Fuerza represiva de Estado contra la población

35 ONCE YOU ARE THERE SETTLING IN SAFETY

TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME

PREPARING FOR HOME

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What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d

 CALL HOME! Ensure that your family members can contact you and inform them if you are going to travel - we do not want them calling us about your whereabouts

 Follow the instructions on your offer letter  Attend the orientation for exchange students  Acquaint yourself with the student services  Update your contact details at myISIS

 Find out who you should call in times of emergency – police, ambulance, or campus security

 Let people know when you leave campus and where you’re going

ONCE YOU ARE THERE

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What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d

 Familiarise yourself with your new surroundings  Keep yourself updated with the daily local news  Talk to new people – don’t keep to yourself

 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 alternative

arrangements to sit for your exam early or do assignments in lieu of the exam. If neither option is possible, apply for an extension of

your leave of absence from NUS

 Check NUS email frequently for new announcements and other academic matters.

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What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d

CULTURE SHOCK

 Anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within an entirely different cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country.

 1. Honeymoon Phase  2. Negotiation Phase

 3. “Everything is ok” Phase  4. Reverse Culture Shock

 Recognise and talk to friends or counsellors about it

 Be open-minded, and prepare yourself well by reading up about your host country beforehand

 Make friends with the locals

 Maintain contact with your friends and family back home  Be involved in university and community activities

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What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d

BE MATURE AND RECOGNISE DIFFERENCES

 Be prepared that things may be done in a different way and speed than what you are used to

 Respect others and act in ways to be respected too

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Once you are there– cont’d

 Be safe – don’t wander around alone at night  Even if you’re lost, walk purposefully

 Look out for nearest security posts/police stations near home  Beware of pickpockets – guys should keep their wallets in their

front pockets and girls should keep their bags tightly clasped under their arms

 Be mindful of your surroundings and aware of scams  Don’t leave your valuables lying around

 Don’t leave large amounts of cash in the room

 If confronted, give up your valuables and do not resist  Ask locals about any dangerous areas or locations that

should be avoided

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Once you are there– cont’d

If you encounter a threatening or an unsafe situation along the street or in public area:

 Get away from the incident site immediately.

 Move immediately and quickly into a crowded area if you are being stalked or threatened.

 Approach any police officer in sight, or go to any police post/station in the immediate vicinity.

 Seek help from the locals.

 If you are unable to get away from the incident site, hide yourself at a safe place.

 Call the local police for help as soon as possible whenever there is an opportunity.

 Contact the local sponsor/office/supervisor for help.

 If all fails, call Campus Security Hotline, or NUS faculty/department/ office, or your supervisor.

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 If you are unfamiliar with the road situations in a foreign country, always take the public transport.

 Always keep to the speed limit if you must drive.  Plan your route in advance.

 Travel in groups and with locals if possible.

 Call the ambulance (if someone is injured) and police  Ensure your are covered in auto insurance.

 Ensure you have your medical insurance with you at all times.

What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d

 Move away from disaster areas.

 Contact Singapore Consulate Office in the country for assistance.

 Inform your family, NUS emergency hotline and host university as soon as possible.

 Provide your contacts if possible.

 Follow MFA’s guideline to evacuate the country if necessary.

What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d

NATURAL DISASTERS

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What do I need to KNOW? (upon arrival) – cont’d

ALCOHOL, DRUGS, PARTYING ETC.

 Be comfortable and don’t be pressured into anything  Be smart

 Know when to say no

 It’s not okay just because everyone is doing it  Always know your limit

 Something that is legal there may not necessary be acceptable in Singapore  Something that is ok in Singapore may

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 Finding out as much as you can – the more you know, the more comfortable you’ll be

 Talk to people who have done the same thing. Learn & adapt – don’t copy

 Be open-minded and make the effort – to explore, experience new culture and places

 If a problem arises, try to resolve it. Good for you!  But also know when to approach others for help  After your time abroad, be inspired!

TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME

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 Say your goodbyes and thank you (including the International Office)

 Confirm your returning flight details

 Bid for next semester’s modules in CORS

 Apply for NUS on-campus housing if necessary

 Upon your return, please remember to fill in the SEP Student Feedback Questionnaire

 For NASA award holders, please submit your report  Look out for re-entry session

 Send us quotes on your SEP experience & nice photos  Sign up for the Peer Advising Programme

 Leave useful tips for future participants by blogging on

https://community.nus.edu.sg/oep/