Policies and Procedures
Check this page regularly! Information will be updated throughout the semester.
To stay on track, use the self-check at the end of each phase.
Access important NUS links and resources and get to know the place you’ll be calling home for the next semester in the Singapore Resources section.
———– START PHASE ONE ———–
Confirm Your Participation: Due Within 2 Weeks of Admission
- Log in to your online application and confirm your participation in the program. Then complete the checklist of items on the “Pre-Departure Documents” tab.
- Once you complete the pre-departure process, and when registration opens, our office will register you for this program with a placeholder block of credits.
Please take the time now to review our website for details about the cost of your program. You may find our budgeting worksheet to be an important planning tool. We also encourage you to consider applying for study abroad scholarships as early as possible.
Review Important Passport Information
We are so excited for you to begin planning for your study abroad experience! The first and most important step is confirming that you have a valid passport. In order to travel internationally, you must have a valid passport, which reflects your country’s citizenship. You can review the FAQs below as you confirm that you have a valid passport.
* Please note: the information below is applicable to U.S. citizenship holders. If you are an international student and need to apply for a new passport, please visit your local consulate or embassy’s website, where you can learn more about how to apply for a new passport in the U.S.
I’VE NEVER HAD A PASSPORT; HOW DO I APPLY FOR ONE?
You can learn more about the steps to apply for your new passport by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s website here. You can complete some steps online; however, if it is your first passport, you will need to apply in person. Please make sure to review which passport forms apply to you and complete the appropriate forms. You will also need to provide a photo and citizenship documentation.
I ALREADY HAVE A PASSPORT; IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO?
Yes! You need to confirm that the expiration date of your passport is valid for 6 months after the end of your study abroad program. Please contact your Program Manager to get an estimated last day for the program, if the program dates are not available already. If your passport will expire during the time you are abroad or within the 6 months following your program, you will need to renew your passport.
HOW DO I RENEW MY PASSPORT IF IT IS EXPIRED OR WILL EXPIRE SOON?
To renew your passport, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website here. Depending on when your passport was issued, you might be eligible to renew your passport by mail. You will also need to complete specific passport forms and mail in your current passport in order to get it renewed.
*If your passport was issued before you were 16 years old, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago, you will need to apply for a new passport.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO APPLY FOR OR RENEW MY PASSPORT?
The application fee is $130, and if you are applying for a passport for the first time, you will need to pay an additional $35 acceptance fee. You can review the fees here, and there is a fee calculator on their website.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR MY APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED?
Processing time can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week time frame includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Select Potential Courses at NUS: Due SEP 22
Course Search
Courses at NUS are called modules, so you will be doing a module search rather than a course search as you plan your schedule for next semester. You must include your list of modules as part of your online application, due September 22. Therefore, you should spend time exploring the module options at NUS prior to your application submission. Students are advised to read the online guide on module selection and application before applying for the exchange at NUS. On the application you should list 8-10 modules in order of preference. Students often are not placed in all of their top-choice modules. Therefore, it is important to consider alternate modules you may be asked to list in a second or possibly third selection round. You should discuss both your top-choice and alternate courses with your academic advisor.
Students should refer to the list of modules available to exchange students. If you would like more information about any particular module, you can use the module search page to find a more detailed course description. In addition, past semester’s syllabi can be found online. It will be helpful to have these details when discussing your intended schedule with your BU academic advisor.
Please note: Classes on this list are usually not available for exchange students at NUS. These specifically include Economics, Business, and Law and other courses. Please try to find alternatives if you were planning to request any of the modules listed.
You can make modifications to your Study Plan after receiving your acceptance letter, during Course Registration (CourseReg). Please ensure that you have sought your university’s approval for any changes to your Study Plan before CourseReg. The schedule for CourseReg can be found in the Non-Graduating Registration Guide.
