Pre-Departure Briefing for

Finland, Norway, Sweden, ItalyGlobal Relations Office 16 April 2019Koh Li Ling (liling.koh@nus.edu.sg)

Who are we?

What can we do for you?

Global Relations Office (GRO)

Agenda1. Highlights of SEP2. Preparing for SEP3. What to expect at your destination4. Settling in5. Homecoming6. Sharing by returning NUS exchange students7. Networking

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Stand out as a global citizen and future-ready graduate by embarking on SEP – our longest-running and largest student mobility programme – during your time at NUS!

SEP is an opportunity for students to:

Spend one or two semesters studying at a partner university

1

Earn modular credits toward their major in a new academic setting

2

Immerse themselves in a new place and culture

3

4 Enjoy tuition-fee waiver from the partner institution, and pay NUS tuition fees for the exchange semester(s)

What is SEP?

TOP REASONS FOR GOING ON SEP (as reported by students)

To experience a different culture1

Personal development2

To experience a different education system3

AFTER THEIR SEP EXPERIENCE…

Felt more capable of taking care of themselves

~99%

Felt more willing to try out new things ~99%

PRE-DEPARTURE VIDEOhttps://share.nus.edu.sg/goabroad/Video/Pre-Departure_Video.wmv

BEFORE WE CONTINUE…

Have you :

1. Submitted your application to our partner university?

2. Received/accepted offer by partner university?

Preparing for SEP

ROAD MAPPreparing for SEP

• Set personal goals

• Find out about host destinations

• Plan itinerary

• Work out budget

After applying with your host university

• Read pre-departure guide

• 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

STUDY PLAN

• Complete the module mapping process via the myEduRec (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 from the host university and gotten your visa.

• Arrive at least 2 weeks before study period and attend orientation programme.

Preparing for SEP

General information about Residence Permits and Visa: http://www.finland.org.sg/public/default.aspx?nodeid=31587&contentlan=2&culture=en-US

Application for Residence Permit:

https://enterfinland.fi/eServices/info/studypermit & https://um.fi/residence-permits-to-finland

• Health insurance is a requirement for the application of Residence Permit

• Must show evidence of sufficient funds

• Processing time: approx. 1 month and it could be delayed if there is incomplete application

Apply and pay visa fees of €300 to €360 as soon as possible.

Apply for a residence permit before you go to Finland.

Information correct as of April 2019.

What to Expect at Your Destination

VISA - FINLAND

General information about visiting Norway:

https://www.norway.no/en/singapore/services-info/visitors-visa-res-permit/

Information about holding a study permit:

https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/studies/studietillatelse/?c=sgp

Apply for a Residence Permit (~ SGD310)

• http://www.vfsglobal.com/Denmark/Singapore/english/pdf/Royal-Danish-Embassy-Singapore.pdf (page 3)

• Processing time: approx. 2 months

Apply as soon as possible. VFS manages the Residence Permit application for Norway. To check with embassy for more information/updates.

Information correct as of April 2019.

What to Expect at Your Destination

VISA - NORWAY

VISA - SWEDEN About the Residence Permit https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Universities-and-university-college/How-to-apply-for-the-first-time.html

1. Prepare the required documents and apply online https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Universities-and-university-college/How-to-apply-for-the-first-time.html

2. Receive an notification email from Embassy on the outcome

3. Schedule an appointment to collect the residence permit/decision according to notification email

• Check the Swedish Embassy’s website (https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/about-sweden-non-swedish-citizens/singapore/) and the Swedish Migration Agency website (see above) regularly for updates

• Visa Fee: SEK1,000 (~S$150)

• Apply as soon as possible: Visa Processing Time: 1-3 months

Preparing for SEP

Information correct as of April 2019

VISA - ITALY Long Stay Visahttps://ambsingapore.esteri.it/ambasciata_singapore/en/informazioni_e_servizi/visti/

1. Check if you need a visa via: http://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en#BMQuestionario.

2. Prepare the necessary documents according to visa results in #1.

3. Submit the visa application form and supporting documents at Embassy of Italy in Singapore.

4. Collect passport and visa when visa is approved. Visa fee is about €50

5. Visa processing time varies and can take up to 1 month

Residence PermitNon-EU citizens with exchange period lasting for more than 90 days must apply for a Residence Permit within 8 working days following your arrival in Italy. The Exchange Students Desk will make an appointment with the support service during the Check-in. The support service for filling in the application for a Residence Permit is free of charge.

