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Congratulations on securing a place in theStudent Exchange Programme (SEP). We trustthat you are looking forward to your semesterexchange abroad. While we encourage you togo with an open mind, we want to ensure thatyou are aware of the things you need toprepare before embarking on your SEP journey.Please do read through this pre-departureguide before you leave as the more preparedyou are, the easier it will be for you to settledown into your new environment.
All the best to your final preparations. We wishyou a rewarding SEP experience!
Message from
Global Education (SEP) Team
2
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
PREPARING TO GO 4Mental Preparation 5Know About Your Destination 6Plan Your Itinerary And Budget 7Travel Documents 8Academic Matters 9Travel Arrangements 10Health And Insurance 11Finances 12 Accommodation 13What to Bring 14E-Registration 18
USEFUL RESOURCES 31
Useful Contacts 31
Final Pre-Departure Checklist 31
PREPARING FOR HOME 30
UPON ARRIVAL 19Keeping In Contact 19Settling In 20Cultural Adjustment 22Staying Safe 25Travel Advisories 29Tips To Make The Best Of Your Time 30
3
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO WHILE WAITING FOR MY ACCEPTANCE OFFER
FROM PARTNER UNIVERSITY?
Students often underestimate how tedious the preparation for their exchangecan be. The truth is proper preparation before you leave can take a lot of effortand planning but it can also make your time abroad a lot less stressful. After all,when you get on the plane to your host country, the pains associated withpreparation will soon fade away.
PREPARING TO GO
4
Mental preparation
Know about your destination
Plan your itinerary and
budget
Travel documents
Academic matters
Travel arrangements
Health & insurance
Finance Accommodation
What to bringE-registration
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of preparing for exchange, it is justas important to get your thoughts and emotions sorted out. Take amoment to reflect on what is going on inside your head. Now mightbe a great time to start your own journal!
Why are you going on exchange? What are the 3 goals (academic, social, travel) you are looking to
achieve while abroad? What do you expect living and studying overseas to be like? What are you looking forward to the most? What are you most worried about? What will you miss most from home while abroad?
Keep all these questions on the back of your mind but for now let’scheck out your destination.
MENTAL
PREPARATION
5
Knowing about your destination will help you in some of your pre-departure decisions, including what to pack, how you will be gettingaround, and what to expect on a day-to-day basis. Here are a few topics toresearch on before you leave:
Climate and time difference
Exchange rate and cost of living
Regional map and local transportation
Language and culture
Health and Safety
Meet & Greet Services
• Some host universities provide a pick-up service which would
help you to ease into your new environment.
• Living and studying at host country
• The opening hours of shops, tipping culture at restaurants,
classroom environment in university, etc. can be totally different
from Singapore.
• Activities for exchange students at host university
• Some host universities have a slew of activities lined up for
incoming exchange students and their own returning students.
These activities will definitely keep you busy and help you
integrate into your host university.
TIP! Tripadvisor and LonelyPlanet have apps and books tohelp you understand yourdestination better.
TIP! You may want to plan yourtravelling around the seasonalevents that happen at your hostcountry.
KNOW ABOUT
YOUR
DESTINATION
6
To maximise your time abroad while managing with your studies, it is essential for you to work out an itinerary. Find out which activities/interest groups you can join at your host
university. Research the things to do at host destination. Search for any public holidays/events/exhibitions which will take
place during your exchange at your host destination. You may consider planning your travel itinerary, overseas immersion
programmes or internships after your exchange sooner. Many countries require you to obtain your visa in your home country and the date on which you receive your visa cannot be guaranteed.
Cross-check the itinerary to ensure that it corresponds with your goals.
Set aside sufficient budget for your living expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, phone and utility bills, books, entertainments etc., before you work out the budget for travelling.
Make the effort to record your expenses and monitor them closely to ensure that you will have sufficient money to last the period of your stay abroad.
PLAN YOUR
ITINERARY AND
BUDGET
7
It is important to get your passport and visas well in advance. Some visaapplications may take longer to process.
PASSPORTVALIDITY: Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months fromyour return date. Most countries will not allow entry if your passport isclose to expiring. We also recommend that you switch to the biometricpassport (international students please check with your embassies) asit is required for entry into some countries.
