Amy Ann in Singapore

Field of study in Wageningen: Nutrition and Health
Study period exchange: 15/01/2024 – 15/05/2024
Country (exchange): Singapore
City (exchange): Singapore
University (exchange): National University of Singapore
Faculty (exchange): Faculty of science/medicine/ social sciences

2. Motivation for exchange

Why did you choose to go on study exchange?To learn more about myself and different cultures.

What is the reason you chose for this country/university?

I wanted to go to an English-speaking country and I heard that Singapore was a very nice place to go.

What is the reason you chose for this university?

It is the best university in Asia and had courses I was very interested in.

3. Accessibility to reach destination

Do you have any advice about reaching your exchange destination?

Plane.

4. University and studying

Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?

I had sufficient possibilities to select suitable courses that were taught in English:

Yes, there are a lot of courses to choose from.

I had sufficient possibilities to select suitable courses in my field of interest:

Yes, but there are not a lot of nutrition courses.

I am satisfied with the level of the courses that I followed:

The courses are quite hard, the locals are very competitive because they work with a bell curve. But in the end it is very easy to pass.

I am satisfied, in the end, with the selection of courses I followed:

Yes I was very satisfied with my selection. The courses were mostly interesting.

What is it like to study there?E.g. study forms, academic level, examination, workload, lesson material? 

It really depends on the courses you have. There are a lot of differences between the courses. The work with a bell curve is different than we are used to, but it is very hard to fail your exams. I would say the courses are harder than at WUR.

What is the culture of the university?E.g. How approachable are the lecturers, engagement with local students? What are the differences with WU?

The local students are really busy with school and all their extra curriculums. The locals are nice, but a bit shyer I would say. But there are a lot of exchange students. In only one class I was the only exchange student. The lecturers are all very nice and always willing to help.

What does the university offer students additionally? E.g. Catering, sports facilities, laundry facilities?

They are offering a lot. There is free access to the gym and the pools. The halls have their own small gym, and laundry facility and they have meal plans. The food in the canteens is really good and very affordable.

5. Housing-travelling-living

What are the possibilities for housing? E.g. Availability to sign up for a room on campus, private rooms, rent rates?

You should definitely sign up for a room on campus. Especially the colleges are great. The halls could be fun, but if you can choose, I would suggest: Tembusu (with a meal plan) or U-town residents (no-meal plan).

What is the culture like? E.g. Differences with home, local cuisine, habits, manners?

The culture is very different. It is Western Asian, which I really liked. The locals are very strict with their school work and extra curriculums because it’s all very competitive. But everyone is very nice and willing to help.

Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure? E.g. Cost public transport card, taxi prices, how to travel to the university?

The public transport is great. Buses and MRT are very cheap, and you can go around the city very easily. Grabs (ubers of Asia) are a bit more expensive, but when you share it is fine.

6. Expenses

Can you give an indication of your expenses for/during your exchange?

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

The price levels were in general in comparison to in the Netherlands:

It depends, some things are and some things aren’t. Groceries are a lot more expensive in Singapore and some activities are as well. But my rent was a lot cheaper eating out is way cheaper. Drinking and going out is a lot more expensive.

Additional remarks regarding expenses?

I  spend the most for travelling.

 7. Free time

What are must-sees in the area? E.g. Nearby destinations, how do you prefer to travel, when to plan?

I travelled a lot around Southeast Asia, these are the places I went:

  • Kuala Lumpur (take a bus, it’s a lot cheaper)
  • Ho Chi Minh
  • Thailand: Phuket, Krabi and Ko Phi Phi
  • Indonesia: Bali, Lombok, Nusa Penida
  • North Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Giang, Halong bay  à (the ha giang loop is a lot of fun!)
  • Cebu island
  • Hongkong

What does not appear in a travel guide, but is definitely worth seeing/doing?

  • Go up to Sky Garden in capita spring, it’s free
  • Sky bar ion sky in orchardà very nice view of the city
  • Georgetown bar at Boat Quay à is where a lot of exchange students are hanging out before going out.
  • The meadow at the gardens, by the way, is a nice spot for a picnic.
  • The ice cream museum is very fun if you like ice cream, it’s a bit expensive though.
  • Mustafa Centre in Little India, is a great and cheaper option for buying all your stuff.
  • Gluttons by the Bay is a small hawer centre but really good.

 8. Challenges & best moment abroad

Any challenges? How did you deal with them?

Not really.

 Best memory?

Travelling with my friends.

9. Contact details

Would you like to ask Amy Ann more questions about her exchange?

Send her an e-mail: Amyann.hut@wur.nl

Amy Ann: “Please send me an email if you have any questions or want any further information. I really had the best time in Singapore!”