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Pre-Departure Briefing for CanadaGlobal Relations Office 23 April 2019
Who are we?
What can we do for you?
Global Relations Office (GRO)
ROAD MAPPreparing for iSP
• Set personal goals• Find out about host
destinations• Plan itinerary• Work out budget
After applying with your host university
• Attend country briefing
While waiting for your acceptance
package
• Follow instructions in acceptance package (read carefully & meet deadlines)
• Apply for visa• Book accommodation• Make travel
arrangements
Upon receiving your acceptance package
COMPLETE PROGRAMME REGISTRATION• Complete online registration and pay programme fees
• Check email for updates from programme host:– Observe and adhere to timelines– Complete all other host university requirements
• Accept your programme offer on EduRec – acceptance allows you to map your modules and apply for financial aid
Preparing for iSP
MODULE MAPPING• Submit your module mapping request via EduRec before departure• Submit transcripts to faculty upon return to NUS
– Collect transcripts from GRO in September
– Note to UBC students:• UBC does not grant credit for VSP – you will receive a certificate of
attendance instead• UBC will send a grade letter directly to your faculty • NUS faculty decides if you will receive credit (via module mapping)
Preparing for iSP
PASSPORT & FLIGHT• Ensure that passport is valid for 6 months after
return date.
• Make a photocopy of your passport’s identification page and keep it separate from the original.
• Do NOT confirm flight booking until you have received the acceptance from the host university and gotten your visa.
Preparing for iSP
VISA – CANADA High Commission of Canada to SingaporeAdd: One George Street, #11-01
Singapore 049145 Tel: 6854 5900Fax: 6854 5930Email: [email protected]:
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/singapore-singapour/index.aspx?lang=eng
Opens: Mon – Thu (8am – 12.30pm, 1pm – 4.30pm)Fri ( 8am – 1.30pm)
Preparing for iSP
Official advice is to check directly with the Embassy or the High
Commission for all immigration matters (including Student/ Study
Visas).
VISA – CANADA • From March 2016, all visa-exempted foreigner nationals who fly to or transit through
Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Exceptions include US citizens and foreign nationals with a valid visa.
• If you plan to travel in Canada before/after your exchange, please check with the High Commission to Canada in Singapore to see if you will need a visa for your intended dates of travel/study in Canada.
• Certain passport holders need a Visitor Visa to enter and/or transit in Canada. Please check Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website for official advice.
Please apply for your eTA/ visa before your entry into Canada!
Preparing for iSP
VISA – CANADA Useful links
• Government of Canada – Immigration and citizenship: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
• Visit Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.htmlFor information on what documents you need to travel to/through Canada
• Find out if you need a visa – http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Preparing for iSP
HEALTH & INSURANCE Preparing for iSP
• Get professional advice on vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases that you might be at risk for at your destination
• Arrange for a health check-up with your doctor before you go
• If you have chronic health problems, you may need to work out a health management plan with your doctor:– If you are taking medications, please continue– Make sure your medications are available at your destination or bring an adequate
supply of your medications to last the period of stay– If you are bringing your own medications, please ensure that you are allowed to
enter the country with the quantity
HEALTH & INSURANCE Preparing for iSP
• Read through the coverage from the NUS Students Travel Insurance http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/students/student-travel.html.
• Have a 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.
• Bring along the emergency hotline numbers and a copy of your insurance policy.
• Report accident/loss at the earliest possible opportunity.
FINANCIAL AIDPreparing for iSP
General Awards/loans:• NASA Enhancement Bursary
– Administered by GRO– Awarded by financial need
• Post Secondary Education Account (PSEA)– Administered by Office of Financial Aid– Apply under “Ad-hoc withdrawal”– Claim for programme-related costs, e.g. airfare
• Overseas Student Programme (OSP) Loan– Maximum loan of $5,000– Interest-free repayment (before graduation)
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – DOCUMENTS Preparing for iSP
□ Valid passport and visa
□ Proof of acceptance by PU
□ Letter confirming accommodation
□ Receipts of payments made (housing, admin fees, etc.)
□ Forms of identification (ISIC youth card, driving license, etc.)
□ Medical records (including vaccinations)
□ Insurance
□ Bank draft/ credit card/ cash
□ Confirmed flight ticket
□ List of emergency contacts
Please make sure that you name is spelt correctly on all the important documents.
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.
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – NECESSITIES Preparing for iSP
□ Appropriate clothing
□ First-aid kit
□ Medication
□ Adaptors and chargers
□ Umbrella/ raincoat
□ Appropriate footwear
□ Toiletries
□ Hairdryer
□ Digital camera
□ Photos and souvenirs of home/ Singapore
□ Foodstuff
□ Passport photos
PACK IT RIGHT FOR YOUR FLIGHTPreparing for iSP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlbnnWyDalQ&feature=youtu.be
Preparing for iSP
• Singaporeans/PRs should register themselves with Singapore MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action.
• NS men must notify MINDEF of their trip and apply for the Exit Permit if required at www.ns.sg.
• International students should contact their country’s diplomatic missions.
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER WITH MFA!
WEATHERWhat to Expect at Your Destination
• Air will be dry – put on lots of moisturiser.
