Student Exchange Programme Pre-Departure Briefing For Denmark and Sweden International Relations Office

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International Relations Office (IRO) Our Mission: Foster closer international partnerships for transformative global engagement

What does it mean for you? OPPORTUNITIES –Student Exchange Programmes (SEP) –Summer Programmes –Research Attachments –Internships –Study Trips –Conferences –Forums 2

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Today’s Pre-Departure Briefing Agenda:

 Introduction of SEP  Pre-trip Preparation  What to Bring  Pre-departure Checklist  Find out about your host country  Once You’re there  Preparing for Home  Useful Contacts  Sharing by SEP returnee and mingling session 3

Student Exchange Programme Life of a SEP student before departure  Waiting for the host university’s acceptance letter which generally arrives 1-2 months before the start of the host university’s semester  Doing research on the host country, host university, course catalogue, insurance policies and visa matters etc  Following deadlines of host university’s exchange application and accommodation application  Interacting with other students at pre-departure briefing and on Facebook! What can you expect after preparing for and going on SEP?

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Outgoing Student Survey AY2014/15 TOP REASONS FOR GOING ON SEP (as reported by students) 1 To experience a different culture 2 Travel opportunities 3 Personal development

AFTER THEIR SEP EXPERIENCE… 99.1% Felt more capable of taking care of themselves

98.2%

Felt more sensitive towards the needs of others from different cultures/background

Outgoing Student Survey AY2014/15 99.8% were either extremely satisfied or satisfied with their exchange

98.7% would recommend SEP to other students

Student Exchange Programme Are you ready for your SEP journey?

Plan your budget

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NUS Ambassador Training Session 1 :

12 May 2016, Thursday 11am to 1pm Central Library Theatrette 1

Session 2:

7 July 2016, Thursday 3pm to 5pm Central Library Theatrette 1

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Now, I have gotten my offer. What else do I need to DO? How can I ENJOY my SEP?

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What else do I need to DO? (before departure) STUDY PLAN

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

HEALTH & INSURANCE DESTINATION INFO WHAT TO BRING E-REGISTRATION 10

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d STUDY PLAN 1.

You should have already selected modules to be taken at the host university. 2. Obtain an approved and confirmed study plan from the Dean’s Office before leaving for SEP. Prepare alternative modules just in case. 3. Keep a list of relevant contacts of course coordinators for course approval. 4. If you are overseas and realize that • the module which you originally mapped is not offered or •

there is another module (originally not mapped) that you would like to read, you can obtain approval from the relevant department via e-mail.

Please include detailed course description, contact hours, modes of assessments etc in your e-mail. Once approval has been obtained, e-mail the final approval and amended study plan to the Dean’s Office as soon as possible. 11

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d TRAVEL DOCUMENTS PASSPORT

 Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Most countries will not allow your entry if your passport is close to expiring.

Visa  Make a photocopy of your passport’s identification page and keep it separate from the original when you travel.

 We recommend that you leave a copy with your family member at home. This will speed up the replacement process should it be lost or stolen.

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What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d

Visa

VISA

Denmark  http://singapore.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/residence-and-work-permit/  Study period for exchange > 3 months => Application: Residence Permit (ST1 form)  You have received a letter of acceptance from Host University to apply for Residence Permit  Proof of financial ability to support your stay and study; as of Apr 2016 DKK 5941 (~S$1250)/month  Make sure to extend your passport if it is about to expire — you cannot obtain a permit for longer than your passport's period of validity.  Open a case order ID before submission of application; appointment is required for application submission; fees add up to about S$750  You must have obtained your residence permit before entering Denmark  Useful link on visa / residence permit requirement and application https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-US/ & http://singapore.um.dk/en/  Check the Danish Embassy’s website regularly for updates 13

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d

Visa

VISA

Sweden  http://www.swedenabroad.com/en-GB/Embassies/Singapore/Visit-Sweden/Visafor-visiting-Sweden/  Study period for exchange > 3 months => Application: Residence Permit  You have received a letter of acceptance from Host University to apply for Residence Permit  Proof of financial ability to support your stay and study; as of Apr 2016 min. of SEK 7974 (~S$1340)/month  Health care or medical insurance and proof of financial ability to support your stay and study  Make sure to extend your passport if it is about to expire — you cannot obtain a permit for longer than your passport's period of validity  You must arrange (receive decision) for your residence permit before leaving for Sweden  Useful link on visa / residence permit requirement and application http://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-inSweden.html  Check the Swedish Embassy’s and Swedish Migration Agency’s websites regularly for updates 14

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d HEALTH & INSURANCE HEALTH

 Obtain professional advice on necessary vaccinations and medications, if any.  Arrange for a health check-up with your doctor, dentist and optometrist here.  If you are taking medications, please continue and bring an adequate supply. INSURANCE

 NUS Student Travel Insurance http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/InsuranceCoverforOfficialNUSTrips.html

 It is essential to have both travel and health insurance.  Note the clauses and disclaimer when selecting your policy.  Report accident/loss at the earliest possible opportunity.

