NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
NUS BUSINESS SCHOOL
STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
Evaluation & Feedback Form
Name: Gee Si’en Kellyn
SEP Semester: 2004/2005 semester 2
Host University/Country: University of British Columbia/ Canada
Questions:
1. How does the host university differ from NUS?
UBC is a lot larger than NUS but unlike NUS, they do not have internal bus systems
aside from on which runs in the evening when it is relatively more unsafe to walk.
There are a lot more student run activities and students are extremely enthusiastic in
participating in school run activities. Students lead a very balanced lifestyle at UBC.
They take time to have fun and yet are serious and enthusiastic about their classes. In
NUS, the heavier workload makes it a lot harder to achieve this.
2. What strong points does our School have compared to your host university?
Our school is a lot more efficient in the administrative matters. It takes slightly longer
over at UBC. In addition, classes are longer (3hour sectionals once a week, instead of 1.5
hour classes twice a week) and hence, more material is covered in one class, enabling
students to understand a topic in greater detail.
3. What strong points does your host university have compared to our School?
Exams are set in such a way that a student has the opportunity to think critically. Such
emphasis is placed above the ability to regurgitate theories and concepts. More than
enough time is given such that students are able to focus on the quality of the answers.
Exams are highly application based, which tests the student’s understanding of material
taught rather than the ability to memorize. Even in an exam setting, students have the
avenue to be creative in their answers and are often rewarded for it.
4. What expenses did you incur at the host university for one semester?
Estimated Breakdown of Expenses:
Items
Airfare (Return Ticket)
Travel & Health Insurance
Accommodation
Food
Books & Stationery
Clothing
Miscellaneous (Eg: Local transportation, phone calls, postage,
student visa, medical report)
Others (Eg. Extended stay, airfare for tour of neighbouring
states/countries, etc) Please specify here:
Total
Estimated
Expenditure (S$)
2500
250
3000
2800
420
1000
250
1000
11220
5. Please type a THREE to FIVE page report of your personal experience in the host
university.
a) Your overall experience overseas (initial cultural shocks that you encountered, lifestyle,
about the university, academic aspects)
b) What you learned from the exchange program
c) Your advice and suggestions for future exchange students designated to go to that
university
Exchange Report
My overall experience overseas
Going on exchange in semester 2 gave me less time to be emotionally and mentally
prepared. Shortly after my exams, I found myself in a very different environment, with a
drastic change in climate. Hence, change was very much in order. It took me some time
to get a feel of the Canadian culture.
Something that I discovered very quickly was that people in Canada are extremely vocal
and are not afraid to make their views and opinions heard. Such was the case in class
where students showed great enthusiasm to answer questions posed by the lecturer. It was
a small culture shock for me, because in Singapore, most students shy away from
answering questions. It took me sometime to appreciate that class can be so much more
enjoyable when students participate more. This was the case during group discussions
which were highly interactive as every person in the group contributed their thoughts and
opinions freely.
People in general are cordial and friendly, especially in the shopping stores. Salespeople
greet you warmly when you walk in, but initially, I did not know how to react. As time
went by, I got used to this way of life, such that conversations with salespeople became
normal. It was nice to be in a friendly environment, although at times, I would doubt if
there was any sincerity in such greetings. Nevertheless, I feel that it is a good practice
that Singaporeans should learn to adopt.
Having stayed in campus, I had the opportunity to observe the general lifestyles of
students there. Most students know the importance of having a good time, even in school.
It was common to see students go for a movie on a weekday at the campus cinema, even
when it’s the exam week. However, they also studied hard. Most students lead a very
balanced lifestyle, in other words, they party hard, but when it is time to study, they are
able to discipline themselves to do so. Something that I will always remember is an event
held on the last day of school called the Arts County Fair. Students would purchase
tickets and gather in the school Thunderbird stadium where many different bands would
played loud music, alcohol was sold and students went crazy. This would be normal if it
was after the exams, but the last day of school also happens to be one week before the big
final exams. Most people would discipline themselves to study hard right after the arts
county fair.