• The weather in summer can be very sunny and feel scorching.
• Bring light and comfortable clothes and a good pair of walking/hiking shoes
• The weather can change rapidly
• Put on lots of sunblock and moisturiser, and bring along a pair of sunglasses and hat.
• Bring insect repellent and clothes with sleeves to avoid getting insect bites
• Wear a watch to help you keep track of time in mid-summer when the sun sets late.
WEATHER – SENIORS’ TIPSWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Don’t pack with too many clothes • Layer up instead• Important to have a pair of good shoes
Don’t coop yourself up in your room• Spending time with friends helps to beat the misery• Take part in school activities• Call home often
ACCOMMODATIONWhat to Expect at Your Destination
On-campus housing is included as part of the programmes:
• UBC – shared apartments, semi-private units or dormitories
• UVic – campus residences
• ITESM – Host Family Program (check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YGRFtpD0hc&list=UUImVJwAuECV-VKc7pcEbVDQ)
Follow the official advice from your host university with regard to applying for housing.
ACCOMMODATION - UBCWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Shared Apartment
• Shared living space with TV
• Equipped kitchen
Semi-private units
• Share floor lounge with TV, fridge and microwave
• Breakfast provided from Mon – Fri
LIFESTYLE/CULTUREWhat to Expect at Your Destination
• Recycle, recycle, recycle! – Remember to sort your trash– Bring along a shopping bag – you might be charge for plastic bags
• It’s more expensive to eat out, but there are many cheaper grocery options
• Punctuality is expected
• Respect others and their differences
• Be prepared that things may be done differently from what you’re used to
• Remember to tip!
• 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.
• Do not flaunt your money, credit cards, camera and handphone
• Do not carry large amounts of cash
• 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.
• Be alert of your surroundings
• Travel in groups
SAFETYWhat to Expect at Your Destination
SAFETYWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Source: https://www.sgsecure.sg/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT…What to Expect at Your Destination
• Climate and time difference
• Exchange rate and cost of living
• Regional map and local transportation
• Cultural similarities and differences
• Health and safety
• Meet and greet services
• Living and studying at host university
• Expectation and academic assessment at host university
• Activities for students at host university
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMERSettling In
• Don’t just stick to Singaporeans! Make an effort to meet different people and be open-minded about differences.
• Even while having fun, make sure you are aware of any important academic dates and not miss any deadlines!
• Take note of your exam dates. If your semester overseas overlaps with the new NUS semester, start making arrangements for early exam or alternative assessments. If neither is possible, apply for an extension of your leave of absence from NUS.
• Activate the email account given by your host university to receive important notices and announcements.
• Check both host university and NUS email frequently.
• Always stay in touch with your family and friends back home.
• If a problem arises, try to resolve it. However, if you are unable to, ask for help.
LIVING/LIFESTYLE– SENIORS’ TIPSSettling In
Be courageous and proactive• Don’t just stick to Singaporeans – take the initiative to meet and talk to
different people• Dare to try new things
Take part in school activities/clubs/trips• It’s a good way to meet people • School trips are a cheap way of visiting new places
Plan ahead of time but also be flexible• Plan ahead to maximise benefits• It’s ok to adjust if things don’t go according to plan
EXPECTED CONDUCTSettling In
• 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. Be comfortable being your own person.
Anti-drugs campaign by Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)
Hotline for Central Narcotics Bureau: 1800-325-6666 | Website: www.cnb.gov.sg
EXPECTED CONDUCTSettling In
It is not true if someone tells you that it is not an offence to consume illegal drugs overseas.
You can be arrested and face the same penalties as if the offence has been committed in Singapore.
FACT:
All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents found to have consumed illegal substances even outside Singapore will face the penalty of imprisonment of up to 10 years, fine not exceeding $20,000 or both.
Hotline for Central Narcotics Bureau: 1800-325-6666 | Website: www.cnb.gov.sg
USEFUL CONTACTSSettling In
• Make your own list of emergency contacts
1. Embassies/ High Commissions: www.mfa.gov.sg
2. Local emergencies numbers
3. Credit card and bank telephone numbers
4. Insurance hotlines
5. NUS Emergency contact: +65 6874 1616 (24 hours)
USEFUL CONTACTS – EMERGENCY CONTACTSSettling In
• Singapore Honorary Consulate-General -Vancouver
Address:Suite 1405 – 116 Alberni StreetVancouver BC V6E 3Z3Canada
Phone:+1 604 622 5281
Email:[email protected]
Website:https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/vancouver.html
• Singapore Honorary Consulate-General – Mexico City
Address:Rubén Darío No. 69Col. Bosque de Chapultepec Entre Hipólito Taine y Av. Campos ElíseosC.P. 11570 Del. MiguelHidalgo México, D.F
Phone:+1 52 55 9150 7802, 9150 7803
Email:[email protected]
Website:https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/mexico_city.html
THINGS TO WHEN YOU RETURNHomecoming
Administrative processes
• Pay outstanding fees (if any)
• Request for transcript (if required)– Transcripts are usually sent to GRO in September– GRO will inform you about transcript collection
• Do not overstay! – leave before your visa expires