BACKUP: Make a photocopy of your passport’s identification page andkeep it separate from the original when you travel. We alsorecommend that you leave a copy with a friend or family member athome. In the event of loss or theft, they could use that copy tofacilitate the replacement process.
STUDENT VISAREQUIREMENTS: As visa requirements differ from country to country,please check the embassy website or seek help from your hostuniversity or IRO on the appropriate visa to obtain for your exchange.You may also need visas for countries you are travelling through orcountries you plan to visit while abroad.
APPLICATIONS: Some applications require a list of documents (eg.host university acceptance letter, health check-up, proof ofvaccinations, proof of financial ability etc.). We recommend that youapply early in case you need to supplement any documents and thismay delay your visa application.If you are an international student, please contact your embassy to find out if you can submit your visa application in Singapore, as sometimes students are required to apply for visa at their home countries.
TRAVEL
DOCUMENTS
8
It is your responsibility to ensure that you secured enrolment for the courses at yourhost university accordingly to your approved study plan by the NUS.
STUDY PLAN: You should have already selected the modules which you wouldlike to take at your host university. To ensure that you can transfer the creditsback towards your NUS degree, you need to obtain approval from the relevantNUS faculty/department to map the partner university modules to the equivalentNUS modules before you proceed for your exchange.
Partner universities can change their course offerings and timetable at the last minute without notice. We recommend that you prepare more course mappings than necessary to allow for this contingency, especially for students who can only enrol for their classes upon arrival at the partner university. Keep a list of the relevant course coordinators and contact your faculty immediately via email to obtain approval for any new courses added. If you do not obtain approval for the new courses at the start of the semester the course credit will not be transferred.
MODULE MAPPING: Module mapping request can be submitted via the NUS Student Information System (SIS). Check with your home faculty or visit its website for the module mapping procedures as it may vary. You will be required to fill in the partner university’s module code, title, credits, synopsis and the corresponding NUS module to map the module. Each faculty maps credits differently, for example some transfer on a ‘one-to-one’ basis, others, on a full course load basis. It is extremely important to discuss your module mapping with your faculty to ensure you take adequate courses during your exchange semester.
ACCEPTANCE PACKAGE: Upon receiving the acceptance package from your host university, read through the documents carefully and follow the instructions in the package on the things to do, including enrolment for courses, housing application, etc. Observe the deadlines and prepare a checklist to ensure that you do not miss anything.
ACADEMIC
MATTERS
9
TIP! Some host universities may require you to enrol for modules well before the start of the semester. You are advised to take note of these dates when you receive your acceptance package from the host university.
TICKETS
RESEARCH: Find out what your flight options are and obtain quotesbut do not confirm or pay for your booking until you have received theacceptance package from your host university and obtained your visa.
ARRIVAL: You should plan to arrive at least two weeks before thestudy period starts and attend the orientation programme. Pleaserefer to your acceptance package for more details.
CONNECTIONS – If you need to make any connections to your finaldestination (be it a flight or train), please make sure that you catersufficient time for your transit and are not rushing to catch the lasttrain or flight.
SERVICES – Check if your host university offers arrival receptionservices and inform them of your arrival time. If not, you are advised toresearch local transport and prepare to pay by cash in local currency.
TRAVEL
ARRANGEMENTS
10
TIP! Consider a round trip ticket and ask about studentfares, as they are often cheaper. Some deals sitesoffer discounts on fares.
HEALTH AND
INSURANCE
HEALTHConsider getting vaccinations (eg. for influenza, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis Betc.) and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseasesyou might be at risk for at your destination.• OBTAIN professional advice on what other vaccinations to take or
medication to bring at NUS UHC or your GP.• GET the jabs at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for the
vaccines to take effect.• HAVE your prescriptions and jabs, glasses changed, teeth checked, etc.• ENSURE that any medication required is available at your destination or
bring adequate supply of the medication with you.• If you have health issues, consider SEP closer to home.
INSURANCEWith effect from 1 January 2016, NUS students travelling overseas for SEPwill be covered by the NUS Student Travel Insurance. Information aboutthe insurance is available athttp://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/InsuranceCoverforOfficialNUSTrips.html.• Some destinations may require you to purchase a mandatory insurance
plan.• It is essential to have both travel and medical insurance for the full
duration of your stay abroad, including your personal travelwithin/outside your exchange destination.