As I was on exchange, while there were assignments to do and readings to complete, I
made it my priority to have the time of my life there. Therefore, most of my time was
spent visiting new places, trying out new food at different eating places and getting to
know different people. It was a very favorable lifestyle, as I got to see and experience
sights that I would never have been able to enjoy in Singapore. Life was almost stressfree and hence extremely enjoyable.
UBC is huge, and initially, it was difficult to find my way around. But gradually, I got
used to the different landmarks and it was easy.
What I learnt
The most valuable thing I learnt was to not be afraid to speak up. Immersed in an
environment where everyone was excited to give their two cents worth, I found myself
speaking more in class. It did not matter if what I said was wrong or was not agreed on by
other people. I learnt that the contribution of different views only served to enrich my
academic life there.
Honestly, it had always been a challenge to enjoy school in Singapore. My perspective
had always been largely on attaining good grades and hence, such a chase made it hard to
truly enjoy studying. However, this exchange helped me to realize that if I were to
change my perspective, try to appreciate what I was studying and maintain an open and
enthusiastic view, then life would not be as stressful.
In addition, I learnt to be adaptable in a different culture. By doing so, I was able to
appreciate another way of life, try my hand at living like a Canadian and learn more
about their culture. It is in the Canadian culture to take very good care of the elderly and
disabled. The disabled are not despised upon but instead, treated exceptionally well. The
public transportation system is specially tailored to accommodate them and through this,
I learnt to value and love such people more.
Advice and suggestions
Since it may be difficult to find your way around the university as it is huge, make sure u
get hold of a university map. With the map, which is very detailed, moving around
shouldn’t be a problem. With regards to staying on campus, if you want a place that is
nearest to the business school, the best places to stay at are Place Vanier residence (which
is excellent) or Walter Gage residences. Vanier is dorm-style where you get your own
room and the bathroom is shared on every level. The meal plan is compulsory, and
compared to the other dorms, the food here is known as the best. You can’t expect to find
good Chinese food here, but there is a sandwich bar as well as a grill where they make
your burgers fresh. On the other hand, at Gage, you share an apartment with 3 or 4 other
students. The bathroom is shared for each apartment as well. Judging from the apartments
that I had visited, most are usually very dirty, since you can’t really control your
roommates’ mess. However, you are in a closer proximity to your roommates and it may
facilitate making friends. It is also much nearer to the bus loops (bus interchange) which
travels out of UBC to all other places. Location wise, gage is the best but the downside is,
there is no meal plan and no residence cafeteria, which means that you have to do your
own cooking: which can be a joy or a pain, depending on your preferences.
Food is Vancouver is awesome, provided you know where to go. For value for money
and good sashimi and sushi, go to samurai sushi on Davie Street which is downtown. If
you want to try Greek food, the best is just a few shops down samurai sushi. It’s called
Stepho’s. Be prepared to queue up for it though. Another must try is Guu, an authentic
Japanese eatery on Thurlow Street and Robson, a few shops down Banana Republic.
Order the kim chee fried Rice. Its heavenly! If you like Gelato, go to Mondo gelato on
Robson. Try the cranberry muesli flavor. It was my favorite and I believe you can’t find it
in Singapore. Shopping is not bad in Vancouver, but my personal favorite is Metrotown
shopping centre. Its huge! To get there, just take the skytrain and stop at Metrotown
station. There are 2 supermarkets there which are the cheapest among the others. You can
find almost every kind of Chinese foodstuff at TNT while the western one is the great
Canadian superstore. For cheap stuff, do visit the dollar stores. They often have things
that would cost so much more if you buy them at a regular store. The one at metrotown is
not bad.
Another thing, if you are going in winter, remember to bring enough warm clothes. Don’t
bother bringing long johns because they are ugly and uncomfortable. No one wears them
there and even though I brought many sets I didn’t wear them at all. If you must, one set
should be more than enough. The weather is so cold that you hardly perspire there. To
keep warm, layer your clothes. Don’t forget your gloves and scarves too. They will save
you from the blistering cold. Do invest in good quality clothing that will really keep you
warm.
All in all, go there with an open mind and remember to enjoy yourself! School is much
easier there so don’t worry too much about not being able to pass!