Abstract:

The range of study abroad opportunities and percentage of students participating in overseas study experiences vary greatly amongst universities worldwide. The Faculty of Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has been very successful in providing its undergraduates with opportunities to study abroad by offering a diverse suite of study abroad programmes of different durations and intensities, catering to the diverse interests and needs of our students. The benefits of participating in study abroad programmes for students can be immediately seen which include students adapting and developing their ability to learn, expanding social skills, improving communication abilities, acclimatizing quickly to different cultures, boosting self-reliance and developing diplomatic skills, among many other skills.

The student mobility numbers for study abroad programmes in the Faculty of Science, NUS, started to grow from just below 17 percent (200 students) in 2006 to the present slightly over 50 percent (600 students) in 2010. This huge surge in demand and opportunities does not come by accident, but can be attributed to the concerted multi-pronged approach adopted by the University and the Faculty of Science. A flexible curriculum structure formulated and adopted within NUS since 2000 encouraged students to study abroad without delaying graduation. This, together with the Faculty of Science Five-Year Plan, has yielded the desired results. Since 2006, the Faculty has continually worked to formulate innovative student exchange models, leveraging on the complementary strengths of partner universities to meet the increasing demands of students for more challenging and exciting student exchange opportunities. Besides semester-long student exchange programmes with over 200 partner universities, the Faculty of Sciences also offers thematic and structured Student Exchange Programmes, Double Degree and Joint Degree Programmes, Summer Programmes, Summer Research Opportunities, specially customized Joint Minor Programmes, Global Clinics Programmes, Global Seminars and many others. In this paper, we will systematically list out how these efforts are planned and carried out, which will cover outreach and financial aid efforts as well.

NUS and the Faculty of Science strongly believe the current study abroad programmes not only serve to prepare our students to embrace the rapid globalization in today’s world, but are also powerful means to enhance and enrich the undergraduate education and experiences which will fulfill NUS’ vision to become a Global University centered in Asia.

Keywords:

Student Mobility, Study Abroad Opportunities for Science Students.