Preparing for SEP Information correct as of April 2019

ACCOMMODATION General Guidelines:

• Accommodation application instructions would usually be attached with your acceptance package or may come later.

• Always follow the stipulated deadlines and apply on time to increase your chances of securing housing.

• Depending on the universities, on-campus or off-campus housing may be available. The host universities will provide instructions and assistance in securing housing.

• For more information on housing refer to:

• Universities fact sheets: http://nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php >>> Partner universities

• Resources provided by partner universities: https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/Partner%20Univerisity%20SEP%20application%20material%20for%20s/Forms/AllItems.aspx

Preparing for SEP

HEALTH & INSURANCE Preparing for SEP

• Read through the coverage from the NUS Students Travel Insurance http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/InsuranceCoverforOfficialNUSTrips.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.

Preparing for SEP

Finland Norway• Insurance must cover medical

expenses up to EUR 120,000 during your stay in Finland.

• You need to show a certificate of health insurance when applying for your Residence Permit.

• https://migri.fi/en/insurance

• If stay in Norway is between 3 and 12 months, apply for Norwegian National Insurance Scheme which provide coverage for health services.

• The form must be sent to the insurance office in the municipality in which you are staying.

• Otherwise, the social security coverage from your home country should have minimum insurance coverage amount for each benefit as follows:

• Medical expense EUR30,000• Medical evacuation EUR30,000• Repatriation of mortal remains EUR30,000

(https://www.studyinnorway.no/study-in-norway/Health-insurance)

• UiO: https://www.uio.no/english/student-life/health-insurance/

• NTNU: https://www.ntnu.edu/nirs/welfare-system

HEALTH & INSURANCE

Preparing for SEP

Italy (University of Bologna) Sweden• As an exchange student, after check-in, you will be

insured against accidents that may occur on the university premises or any other place in which studies and research activities authorised by the University are performed.

• Non-EU citizens have access to the National Health Service only after paying an annual registration fee of €149.77.

• If you have a health insurance (purchased in Italy or in your own country and stamped by the Italian Embassy) you may go to any General Practitioner, choosing one from the list of doctors published on the website www.salute.bologna.it

• Exchange students are typically covered by an insurance policy provided by “Kammarkollegiet” Student-IN, the Swedish State’s Insurance for Foreign Students in Sweden.

• It includes emergency medical care (for non-EU citizens), liability coverage, legal coverage and accident insurance. Property is not covered. This coverage is restricted to your study period at the host university and extends only to claims arising while you are physically present in Sweden.

• Student-IN should be treated like a backup insurance, students are highly recommended to have separate insurance coverage during the exchange semester.

HEALTH & INSURANCE

COST OF LIVING• You should work out a budget covering accommodation, food, transport, clothing and entertainment

• Estimated cost of living:

Country Cost of living/ month Estimated SGD

Finland €700 – €1,500 S$1,100 – S$2,400

Norway NOK$10,500 – NOK$16,000 S$1,680 – S$2,600

Sweden SEK8,000 – SEK10,000 S$1,200 - S$1,500

Italy €700 – €1,200 S$1,100 – S$1,900

Preparing for SEP

COST OF LIVING

Tips on costs saving

• Cook!

• Potluck

• Enjoy student discounts (with your student card)

• The nearest grocery store might not be the cheapest

• Plan your trips in advance to save cost

• Source for alternative means of traveling (e.g. bus rides instead of flights, etc.)