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What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d HEALTH & INSURANCE

Denmark  After obtaining your residence permit or certificate, apply for Danish CPR number (Danish security number).  For stay > 3 months, notify the municipal authorities of you intent to stay by contacting your local Citizen Service Centre (Borgerservice) to register for the CPR number.  Once you have informed the municipal authorities of your arrival and have received a CPR number, you are included in the general Danish health insurance scheme;  You will receive Health Insurance Card showing your name, address and CPR number. The Danish health insurance scheme does not cover transportation home in case of a medical emergency; students are encouraged to have interim coverage until health card is received  Danish Health Securities Act does not cover evacuation, repatriation, or personal liability, therefore, separate personal travel insurance is highly 16 recommended.

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d HEALTH & INSURANCE Sweden

 Exchange students are typically covered by an insurance policy provided by “Kammarkollegiet” Student-IN, The Swedish State’s Insurance for Foreign Students in Sweden.  Includes emergency medical care (for non-EU citizens), liability coverage, legal coverage and accident insurance. Property is not covered by this insurance.  This coverage is restricted to your study period at 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.

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What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d COST OF LIVING

 You should work out a budget covering accommodation, food, transport, clothing & entertainment.  Estimated cost of living: Denmark DKK4600 – DKK7600 per month Sweden SEK6350 – SEK8350 per month

 You can save money by shopping at local supermarkets, buying tickets in advance and taking budget airlines. 18

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d WHAT TO BRING 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 polices 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. 19

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d CHECKLIST

Docs 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, chargers, wireless router/cable  Umbrella/raincoat  Toiletries/alarm clock/ hairdryer

 Footwear  Digital camera  Photos and souvenirs  Foodstuffs  Passport photos

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What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d FINANCES  Big Mac Index:

Current exchange DKK 1 – SGD0.2 EURO 1 – SGD1.54 SEK 1 – SGD0.17

Denmark – 5.37 Sweden – 5.91 Singapore – 3.75 *Exchange rate as of 12 Apr 2016 at http://www.xe.com/currencyconvert er/#

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What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d

E-REGISTRATION  Singaporeans/PRS should register themselves with Singapore MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregister View.action.  For NS men, please notify MINDEF on your trip, and/or apply for the Exit Permit if required at www.ns.sg.  International students should contact their country’s diplomatic missions.

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How much do you know your host country & host university?

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University-wide SEP Partner Universities Aarhus University Technical University of Denmark University of Copenhagen

Lund University Stockholm University University of Gothenburg Uppsala University Chalmers University of Technology KTH - Royal Institute of Technology

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Quiz - Do you know? • Which major port is in the extreme south of Sweden? • Where did Lego originate from?

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What is the currency of Sweden? Name one of the famous fairytales written by Danish author and poet Hans Christian Andersen. 25

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d

Denmark • Denmark = the 3rd happiest country in the world by 2015 World Happiness Report • Social balance, equality, low level of corruption and transparency, universal welfare services • National goals towards creating a green and sustainable society • More than 20%of Denmark's energy already comes from renewable energy, and the goal is to reach 100% by 2050 • Strong cycling culture  Copenhagen - around 400km of cycle paths  About 40% of the capital's population commute to work by bicycle 26

What else do I need to DO? (before departure) – cont’d

Sweden • Sweden is a free and open society; embrace equality, avoid conflict • Highly developed welfare system; one of the world's longest life expectancies • Sustainability and Environment Highest percentage of renewable energy in the EU (> 47%) 1% of Sweden’s household waste goes to the rubbish dump • Ranked 3rd most innovative country* in the world :  Pacemaker  Three-point seatbelts – Volvo safety engineer  TetraPak * according to the 2015 Global Innovation Index (GII)

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What else do I need to KNOW? (before departure) – cont’d Weather

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In semester one, you will experience Autumn and Winter The Northern part of the country is colder than the Southern part Air will be dry so put on lots of moisturizer 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 in winter • It is the chance for you to try things that you would not be able to do in Singapore, such as skiing • Even if the weather is cold, locals may still eat cold food as a proper meal

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What else do I need to KNOW? (before departure) – cont’d ACADEMIC CULTURE

• One word: independence • Professors expect that you are taking the class because you are interested in learning and will not monitor/chase after you if you are not attending class or handing in assignment • In class, students do not speak up because they have to but because they want to-the passion for learning is infectious • 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 • Enrolling in class may not mean you will be assessed-check if there is a separate date for exam registration • Exams are usually longer compared to NUS • Students can address professors by their first name • Project work is very dynamic 29

What else do I need to KNOW? (before departure) – cont’d LIFESTYLE

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Punctuality is a norm and if you are late, you are supposed to have a better reason than just “I lost track of time” Environmental consciousness is high so you will learn to separate your garbage, recycle your bottles (sometimes you get money back), BYOB and take trains instead of planes to have a lower carbon footprint Locals are generally helpful but might not take the initiative to make small talk so be thick-skinned, smile and start a conversation Communication is usually direct, honest and to the point Pace of life is slower with shorter working hours and a weekend spent with a long brunch or just chilling out is not unusual Walking and cycling culture is very strong Partner universities usually have lots of sports activities from the beginner’s to advanced level so don’t miss the opportunity to 30 exercise and make friends!

