An enjoyable and challenging experience
1. Why did you prefer Singapore for studying abroad?
Singapore combines the best of the east and the west. It is a beautiful, cultured and well-maintained city, with a rich cosmopolitan milieu in sync with the latest technology; a big draw for me. It is a relatively safe place for young international students, much more affordable than the European or American universities without compromising on the standard of education.
2. What difference do you see while studying in Singapore?
Singapore is my first experience of studying abroad. I am quite impressed by the pedagogy; it is very interactive and engaging. The intensive use of information technology in the class is a new experience for me. Study in SMU is a demanding process; but it is thoroughly enjoyable and self-challenging.
3. What are the placement opportunities in Singapore for Indian students taking up higher education? Which companies come for Campus interviews in each college or university?
Personally, I feel that the placement opportunities in Singapore are based on the principle of meritocracy. It is not predicated on the nationality of the applicant; but on factors like his qualifications, efficiency, personality, compatibility with the organizational culture etc.
4. Do you plan to stay and settle in Singapore?
I am going to work in Singapore for 3 years after I graduate to fulfill the conditions of the bond. Thereafter, my residence depends on the opportunities offered to me, my experience in the corporate world and other factors. If I am given an opportunity to work in Singapore, I would be quite glad to work here.
5. Does an education in Singapore provide you a global outlook? If so, in what manner?
Absolutely. For one, the distinguished cohort of professors from all over the world, the rich blend of cosmopolitan students and the innumerable opportunities to visit places abroad through exchange programmes, business study missions etc. widens our perspective. We have regular seminars and lectures by eminent corporate personalities and entrepreneurs. A debater from India, I have interacted with students from various universities all over the world through representing SMU at global tournaments like the World Debating Championship in 2003 and the Asian Debating Championship held in Bangkok in 2004.
6. Can you give details of on campus facilities in your institution?
For individual study, there are group study rooms and student studios. There is 24-hour free wireless on the campus. There is a gymnasium, a swimming pool, tennis courts and other sports facilities. Then, one can relax at the Red Door Gallery, which is a place for students to interact.
7. How did you finance your education? How do you compare financing in Singapore, as opposed to India?
I am on a scholarship in Singapore.
Education in Singapore is definitely more expensive than in India. But one can take student loans, work part time hours, and as teaching assistants or research assistants and earn some money.
8. What is your personal experience of study in Singapore? Do you have anything to say about the city-State's cultural mix?
I have had a satisfying 1st year in Singapore so far. It has helped me shape constructive ideas about my future career.
Singapore has a very eclectic mix of students from all over the world, particularly from Asian countries. There are influences of the Chinese, Malay and the Indian culture in Singapore.
9. Will you recommend a study in Singapore in general for juniors back home in India?
Yes.
10. What is the off-campus life in Singapore?
Very vibrant. Lots of National Libraries to read at, movie theaters, plays. Given the mix of people in Singapore, one makes very interesting and different friends. This place is a paradise for food lovers, with diverse cuisines to try.
Name : Priyam Saraf
University : Singapore Management University
Graduation Year : 2007
Degree : BSc (Information Systems Management)
Singapore: Destination for Education