• Review the insurance coverage(s) to ensure that they meet yourneeds. You may consider purchasing additional medical and/or travelinsurance from your preferred agent.
• Familiarise yourself with your policy coverage and note the clauses anddisclaimers in your policy.
• Report any accident/loss at the earliest possible opportunity.• Bring along the policy and relevant contact numbers with you.
11
FINANCES
BUDGETING
• Check your host university’s advice regarding the cost of
living.
• The information stated on the websites of IRO and the
partner university is just an estimate for your reference.
How much you actually spend depends on your lifestyle and
travels!
• Bring cash that is sufficient for at least one month’s
expenses.
• There are various methods of which you can bring some
money with you such as through telegraphic transfer, debit
or credit cards, traveller’s cheque etc.
BANKING
• Notify all your local financial institutions about your travel
plans and that you will still be using your Singaporean
accounts while overseas.
• Most banks now turn off overseas ATM access by-default. If
you want to be able to access your money overseas, you
may need to apply for the authorisation.
12
TIP! You can save money in several ways
By shopping at local supermarkets
Using coupons or deals sites
Buying tickets in advance
Taking with Budget airlines
Check with your host university for accommodation options. You may choose to
stay on-campus or off-campus in a private apartment, student hostel or
homestay, depending on your budget. We suggest that you consider the options
which are recommended by your host university. Find out if there are any
additional charges besides the room rate.
Make sure that you have applied for accommodation as applying for SEP does not
mean that you have applied for housing. Many partner universities outsource
accommodation to external offices and have no control over the type of
accommodation you will get. As on-campus accommodation is scarce, please
apply within the stipulated deadline to be considered. It may be difficult to secure
short-term housing on your own.
Do not expect your housing overseas to be like NUS housing. Many partner
universities do not have a centralised campus like NUS and you would have to
travel from one place to another. Due to limited housing, partner universities
usually reserve these for students who come from afar. Be thankful when you are
allocated housing.
You may only be allowed to check-in only during working hours, so do check the
timings prior to arrival. If you are arriving after office hours, make prior
arrangement to collect your key. 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.
If you would like to take up off-campus housing, we recommend that you arrive
earlier to look at the room condition, environment and make proper checks.
Other than the facade (external and internal), do find 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.
ACCOMMODATION
13
CHECK-IN LUGGAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT - The regulations on weight and size of baggage can vary
according to countries and airlines. Check with your airline for specific
regulation.
DECLARATIONS - You may be required to declare any foodstuff, spices, plant,
animal, wood products etc. which you intend to bring into the host country.
Please check the custom requirements of the host country and ensure that you
declare those items in the custom declaration form. Otherwise, they may be
confiscated and/or you could be fined. The Customs Officer will decide if you
can keep the items. Declare everything on the form, as it will be too late to
tell the Customs Officer at the airport. If in doubt, declare it.
WHAT
TO
BRING
14
TIP! Some students tend to over pack and bring too many items over only
to struggle to bring the items back later. Give careful thought on what is
necessary. When packing for your time abroad, consider buying winter
clothes overseas because it can be cheaper. You are also advised to get a
TSA lock if you are travelling to US or Europe.
HAND LUGGAGE
You may want to put your essential items into your hand luggage (eg.
laptop, portable electronic devices) so you do not have to juggle and
manage so many items.
Airports and airlines now have various restrictions in place on what you
can bring in your hand luggage. Do take note and adhere to them to
facilitate security clearance.
Liquids, Aerosols and Gels must be in containers (maximum capacity –
100ml each). Containers exceeding 100ml, will not be accepted, even if the
container is partially-filled.
Containers must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag
(maximum capacity – not exceeding 1-litre). These containers must fit
comfortably within the transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which must be
completely sealed.
Only one transparent re-sealable plastic bag is permitted per pax.
The transparent re-sealable plastic bag must be presented separately for
examination at the security screening point.
Lithium ion batteries, rechargeable batteries and battery packs should be
put into the hand luggage and not checked in.
For more details, visit Changi Airport’s security webpage:
http://www.changiairport.com/passenger-guide/departure/guidelines-on-
hand-carried-luggage/guidelines-on-hand-carried-luggage
15
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Valid passport with current student visa
Letter of acceptance from host university
Study plan
Housing confirmation letter
Return air ticket
Receipts of payments (housing, administrative fees etc.)
