Singapore: Information for Parents

Program Director: 
Naomi Githae 
Assistant Director of International Programs 
Office of International Programs, HU 136 
Phone: 410-617-2910 
ngithae@loyola.edu

Thank you for your interest in our study abroad programs! The goal of this page is to help you better understand the Singapore semester study abroad exchange program and highlight distinguishing features and components that will interest you as a parent. More detailed and updated information are given to your son or daughter in information sessions, academic reviews, workshops, and pre-departure orientations. Once you read this information, we strongly encourage you to speak with your son/daughter who might be able to fill in some of the gaps. Please know all information is given to the students and we ask students to share all of this with you.

Sending students abroad is a partnership with students, parents and the university. We realize that you will have questions and if our website or your son/daughter cannot answer those questions, we will be happy to discuss the study abroad process and program information with you. However, due to the FERPA federal regulation, we will not be able to discuss specific information regarding your son/daughter; however, if your son/daughter is willing to sign a waiver form indicating the specific information to be shared with you, we will be more than happy to discuss specific matters regarding your son/daughter.

We hope you find this information helpful in assisting your son/daughter to accomplish his or her goal of learning, living, and serving abroad. We look forward to working with you and your son/daughter.

Program Brief

Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been southeast Asia's most modern city for over a century. The capital city, also called Singapore, covers about a third of the area of the main island. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian, and English cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and culinary opportunities from which to choose. In addition, Singapore offers luxury hotels, delectable cuisine and great shopping! Because of its efficient and determined government, Singapore has become a flourishing country that excels in trade and tourism and is a model to developing nations.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was founded in 1955, and has quickly established itself as a well-known and important university in Asia. All classes are taught in English with some of the best known educators in the world. While NTU has one of the largest engineering colleges in the world, it also includes a top-ranked business school, and the more recently established College of Science, and College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. NTU is ranked in the top 25 technology universities in the world, and well within the top 100 comprehensive universities in the world.  NTU has 20,000 undergraduate and almost 9,000 graduate students; 4,000 of those students are internationals. Get a good picture of international exchange Residence Life & Housing at NTU.

This exchange program is open to all students however communication students have the most classes to choose from during the semester. Business students can find classes in finance, information systems and marketing. There are a limited number of history and literature classes available.

Travel to Singapore

Students make their own arrangements for travel to Singapore. We strongly suggest that student use a travel agent as they may assist should events alter itineraries at the last moment.  Loyola University Maryland uses Frosch Travel International in Baltimore, MD.  Ms. Alice Wilcox handles all of Loyola’s arrangements, and can also be reached by email at alice.wilcox@frosch.com or by phone at 410-433-9300.

Students fly into Singapore via Singapore International Airport (SIN). Students go to the dorm which is located about 40 minutes away by taxi. All signs and almost all cab drivers speak English and the Singaporean Dollar (S$) is the currency used in transactions.

Please note that often flights from the east coast of the U.S. "lose a day." This means that often you will arrive two days after you leave. The flight can be from 21-24 hours long with layovers. Therefore, student should bring change of clothing and any daily medicine in their carry-on bag.

Visa

Loyola students who have a U.S. passport will start the process to get a student pass (student visa) while they are in the U.S. and complete it after they have arrived in Singapore. The price of the student pass is less than $100 currently. The process is done online and requires the students to have a valid passport and ability to upload documents electronically. The office of international programs will assist in this procedure.

Airlines/Baggage

Airlines have lately been changing flight schedules and routes so baggage and other fees or benefits cannot be guaranteed.

It is very important that your son/daughter check the airline website to make sure that their luggage complies with weight restrictions and number of bag restrictions. International flights are very strict about luggage size and weight and it is something that can change, so checking the website periodically as your student prepares to go is highly suggested.

On-Site Support

To assist exchange students with the transition to NTU an exchange student orientation and a new student orientation are given at the beginning of each semester. Both programs assist in acclimating students to their new academic environment. Loyola University Maryland relies on the professional Residence Life & Housing staff of NTU. NTU’s Counseling Centre assists students with counseling on health, study techniques, and relationships.

Housing in Singapore

Resident Halls are located on the NTU Campus. Rooms are furnished with a bed, mattress, study table, chair, wardrobe, bookshelf, and soft board (to pin notes on, etc.). Each room is fitted with window coverings such as venetian blinds or curtains, lighting and a fan. There are Ethernet connections in each room. Room deposits are made prior to arrival and the remainder is paid once students arrive. Housing is considerable cheaper in Singapore with rents per semester ranging from $900-$1,200.

More information on the resident halls can be found of NTU’s Accommodation Website.

Criteria for Acceptance

For the Loyola study abroad program in Singapore, students must have a minimum of 3.00 CQPA. They should apply to Loyola’s international program office by Dec. 1, of their sophomore year, in order to be considered for fall or spring semester spots in their junior year. Disciplinary records from the school’s office of Residence Life & Housing are taken into consideration when reviewing applications. Students should mark down second and third choices in the event that we cannot offer them a spot in the Singapore exchange program. There are usually five available spots for the each semester.  Lastly, it is required that students can find classes in this program that fit into their Loyola degree program.

Benefits

Students will have all grades, credits and course transfer back to Loyola University Maryland. Loyola Financial Aid applies. Housing and board is considerably cheaper in Singapore than in the U.S.

Money and Banking

We do not encourage students to open up a bank account in Singapore. It is best to keep using their U.S. bank account.  They will still have access to their U.S. bank accounts through the ATMs in Singapore. You should check with your bank to make sure that the student’s debit/credit card will work overseas, and find out what fees are associated with using the account internationally. Students in the past have recommended withdrawing the maximum allowed from ATMs while in Singapore, and then keeping their cash in their bedrooms while bringing out only the amount that they need each time they leave home. Students will be able to withdraw money from any ATM. Credit/debit cards are not as widely accepted in Singapore as they are in the U.S. People tend to use cash more frequently for small and large purchases.  Students should make sure that they are signed up for web banking for all accounts that they will be using overseas.  That way they can monitor any fees that are being charged, as well as know their balance in American dollars. Check http://www.xe.com for the current currency conversion for the Singapore Dollars (SGD).

Expenses While Abroad

NTU charges all students: amenities fees, computer fees, copyright fees, medical insurance, sports fee, and student health services fee. The total amount for the previous fees is less than $110 but must be paid in Singapore Dollars (<135S$) when students arrive.