectives and may be instructional, recreational or competitive in nature.
ExPLOR is a Leadership program offered under the Office of Student Life (OSL). This program is intended to create opportunities for peer leadership through Experiential Education. It uses different outdoor skill-building platforms to develop the human potential for active involvement, appreciating differences, critical thinking, teamwork, personal responsibility, lifelong learning, challenge and communication.
ExPLOR provides a series of broad-based programs where students embark on this program to become Leaders and move on to inspire and lead their peers, build working relationship with organizations and engage in problem-solving opportunities in "real world" setting. It is also an opportunity for students to draw direct relevance to the outdoor learning that is taking place through "experience" and the lessons drawn from the classroom.
CLIMATE
Singapore's climate is mostly hot and humid with average temperatures ranging between 79ºF and 86º F during the day with cooler temperatures at night. The wettest months are between November and January (monsoon season); however rainfall occurs throughout the year. Rainstorms are usually short but heavy, so remember to take an umbrella.
There are four seasons:
1. North-East Monsoon Season (December to March)
Northeast winds sometimes reaching 20 km/hr. Cloudy climatic state covers from December and January with frequent afternoon rainfalls. Occurrence of widespread moderate to hard rain lasts from 1 to 3 days at the extension. It is relatively drier in February until early March. Also normally windy with wind speeds sometimes reaching 30 to 40 km/hr from January to February.
2. Pre South-West Monsoon (April to May)
Light and alterable winds, with afternoon and early evening heavy rains, including frequent thunder.
3. South-West Monsoon Season (June to September)
Southeast and Southwest winds. Early morning "Sumatra," Line squalls normally happens in this misty period.
4. Pre North-East Monsoon (October to November)
Moderate to alterable winds with sea breezes in the afternoon. Also, thunders and rainfalls in the late afternoon and early evening.
VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
Complete information about how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is available from the GT Office of International Education or online: click here
In order to enter Singapore, you must have a passport that is valid six months beyond the dates of your stay. Students must also be able to provide proof of sufficient funds and a round-trip or return ticket upon entry to Singapore. A visa is required for U.S. citizens studying in Singapore for more than three months. Non-U.S. citizens who participate in this program should contact the Embassy of Singapore to ask whether or not it will be necessary to apply for a visa. You may choose to wait until you receive correspondence from the overseas institution, as they will provide more information on obtaining necessary entry documents. For further information regarding visas click here.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:
EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
click here
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Jennifer Evanuik, Study Abroad Advisor (Exchange Programs)
GT Office of International Education
631 Cherry Street
Savant Building, Suite 211
Atlanta, GA 30332-0284
Phone: (404)894-7475 Fax: (404)894-9682
E-mail: jennifer.evanuik@oie.gatech.edu
OIE web site: click here
Host/Program Web Site: click here
Singapore
Singapore
Asia
Semester
14
12
English
For more info, contact OIE.
Can I go abroad while pursuing a GT degree?
GT students have many opportunities to participate in semester/exchange and study abroad programs. In a semester program, you actually take classes with the host universitys students and faculty. (In some cases, this means that you must have excellent knowledge of the local language to participate). Semester program participants usually pay normal GT tuition and fees for each term abroad. Credits can be pre-approved to transfer back to GT so that you do not get behind in your studies. The application deadline for fall and academic year programs is in early February; for spring programs the deadline is in September/October.
In a study abroad program, the courses are taught by GT faculty and you register for regular GT courses. Residents pay normal matriculation fees, but do not pay ancillary fees (athletic, health, etc.). Non-residents only pay resident matriculation plus $250 ($1500 for GTL Summer/$2000 for GTL Spring/Fall) . This is a savings of over $6,000 for out-of-state students who participate in GT study abroad programs as full-time students! Deadlines for summer study abroad programs vary from early January to mid-February.
In most cases, if you are eligible for financial aid or scholarships, you can apply your grants, scholarships, and/or loans toward the expenses associated with participating in all GT programs.
GTs International Plan: More than just study abroad
Your major is participating in this new initiative!
The International Plan is an intensive, degree-long program designed to prepare GT graduates professionally and personally for successful lives in the 21st century. Requirements of the program include international coursework, two terms abroad (any combination of study, research or internship abroad), proficiency in a second language, and a culminating course. Students who complete the program will have a designation on their diploma indicating completion of the degree with global competence: for example, BS in Mechanical Engineering: International Plan. For more information or an application, contact your major advisor or OIE and visit the website: click here