NUS transcripts (to facilitate module registration)
Medical Records
Forms of identification (driving license, identity card)
Photocopies of important documents (letter of offer, I/C, passport,
credit cards, insurance policies etc.)
Please make copies of all important documents and keep separate sets in
different places. It is also a good idea to leave one set at home so that
these documents can easily be sent to you in the event that you lose those
with you!
16
Daily Necessities Toiletries, alarm clock, hairdryer, clothes, footwear
Take note that the products you are used to may not be available
overseas, or may be very expensive
Fun Stuff Digital camera
Journal
Photos of friends and family
Souvenirs from Singapore
Local recipes eg. cooking sauces & meal kits (to share some local
dishes with your peers)
Essentials Sufficient cash to last you until your bank draft is approved (at least 1
month’s expenses)
Medication for personal use (prescription drugs should be kept in
their original packaging with your name on it, and be accompanied by
a doctor’s note)
Travel adaptors and multi-plug adaptors
Laptop, camera and cell phone chargers
Umbrella or raincoat
First-aid kit
17
18
E-REGISTRATION
SingaporeansYou should register yourselves with MFA at
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/
preLoginEregisterView.action
In times of emergency, MFA would be able to provide
you with consular assistance.
NS MenPlease notify MINDEF on your trip, and/or apply forthe Exit Permit if you are going away for more than 6months (www.ns.sg).
NUS International StudentsInform your country’s diplomatic missions about yourtrip.
UPON ARRIVAL
You are finally there! You feel excited and ready for the new adventure. It is
alright if you feel tired and jet-lagged from travelling. You may even feel a
bit confused or lost. Stay calm and do not panic as many people feel this
way. It can take a while for you to get used to your new environment.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER
ARRIVAL?
KEEPING IN CONTACT CALL HOME! Please ensure that your family and
friends can contact you and inform them if you aregoing to travel. This will avoid unnecessaryuncertainty and anxiety for our loved ones.
Follow instructions from the acceptance packageand complete all administrative works.
Settle your module enrolment.
Attend the orientation for exchange students.
Get in contact with your host professor if necessary.
Acquaint yourself with the student services.
Update your contact details including local mobilenumber and local address at the NUS StudentInformation System (SIS) so that NUS has yourlatest record should we need to reach you urgently.
Find out who to call in times of emergency – police,ambulance, fire, campus security etc.
TIP! Store the numbers into your phone so you canaccess them easily when necessary. Let people knowwhen you leave campus and where you are going.
19
TIP! You can stay in contact through
Skype ooVooGoogle Hangouts
Familiarise yourself with your newsurroundings.
Keep yourself updated with the daily localnews which can be great conversation starters.
Talk to new people – do not keep to yourselfand be afraid of taking the initiative.
Do not just stick to students from Singapore!Diversify your social circle and network.
Check the exam dates and organise your studywith NUS for the next semester. If yoursemester overseas overlaps with the next NUSsemester, start making alternativearrangements to sit for your exam early or doassignments in lieu of the exam. If neitheroption is possible, apply for an extension ofyour leave of absence from NUS.
Certain universities may require students toregister for exams. Check if this is necessary foryour host university.
Check your NUS mail regularly; it is how we willcorrespond with you.
SETTLING IN
20
While you are there…
Obey the laws and respect the local customs of your
destination.
Take special care of your passport and other documents of
identification and keep them in a safe place.
Never leave your belongings unattended.
Always take care of your personal safety and security.
Refer to MFA’s website below for more details:
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/consular_information/for_singapor
e_citizens/advice_for_singaporeans_going_overseas.html
21
CULTURAL ADJUSTMENTYou may find yourself going through the followingphases:
Honeymoon Phase
Everything is new and exciting.
You are ready to take on new challenges.
Negotiation Phase
You may begin to feel aggressive and start tocomplain about the host culture/country.
You may feel unsettled or like an outsider.
You may begin to compare everything to things backhome.
Self-doubt and depression may take place.
As you settle into your new environment,
your initial excitement may turn into anxiety
and feelings (of surprise, disorientation,
confusion, etc.).
It is a completely normal and
natural condition, as you have to
operate within an entirely different
cultural or social environment in a
foreign country.
TIP! In order to feelcomfortable again, it isnecessary to becomefamiliar with the terrainand adapt to the newenvironment.