• Use apps that will give you discounts

Preparing for SEP

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – DOCUMENTS

Preparing for SEP

□ Valid passport and visa

□ Proof of acceptance by PU

□ Study plan

□ NUS transcripts (to facilitate module registration)

□ Proof of financial support

□ Letter confirming accommodation

□ Receipts of payments made (housing, admin fees, etc.)

□ Medical records (including vaccinations)

□ Insurance

□ Forms of identification (ISIC youth card, driving license, etc.)

□ Bank draft/ credit card/ cash

□ Confirmed flight ticket

□ List of emergency contacts

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.

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – NECESSITIES

Preparing for SEP

□ 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 SEP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlbnnWyDalQ&feature=youtu.be

Preparing for SEP

• Singaporeans/PRs should register themselves with Singapore MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action.

• NS men must apply for the Exit Permit if travelling for more than 6 months: https://www.ns.sg/web/portal/nsmen/home/nstopics/overseastravel/article/overseas-travel.

• International students should contact their country’s diplomatic missions.

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER WITH MFA!

ABOUT FINLANDWhat to Expect at Your Destination

• Land of a thousand lakes – 188,000 lakes to be precise

• Best education system in the world

• 3 million saunas in Finland (population of 5million) – average of 1 sauna/household

• Santa Claus’ hometown

• 1 hour ferry ride to Tallinn, Estonia

University of HelsinkiWhat to Expect at Your Destination

• Available direct flight from Singapore to Helsinki on Finnair

• University of Helsinki is 20 minutes drive to the airport and is right in the city of Helsinki

• Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering Espoo campus is 20 minutes train ride from University of Helsinki

• Module restrictions at Helsinki are non-negotiable.

• NUS students on "University bilateral agreement" are required to choose the majority of your courses from one faculty in Helsinki. Within one faculty, students can choose courses from several disciplines

• Law, Politics, Media and Communication, Global Political Communication and English Studies are not open to NUS students

WHAT SAY YOUR SENIORS? – FINLAND

…the Finns… take their alcohol and saunas very seriously. So much so, the Finns organize 3-course dinner parties dedicated to just being

drunk! Called sitsits, everyone gets more drunk as the night goes by and playing Finnish drinking games and screaming Finnish songs at the top

of your lungs is absolutely mandatory.

Travelling out of Helsinki can be quite expensive as the main airport, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, does not have budget

flights. However, you will find that Norwegian Air and SAS are cheaper

alternatives to the local Finnair.

The Finns claim that the sauna originated from Finland - and I wouldn’t doubt it, given the thousands of saunas

found in the country. Almost every other building has their own sauna and

there are affordable sauna spas and resorts as well.

Specifically, just for Finland alone, I spend around 3K SGD on hostel, transport, groceries and other

miscellaneous things. Generally, the cost of living in Finland is quite high.

Helsinki is known to be a rather expensive city, however, other than

the cost of eating out, I think the living expenses are similar to, and

in some aspects cheaper than, Singapore’s. So knowing how to cook will save you some money.

What to Expect at Your Destination

ABOUT NORWAYWhat to Expect at Your Destination

• Head of state – King of Norway

• Embrace consensus – most democratic country according to the Democracy Index

• World’s largest salmon exporter

• High cost of living

• One of the tallest people in the world

• Not in the European Union

University of Oslo and NTNUWhat to Expect at Your Destination

• University of Oslo

• Courses within Nutrition and Health Sciences, Geoscience, courses at the University Centre in Svalbard and Psychology might have restrictions and prerequisites may apply.

• Courses with the codes ENG and NORAM tend to get fully booked quite fast, and priority given to Oslo degree-seeking students.

• NTNU

• merged with the University Colleges of Trondheim, Gjøvik and Ålesund. Note that you can only select courses in one city.

• Please check the availability of English-taught courses at the respective city

• Restricted modules: Architecture, Marine Technology and Electric Power Engineering.

WHAT SAY YOUR SENIORS? – NORWAY

The cost of living in Norway is very high but with careful budgeting, it can amount to the

same costs as in Singapore. I spent about 8000 SGD on accommodation, transport, groceries and miscellaneous items for five

months.