Registration
The modules you list on your application will be carefully analyzed and you will be either accepted to or rejected from each module (up to a maximum of 20 credits). You will be automatically registered into each module for which you have been accepted. You must be accepted and registered to at least 3 modules (12 credits) in order to be accepted for admission at NUS. For this reason, it is important that you verify that you meet any listed pre-requisites for all the modules you list on your application. If you are not accepted into at least 3 modules, NUS will contact you by email to discuss the next steps, which usually involves another round of module selection.
Class descriptions and timetables are available online. Please check the timetable for approved modules to ensure that there is no class and examination timetable clash.
Course Approvals
Although you already submitted an Advisor Support of Participation form as part of your application, you may adjust your course enrollment plans as you learn more about your program. Be sure to do so in consultation with your academic advisor, especially if your courses were pre-approved. You should determine, preferably prior to the start of the program, the precise degree requirements these courses will fulfill. It is your responsibility to research how the courses taken abroad apply towards your overall academic requirements and progress toward your degree. Please note your courses will not appear on your BU transcript until after the program has ended and grades are reported.
Credits and Grades
Most classes at NUS are worth 4 credits and they will be worth 4 credits on your BU transcript. At NUS you must take a minimum of 12 credits (usually 3 modules) and no more than 20 credits per semester. Most exchange students take 3-4 modules while abroad at NUS. BU accepts your NUS grades without conversion, so whatever grade you earn in each NUS class is the grade that will appear on your BU transcript. All of the grades that you earn at NUS will be reported to BU and will be represented on your BU transcript and factored into your BU GPA.
Transcripts
After the end of each semester, NUS will send a copy of your official transcript to you via e-mail (OpenCerts). If asked where you want the official transcript sent, you may reply with your Program Manager’s name and/or personal e-mail: Sage Suorsa, ssuorsa@bu.edu or with your own. Transcripts are usually sent about 2 months after the end of the semester. If you have the transcript sent to you, it will be your responsibility to forward the transcript on to Program Manager Sage Suorsa, so she can add modules, credits and grades to your BU transcript. In most cases, your BU transcript will be updated about 3 weeks after your PM receives the e-transcript.
Submit NUS Application: Due SEP 22
Submit NUS application
Submit the NUS online application according to the detailed instructions provided by NUS.
Please note when completing the application:
- You must indicate on the application that you are an Exchange student.
- For your Exchange Type list University.
- For semester list “Semester 2”
- You must indicate in your online application that you intend to live in on-campus housing. If you do not indicate this in the online application, you will not receive the email with housing application instructions.
- Make sure you Submit your application. Applications that are only saved but not submitted by the deadline will not be accepted.
Prepare required documents
NUS has an online application that you must submit prior to their deadline of September 22. Make sure you review the academic information below as you are required to list your modules on your application. As part of this online application, you must scan and upload a series of supporting documents as listed below. Please review the supporting documents checklist provided by NUS and prepare these in advance:
- One passport photo
- Official BU transcript (must be requested from the BU Registrar in advance)
- Photocopy of the information page of your passport, showing your nationality and personal details
You will receive your official admissions email from NUS by the end of November after one, two, or three rounds of module selection. You can check the outcome of your application here and the result will also be sent to you by email.
Complete the Phase 1 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phase 1? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application, paid your program deposit, and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Selected potential NUS modules – SEP 22
- Submitted the NUS Application – SEP 22
———– END PHASE ONE ———–
———– START PHASE TWO ———–
Apply for NUS Housing: Due mid-NOV
University Housing
Many exchange students live in on-campus accommodation while at NUS, though on-campus housing is not guaranteed. You will apply online for your NUS housing. NUS will inform you of the procedures and deadlines via email when you have been officially accepted. While you wait for the housing application to become available, you should review the NUS accommodation options and information to familiarize yourself with the accommodations. Most exchange students at NUS live in UTown Residences or Prince George’s Park. Questions about your housing at NUS should be directed to Hostel Admission Services.
Apply for Housing
Instructions and deadlines for the housing application will be included in your admission email from NUS, in the document titled: Notes on what to do after being offered admission to the NG programme. The housing application will be open mid-November (TBD), it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible during that period. Housing assignments will be announced by the end of November.