22
Adaption Phase
You are feeling in control and positive again about being where you are.
You begin to accept the food, habits and customs of the host country, and you
may even find yourself preferring some things in the host country to things at
home.
Your emotions become more stable.
You have become comfortable in the new place.
If you feel annoyed and uncomfortable, what can you do?
Stay positive - concentrate on the positive aspects of going on your SEP and try
to dismiss any negative thoughts.
Listen and observe – take the effort to listen, observe and learn to minimise
misinterpretation and communication.
Ask questions – don’t be afraid. Make friends with the locals as they can assist to
clarify your doubts and serve as your guide.
Go out and explore – meet more people by participating in university and
community activities.
Talk it out – recognise that you are not alone. Talking to other exchange friends
can be helpful.
Seek help – if you continue to have problems adjusting, seek help from your host
professor, host faculty, international office or counselling centre at your host
university or at NUS’ Counselling and Psychological Services.
RESPECT DIFFERENCES
Be prepared that things may be done in a different way and at a different speed than
what you are used to. Respect others and behave respectfully. Always be aware that
you are representing yourself, your school and your country.
Tip! You can prepare yourself to
cope with culture shock by reading
up about your host country
beforehand.
23
DiscriminationYou may encounter discrimination anywhere, whether in Singapore or whileabroad. If you are on campus, the chances of encountering discrimination arelower. However, in the unlikely event where you are faced with discrimination,the best way to cope is to be prepared and to seek guidance from theInternational Offices, your professors or people familiar with your hostculture.
Countering Discrimination
Maintain your pride and self-confidence – remember that people who
discriminate against others are ignorant and probably feel insecure about
themselves.
If you assess that the situation is not threatening, assert yourself by
expressing your feelings tactfully but clearly. For example, if someone
speaks gibberish at you, calmly ask them, "I'm sorry, I do not understand
you. Do you speak English (or whatever language is spoken in that
country)?”
If you feel threatened in any way, diffuse the situation or retreat! Never
provoke further attack by striking first or getting into a heated argument.
If the incident is serious, contact the International Office at the partner
university and file an official report with the relevant authorities. Get
witnesses to testify if possible.
If troubled or concerned, talk to the advisors at the International Office or
your professors, or contact the NUS International Relations Office for
help.
Talk to your friends, your host family, and other people familiar with your
host culture to try and get things in perspective.
24
Young travelers are in general more likely to engage in risky activities such as
drinking excessively. Due to their lack of life experience, criminals also see them as
easier targets. Do not let yourself be the next one!
Be safe – do not wander around alone at night.
Even if you are lost, walk purposefully.
Stay away from dark streets and poorly lit buildings.
Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings and beware of unmarked
cabs.
Look out for the nearest security posts/police stations.
Beware of pickpockets and scams – guys should keep their wallets in their
front pockets and girls should keep their bags tightly clasped under their arms.
Common methods for credit card/ATM fraud include placing skimmers which
register the card details. Avoid using remote ATMS, look for those in places like
banks and malls.
Don’t leave your valuables lying around.
Don’t leave large amounts of cash in your room.
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.
STAYING
SAFE
25
If you encounter a threatening or an unsafe situation along the street or in
a public area:
Get away from the incident site immediately.
Move immediately and quickly into a crowded area if you are being
stalked or threatened.
Approach any police officer in sight, or go to any police post/station in
the immediate vicinity.
Seek help from the locals.
If you are unable to get away from the incident site, hide yourself in a
safe place.
Call the local police for help as soon as possible whenever there is an
opportunity.
Get help from local contacts – host university, department, supervisor,
housing management office, friends etc.
If all fails, call Campus Security Hotline, or NUS
faculty/department/office, or your supervisor.
Emergencies
If you are unfamiliar with the road situations in a foreign country,
always take the public transport.
Always keep to the speed limit if you must drive.
Plan your route in advance.
Familiarise yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations.
Travel in groups and with locals if possible.
Call the ambulance (if someone is injured) and police.
Ensure that you, your passengers and the vehicle are covered by
insurance.
Read the fine print before signing car hire agreements.
Road Accidents
26
Move away from disaster areas.
Contact the Singapore Consulate Office in your host country for
assistance.
Inform your family, NUS emergency hotline and host university as soon
as possible.
Follow MFA’s guideline to evacuate the country if necessary.