Each of us goes for exchange with our own

personal objectives, and its important to stay true to that and make the exchange

experience your own.

Some useful apps for Oslo would be RuterReise(t-bane aka mrt app) that will help you navigate around as well as mattilbud which tells you the discounted groceries in the major convenience

stores. Other useful maps for travelling/navigating would be google maps or CityMaps2Go which is an offline map in case

wifi is not available.

At the beginning of the semester(January), the daytime was very short in Norway. It was very easy to get depressed with heavy study

workload. I struggled for some time but by talking to my family, doing sports and travelling with friends, things got better as the daytime got

longer.

There are two students organizations ESN and iCot that organize trips in Norway throughout

the semester at a very low cost. I highly recommend my juniors to join these two

organization for cheap tours.

What to Expect at Your Destination

U-wide destination: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala, Lund

• Sweden is a free and open society, embrace equality, avoid conflicts

• Highly developed welfare system; one of the world’s longest life expectancies

• Strong focus on sustainability and environment• Leading country for innovations• Swedish “tea-breaks” – FIKA • A number of Nobel Laureates affiliated to the

U-wide exchange universities.• Daylight – sun rise around 9, sun set around 3

What to Expect at Your Destination

About SWEDEN

WHAT SAY YOUR SENIORS? – SWEDEN

I exchanged around 2000 SGD to Swedish Krona before I flew, but actually it is very

easy to pay with a debit card while in Sweden. The DBS multi-currency card was something that most of my Singaporean

friends used due to the good rates offered.

Seeing how students from other countries approach their university education

gives me a new perspective of how NUS students may sometimes

fail to realise that a university education goes beyond simply obtaining a

degree. .

The only challenge I faced was being homesick. I did not expect myself to feel this way, but it is definitely

common to miss home and your family. It gets worse during holidays such as CNY as your social media

feeds get flooded with posts from family and friends back in Singapore. However, this is definitely something that you can overcome with your

Singaporean friends in Sweden. We were also kindly invited by a Singaporean mum who lives in Lund to

celebrate CNY with her family.

Sweden has a strong second hand culture. You can save quite a bit if you buy second instead. Similarly, you can also sell things off second hand if you plan ahead before returning. There are many international students in Stockholm, if you are looking for specific things like textbooks and appliances (RICE COOKER!), you can also make a post and look for them beforehand. Otherwise, you can also deposit them at the nearest secondhand shop near your place.

It was difficult to adapt to the winter climate. I was prepared with sufficient winter clothing but it still took me 3 weeks to actually adapt to the winter

climate. In addition, the day light in Sweden during winter lasts for only about 8 hours and it becomes dark after 4pm. I slowly settled in and made new friends to hang around in corridors during winter.

What to Expect at Your Destination

WEATHER (Finland, Norway, Sweden)What to Expect at Your Destination

• Air will be dry – put on lots of moisturiser.

• Have a good coat with you; the weather can change rapidly and it can be expensive to buy winter wear at your host country.

• You may experience gloominess because you are not used to the short days and cold weather.

• 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.

• It is likely to have heating indoor, be aware of such so you can dress appropriately for best comfort.

University of BolognaWhat to Expect at Your Destination

• University of Bologna

• Found in 1088, it is the oldest university in Europe

• NUS’ only University-wide Italian partner university and among the most prestigious Italian universities

• The most beautiful university in Europe according to the Times Higher Education World University ranking (https://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/stroll-around-university-bologna)

• Bologna is a university town and many tourists visit daily

ACADEMIC CULTUREWhat to Expect at Your Destination

• Smaller class size for seminar style classes and more interactive amongst students as well as professors

• Courses may not be confirmed until you arrive or register at PU

• For some PUs, classes may be conducted in the respective native languages even if initially indicated as ‘taught in English’

• Professors are approachable and friendly; less formal student-teacher relationship

• Less competitive learning environment yet rigorous

• May expect higher degree of independence in learning

• Students are expected to share their views in class or engage in open discussion of topic

• Strict on plagiarism; if you use the exact words or even paraphrasing, of the reference source, you must use quotation marks and credit the source

• Exam schedule may not be available till later during semester - alternative assessments may not be available

• 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 safety is the most important.