Remember: You had to indicate in your online application that you intend to live in on-campus housing. If you do not indicate this in the online application, you will not receive the email with housing application instructions.
Off-Campus Housing
Some students choose to live off-campus while in Singapore. It is a very real possibility, however, that even those who want to live on-campus will be unable to secure an on-campus room due to housing shortages at NUS. NUS provides some guidance for off-campus accommodation.
Dining
Some NUS residences (such as the Residential Colleges in UTown) provide meal plans, but most do not. UTown Residences and Prince George’s Park Residences do not have a meal plan, so students living in those accommodations will pay for their meals individually. There are many dining options on campus and in the residence halls, and you can also try any number of food vendors and restaurants in the area surrounding campus. Most students enjoy the food options at NUS and find casual dining to be relatively inexpensive.
Payments
You will pay your housing deposit and fees directly to NUS. You will receive more information from NUS on the housing cost, payment procedures, and payment deadlines after your official acceptance.
Attend the Pre-Departure Meeting: DEC 7
PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING
A required pre-departure meeting for all students will take place in-person on Saturday, December 7th. Participation details, including the schedule and location, will be emailed by your Program Manager. This orientation will include important information to prepare you for your semester abroad and will also give you time and space to meet the other students studying in your program. There were some technical difficulties with the recording of the presentation, but the audio recording of this presentation is posted below, for you to review. You can manually flip through the presentation slides (linked below the recording), as you follow along.
All students are required to participate. This meeting is intended to give you an overview of daily life, culture, health and safety, and academics on your program. You will also have the opportunity to ask your Program Manager any questions about what to expect as you prepare for your time abroad.
For those students that are unable to make the specified time, please email your Program Manager.
Please also note that this meeting is intended for participants of the program only. Due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), parents/guardians are not permitted to attend this session. We do, however, encourage you to share relevant information about the program with your parents, as we understand that they may be curious about what to expect from your experience abroad.
Spring 2025 Pre-departure Presentation Slides for all Singapore Exchange Programs
Review Flight and Arrival Information and Book Your Flight: Deadline DEC 1
Flight Information
There is no group flight for this program, so each student will book his or her own travel to and from Singapore. Keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted. We recommend you not purchase flights until NUS has advised you on orientation dates and housing check-in dates. Once you have confirmed your independent travel, make sure to report your flight information through the Boston University International Travel Registry.
Arrival Information
Arrival and Check-In: NUS halls have official check-in dates at the beginning of each semester. If you want to check in early, you may be able to apply for an early check-in date, which usually generates an additional fee. You can review information on check-in and check-out dates and procedures at the Hostel Admission Services page.
Arrival date: You should arrive at NUS by January 12 (dates subject to change, depending on quarantine requirements and in-person vs. virtual orientation); Mandatory orientation activities are usually held January TBD. Classes start on January 13th. If you will be living in one of the University residences, make sure to plan your arrival in accordance with the move-in hours for your residence. If you plan to move in outside of normal business hours, you must arrange this in advance with your residence. You are expected to be familiar with all of the information in the NUS Registration Guide before arriving in Singapore.
Return date: Final exams end on Saturday, May 10. Please book your return flight for May 11 or later, so that you can be sure you will be present for all of your final exams and have time to check out of the dorms.
You are responsible for securing your own transportation to your residence in Singapore. Before traveling to Singapore, make sure you know the address of your residence and how to reach it by public transportation. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly to your residence from the airport. The NUS International Relations Office provides an online guide to prepare for your semester which contact information on planning your arrival, and directions from Changi airport to NUS. As a reminder, you should confirm your residence’s move-in schedule in advance and plan your arrival in Singapore accordingly.
You are expected to be familiar with all of the information in the NUS Registration Guide before arriving in Singapore.
Confirm SOLAR Information & Print eForm 16: Due DEC 1
One of the most vital tasks in preparing for your study abroad experience is to apply for a visa, which is required for American students studying abroad in Singapore. The type of visa you’ll be applying for is a Student Pass. You will not actually apply for and receive your Student Pass until you arrive in Singapore, but there are a number of things you must do in advance in order to enter Singapore legally at the start of your semester abroad.