Natural Disasters
When you arrive, check for:
Fire escape route/exits
Working smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Alternative exit within the room (for example, through the
window)
If there is no smoke detector, or the present one looks faulty, purchase
one and ensure it always has a working battery (it can be useful to have
your own smoke detector even if there is one already present).
Ensure there is always a clear path from your sleeping and study area to
the nearest window and door.
If you suspect a fire on the outside of the room you are in, do not open
the door. Find an alternative escape route.
In the event of a suspected or actual fire, alert everyone else in the
room and follow the Fire Exit route. Never use the elevator.
Fire Safety
27
Be comfortable and do not be pressured into anything.
Be smart and know when to say no.
Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean its okay.
Always know your limit.
Obey the laws of the host country and Singapore.
Possession and consumption of illegal drugs outside of Singapore is
still an offence.
If arrested, you would face the same penalties as if the offence is
committed in Singapore.
Alcohol, Drugs & Partying
All Singaporeans / permanent residents found to have
consumed illegal substances, EVEN OUTSIDE SINGAPORE, will
face the penalty of imprisonment of up to 10 years, fine up to
S$20,000 or both.
CENTRAL NARCOTICS
BUREAU
28
29
TRAVEL ADVISORIESOur world is an ever changing place that isn’t always safe. Although the universityevaluates all international programme destinations to ensure a safe environmentfor its students, unforeseen circumstances might create dangerous situations forstudents while on SEP. Check for travel advisories at MFA’s website
(https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/consular_information/for_singapore_citizens/travel_notices.html) before and during SEP for your host destination and any location which you wish to travel to.
Stay current with the media coverage of local events and be aware of yoursurroundings at all times.
Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known fordemonstrations or disturbances.
Take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety, and remainvigilant and alert to local security developments.
NUS’ International Relations Office monitors its international programmedestinations for adequate levels of health and safety for its students and shouldan advisory in one of those countries be issued, students will be contacted byemail with further instructions.
Should a security situation or national disaster occur at or close to your hostdestination, your home faculty and/or IRO will try to contact you. Take theinitiative to email them to update on your safety.
Find out as much as you can – the more you know, the more comfortable you’ll
be.
Talk to people who have done the same thing – learn and adapt.
Be open-minded and make the effort to explore and experience new cultures
and places.
Remember that it takes two hands to clap.
If a problem arises, try to resolve it as soon as possible.
If you can’t handle the issue on your own, know when to approach others for
help.
Confirm your return flight booking.
Bid for next semester’s NUS modules on CORS.
Apply for NUS on-campus housing if necessary.
Wrap up any outstanding matters (confirm your
accommodation check-out date, close bank
account/mobile plan, return loan items, settle
any outstanding bills etc.).
Consider how you will transport larger items
home.
Transcripts will be sent directly to NUS
Registrar’s Office (RO) around 2 months after
your exchange. RO will send the transcripts to
your home faculty who will notify you to collect
your transcript. Remember to complete your
credit transfer process.
Check IRO’s website for the returnee checklist
to ensure that you have not missed out on
anything.
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME
PREPARING FOR HOME
30
USEFUL CONTACTS
Make your own list of emergency contacts
Embassies/High Commissions: www.mfa.gov.sg
Local emergency numbers
Credit card and bank numbers
Insurance helpline
Host university emergency contact number’
NUS Emergency Contact: +65-6874 1616
Local contacts at your host destination
Your home faculty/department contact numbers
askIRO: http://nusiro.custhelp.com/app/home
FINAL PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
DOCUMENTS AND PREP
Valid passport and visa
Proof of acceptance at PU
Study plan
Proof of financial support
Proof of accommodation
Insurance
Bank draft/credit card/cash
Confirmed flight ticket
Emergency Contacts
Vaccinations and checkups
Register with MFA
THINGS TO BRING
Appropriate clothing
First aid kit
Medication
Adaptors and chargers
Umbrella/raincoat
Toiletries/alarm clock/ hairdryer
Footwear
Digital camera
Photos and souvenirs
Foodstuffs
Passport photos
31
USEFUL RESOURCES
32
International Relations Office3rd Storey, Unit 03-03Shaw Foundation Alumni House nus.edu.sg/iro11 Kent Ridge DriveSingapore 119244 Information is correct as at September 2016