• Ask locals about any dangerous areas or locations that should be avoided.

SAFETYWhat to Expect at Your Destination

IMPORTANT: Update your contact information in EduRec (previously known as myISIS)

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 exchange students at host university

USEFUL RESOURCESWhat to Expect at Your Destination

• Partner university fact sheets:http://nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php >>> Partner universities

• 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_singapore_citizens/advice_for_singaporeans_going_overseas/Travel%20Notice%20Booklet/2012/MFA%20Booklet%20English.pdf

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SEMESTER

Settling 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.

MITIGATING CULTURE SHOCKSettling In

• Recognise feelings of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc. is normal and okay

1. Honeymoon phase

2. Negotiation phase

3. Adaption phase

• Talk to friends or a counsellor

• Keep in regular contact with friends and family back home

• Join university and community activities

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

Hotline for Central Narcotics Bureau: 1800-325-6666 | Website: www.cnb.gov.sg

When caught in a threatening situation

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

Settling In

Mission Locator: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/missions/singapore_mission/mission_locator.html

• No Embassy in Sweden – to contact the Duty Officer in Singapore

Ambassador (Non-Resident) Mr Quek Poh Huat

Chancery c/o Ministry of Foreign AffairsTanglinSingapore 248163

Telephone 63798000 (MFA), 69168102

Fax 64747885 (MFA)

E-mail quekph@spgroup.com.sg

Other Information For visa & general queries, please write to mfa@mfa.sg.

• No Embassy in Finland – to contact the Duty Officer in Singapore

Ambassador (Non-Resident) Mrs Jayalekshmi MOHIDEEN

Chancery c/o Ministry of Foreign AffairsTanglinSingapore 248163

Telephone 63798000 (MFA), 64231233, 64231638

Telefax 64747885 (MFA)

E-mail clockwork@pacific.net.sg

Other Information For visa & general queries, please write to mfa@mfa.sg.

USEFUL CONTACTS• Consulate-General of Republic of Singapore

Address:Strandveien 15A, 7th floor1366 Lysaker NorwayPO Box 132, 1326 Lysaker, NorwayPhone:+47 67 10 99 20Fax:+47 67 10 99 21Email:sgconsulate@easternbulk.comWebsite:http://www.mfa.gov.sg/oslo

What to Expect at Your Destination

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY

Homecoming

• 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’ deadlines for CORS module bidding and application for on-campus housing

• Prepare and submit your SEP report

THINGS TO WHEN YOU RETURNHomecoming

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://nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php @NUSPeerAdvisors

5. Help out at SEP outreach activities and help your juniors prepare for their SEP journey ahead

Take part in The ONE Award

□ Represent NUS at your exchange university’s exchange fair/ information session

□ Join the NUS SEP Ambassador Training before leaving (compulsory)

□ Join the Welcome Back Session upon return (compulsory)

□ Participate in exchange events and activities upon return

□ Collect your card at the SEP Ambassador Training and start accumulating points to be awarded the Outstanding NUS Exchanger Award

• To qualify, you must complete at least 1 SEP semester abroad and attend at least 1 compulsory activity

• Proof of participation is required for receiving stamps

• 8 Points = Gold Award6-7 Points = Silver Award4-5 Points = Bronze Award

• Submit this log card to GRO by 30 May (Sem 1 SEP) or by 30 Dec (Sem 2 SEP)

Outstanding NUS Exchanger Award

Be a SEP Ambassador for Singapore and NUS!

SESSION ONE

Date: 14 May 2019, Tuesday

Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Venue: Global Lounge

SESSION TWO

Date: 4 July 2019, Thursday

Time: 2.30pm – 4.00pm

Venue: Global Lounge

W E L C O M E T O Y O U R

B IG ADVENTURE!THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER – GO OUT THERE AND OWN IT!