Singapore FALL 2012/ACADEMIC YEAR 2012-2013 PROGRAM HANDBOOK
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Singapore FALL 2012/ACADEMIC YEAR 2012-2013 PROGRAM HANDBOOK The Singapore program is offered by International Academic Programs (IAP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in conjunction with the National University of Singapore (NUS). This IAP Program Handbook supplements handbook(s) or materials you receive from NUS as well as the IAP Study Abroad Handbook and provides you with the most up-to-date information and advice available at the time of printing. Changes may occur before your departure or while you are abroad. Questions about your program abroad (housing options, facilities abroad, etc.) as well as questions relating to your relationship with your host university or academics (e.g. course credit and equivalents, registration deadlines, etc.) should be directed to IAP at UW-Madison. This program handbook contains the following information: CONTACT INFORMATION .............................................................................................. 3 On-site Program Information ......................................................................................... 3 UW-Madison Information ............................................................................................... 3 Emergency Contact Information .................................................................................... 3 Embassy Registration .................................................................................................... 3 PROGRAM DATES .......................................................................................................... 4 PREPARATION BEFORE LEAVING ............................................................................... 4 Immigration Documents ................................................................................................. 4 Handling Money Abroad ................................................................................................ 6 Packing ......................................................................................................................... 7 Electronics ..................................................................................................................... 7 TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL .................................................................................................. 7 THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM ........................................................................................... 9 National University of Singapore .................................................................................... 9 International Relations Office ......................................................................................... 9 Orientation ..................................................................................................................... 9 Course Information ...................................................................................................... 10 Credits ......................................................................................................................... 11 Pass/Fail/Drop/Audit .................................................................................................... 11 Grades and Grade Conversions .................................................................................. 11 May 2012 1 LIVING ABROAD ........................................................................................................... 11 Singapore .................................................................................................................... 11 Housing ....................................................................................................................... 13 Student Life ................................................................................................................. 14 Transportation ............................................................................................................. 15 Safety .......................................................................................................................... 15 Health .......................................................................................................................... 16 Communication ........................................................................................................... 16 May 2012 2 Contact Information ON-SITE PROGRAM INFORMATION Your primary contacts will be: Shona Gilles International Relations Office Programme Manager National University of Singapore +65 6516 1976 3rd Storey, Unit 03-03, [email protected] Shaw Foundation Alumni House, 11 Kent Ridge Drive Ms Zann Lum Singapore 119244 Programme Assistant +65 6516 4356 +65 6516 1189 +65 6777 5547 emergency [email protected] +65 6778 0177 fax www.nus.edu.sg/iro/ UW-MADISON INFORMATION International Academic Programs (IAP) University of Wisconsin-Madison 105 Red Gym, 716 Langdon Street Madison, WI 53706 (608) 265 6329 (608) 262 6998 fax www.studyabroad.wisc.edu Lauren Worth IAP Study Abroad Advisor (608) 265 2915 [email protected] EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION In case of an emergency, call the main IAP number (608) 265-6329 between 7:45 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; after-hours or on weekends call the IAP staff on call at (608) 516-9440. EMBASSY REGISTRATION All program participants who are U.S. citizens must register at the U.S. Embassy before departure as this will help in case of a lost passport or other mishap. You can register on- line at https://travelregistration.state.gov. If you are not a U.S. citizen, register at your home country’s embassy or consulate. May 2012 3 United States Embassy 27 Napier Road Singapore 258508 +65 6476 9100 +65 6476 9340 fax http://singapore.usembassy.gov Program Dates Fall 2012 Arrive in Singapore TBD Classes begin August 13, 2012 Last day of classes November 16 Reading week November 24-December 8 Exams December 9, 2012-January 13, 2013 Students are expected to arrive approximately one week before the start of the term to take charge of housing, registration, make arrangements for Student Pass, and other administrative matters. For complete and current calendar information, visit https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/calendar/AY2012-2013.pdf Preparation Before Leaving IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS Passport: A passport is needed to travel to Singapore and to obtain your Student Pass. Apply immediately for a passport if you do not already have one. Passport information and application forms can be found on the U.S. State Department website http://travel.state.gov/passport/. If you already have your passport, make sure it will be valid for at least 6 months beyond the length of your stay abroad. Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Singapore. Non-U.S. citizens should consult with the Singaporean consulate for visa requirements. Student Pass: Students will need the following items for entry: Passport valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled departure from Singapore Confirmed round-trip airline ticket Evidence of enough funds to support yourself financially while in Singapore (e.g. original bank statements, signed letter from bank, etc.) Upon arrival in Singapore, students will need to complete a disembarkation/ embarkation form (available on the airplane) and present this form along with their passport to immigration officers at the airport. Students must retain the returned portion of May 2012 4 the disembarkation/embarkation form, as this is required for the Student Pass application (permission to stay and study in Singapore). Also upon arrival in Singapore, students will be given a Social Visit Pass for a minimum of two weeks at the airport or point of entry. NUS will apply for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter for all international students through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system. For international students who do not require an entry visa to Singapore, they will receive their stamped IPA letters during NUS registration. After students have matriculated/registered and received their IPA letter endorsed with the university seal, they may then apply for a Student Pass within the valid period of their Social Visit Pass. The following items are needed for the process of obtaining a student pass: Completed Application Form 16 Visitor Data Amendment card IMM (E) 555 Valid passport with a valid Social Visit Pass (you will obtain this upon arrival in Singapore) Program acceptance letter Embarkation ticket that you filled out on the plane to Singapore 2 passport-size photographs Letter from the Registrar’s Office certifying registered student status/course of study/period of stay/exchange program (from NUS after arrival) Medical Examination Report for students studying for 6 months or more (obtained in Singapore) S$40.00+ for Student’s Pass Student Registration Card Confirmed return air ticket Students may apply for the Student Pass at either of the following places: 1. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Passports will be returned within a week. For more information visit http://app.ica.gov.sg. May 2012 5 2. Student Service Centre (SSC), Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Passports will be retained for a minimum period of two weeks. Students wishing to cash traveler’s checks, open bank accounts or travel during this period are advised to take note. Students are not allowed to stay in Singapore beyond the dates established in their Social Visit or Student Pass. Overstaying is a punishable offense, so take note of the