I’m ready to go! What do I need to know?

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What do I need to know? (upon arrival) ONCE YOU ARE THERE

SETTLING IN SAFETY TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME

PREPARING FOR HOME USEFUL CONTACT 32

What do I need to know? (upon arrival) ONCE YOU ARE THERE  CONTACT YOUR FAMILY!  Attend the orientation for exchange students.  Update your contact details at NUS SIS. SETTLING IN  Please don’t just stick to Singaporeans!  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 option is possible, apply for an extension of your leave of absence from NUS.  Check both host university and NUS email frequently. 33

What do I need to know? (upon arrival) CULTURE SHOCK

 Anxiety and feelings of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc. 1. Honeymoon Phase 2. Negotiation Phase 3. “Everything is ok” Phase 4. Reverse Culture Shock

 Talk to friends or counselors.  Join university and community activities. BE MATURE AND RECOGNISE DIFFERENCES

 Respect others and act in ways to be respected too.  You are representing yourself, your school and your country. 34

What do I need to know? (upon arrival) SAFETY  Don’t wander around alone at night.  Beware of pickpockets and scams.  If confronted, give up your valuables and do not resist. ALCOHOL, DRUGS, PARTYING ETC

Be comfortable and don’t be pressured into anything. It’s not okay just because everyone is doing it. Obey laws of both host country and Singapore. EMERGENCIES

 Get away from the incident site immediately, if allowed and possible.  Seek help from the police or locals.  If all fails, call NUS Campus Security Hotline.

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What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d FIRE SAFETY: Things to note and prepare

 Attend a Fire Safety course if possible  When you arrive check for:  Working smoke detectors  Fire extinguishers  Nearest Fire Escape/s  If there is a window big enough for you to escape through  If no smoke detector, or the one 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).  Know local Fire Brigade emergency number (and all local emergency numbers): store in your phone and know by memory.  Ensure there is always a clear path from your sleeping and study areas to the nearest window and door. 36

What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d FIRE SAFETY: if you suspect a fire

 If you suspect a fire on the outside of the room you are in, do not open the door. Instead, place your hand on or close to the door and if it is hot do not open. Find an alternative escape route.  Alert anyone else in the room and follow the Fire Exit route (which you will hopefully know from checking it out on arrival).  In the event of a suspected or actual fire, never use the elevator.

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NO!

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What do I need to know? (upon arrival) ROAD ACCIDENTS

 Travel in groups and with locals if possible.  Take public transport and if you must drive, obey traffic rules.  Ensure you are covered in auto insurance and medical insurance. NATURAL DISASTERS

 Inform your family, Singapore Consulate Office, NUS Campus Security, host university and home faculty as soon as possible.  Follow MFA’s guideline to evacuate the country if necessary.

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What do I need to know? (upon arrival) TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME  Talk and learn from people who have done the same thing.  Be open-minded and make the effort.  If a problem arises, try to resolve it but also ask for help PREPARING FOR HOME

 Say your goodbyes and thank you  Follow NUS’s deadlines for CORS module bidding and application for on-campus housing  For NASA award holders, please submit your report

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Once you are back!

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Everybody needs a PAL! Peer Advising Programme “To build a community of Peer Advisors (PALs) consisting of students who have been on SEP and are keen to contribute” How the PALs can help you?  PALs are returning students. Link up with them to find out more [email protected] http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/sep/pals/pals.html http://tinyurl.com/peeradvisingNUS @NUSPeerAdvisors

 And when you get back, don’t forget to become a PAL!

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USEFUL CONTACTS  Make your own list of emergency contacts • Embassies/High Commissions: www.mfa.gov.sg • Local emergencies number • Credit card and bank telephone numbers

• NUS Emergency Contact +65 6874 1616 (24 hours) • For confidential matters (eg. harassment), write to IRO at [email protected]

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EMERGENCY CONTACTS

 Singapore Embassy, Denmark  Address: 18-20 Snorresgade, DK-2300 Copenhagen S., Denmark Phone: 001 - 45 - 3254 8360 / 001 - 45 - 3266 8100 Fax: 001 - 45 - 3254 8370 / 001 - 45 - 3295 3282 Email: [email protected] Website URL: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/copenha gen

Singapore Embassy , Norway Address: Eastern Bulk Carriers Visiting Address Strandveien 15A 1366 Lysaker P.O.Box 132, 1326 Lysaker Phone: +47 67 10 99 20 Fax: +47 67 10 99 21 Email: [email protected] Website URL: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/oslo 48

IRO website: www.nus.edu.sg/iro

NUS Ambassador Training Session 1 :

12 May 2016, Thursday 11am to 1pm Central Library Theatrette 1

Session 2:

7 July 2016, Thursday 3pm to 5pm Central Library Theatrette 1

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