NUS will send you detailed instructions about all of the immigration procedures described below. The information here serves as a general reference and advance notice, so you’ll know what to expect when entering Singapore. You can also find further details on the Student Pass Application section of the online guide.
Definitions: eForm 16, IPA Letter, and Student Pass
These are the three documents that will be part of your immigration procedure for Singapore.
- eForm 16 is part of your visa application
This is the only document that U.S. citizens will obtain before going to Singapore. You will print it yourself from the Singaporean online immigration system, called SOLAR. eForm 16 will act as a single-entry visa into Singapore for American citizens. - The IPA letter is an important document that provides the foundation for your actual visa
U.S. citizens will receive the IPA letter after arriving at NUS. Some international students will receive the IPA letter by email before traveling to Singapore and will use it, along with eForm 16, as their single-entry visa into Singapore. - The Student Pass is the name of the visa you will all eventually obtain.
NUS will help all students to get the Student Pass during orientation using the documents listed above.
Read the steps below carefully to make sure you understand the process.
Step 1: Read Your NUS Admissions Email Carefully
It is essential that you read your entire admissions email, along with the Registration Guide and Notes on what to do after being offered admission document, very carefully as these will contain important instructions and deadlines for your immigration procedures and other essential tasks.
Step 2: Confirm your Details in SOLAR (eForm 16)
NUS used your online application materials to begin your Student Pass application for you. They did this by entering your information into Singapore’s national online registration system, called SOLAR. The NUS Registrar’s Office will send you an email in late-November asking that you confirm the accuracy of your details in SOLAR before they submit the application on your behalf. Make sure you check your email (and spam box) regularly and reply to this email as quickly as possible so that your SOLAR registration will not be delayed. You will have to pay three different fees in the SOLAR system: a visa fee (S$30), a processing fee (S$30), and an issuance fee (S$60).
Step 3: Print eForm 16
Print out eForm 16 from SOLAR after you have completed and confirmed all of your information.
Step 4: Enter Singapore Using Passport, Disembarkation card, and eForm 16
U.S. citizens will use only their passports, eForm 16, and the airplane disembarkation card to enter Singapore. These documents enable you to enter Singapore one time; do not plan to travel in and out of the country until you have the Student Pass in your possession.
Some international students (non-U.S. citizens) will need the IPA letter in advance in order to enter Singapore. If that is the case, NUS will send you the IPA letter by email before your scheduled departure date. You will then use that IPA letter along with your passport, eForm 16, and disembarkation card to enter Singapore.
Step 5: Receive the IPA Letter
U.S. citizens will receive their IPA letter from NUS during registration. Non-US Citizens will receive their IPA Letter in advance by email from NUS.
Step 6: Convert your IPA Letter to a Student Pass
Representatives of the Singapore immigration authority will come to the NUS campus during the orientation/registration period and you will apply with them for your Student Pass. In order to get the Student Pass, you will need the following:
- Valid Passport
- IPA letter
- One colored passport-size photo (taken within past 3 months)
- eForm 16
- Any other documents listed on the IPA letter.
NUS will inform you of the date, time, and location of your application appointment. The NUS International Office will be able to assist you with this application process and can answer any specific questions you have about it.
Note: This information has been prepared by Boston University Study Abroad based on the most recent information provided by the relevant immigration agency (E.G. consulate, embassy, etc.). It is each student’s responsibility to compile and apply for their visa based on their specific citizenship. Visas are granted by foreign governments only, Boston University does not play a role in visa issuance, nor can we influence immigration policy. While we do our best to keep instructions as up-to-date as possible, visa requirements are subject to change without our knowledge. Ultimately obtaining a visa in a timely manner, and related costs incurred, are a student’s responsibility. Failure to acquire a visa will preclude participation in the program.
Review International Insurance Coverage
International Health Insurance and Evacuation Coverage
All students participating in a BU Study Abroad program will be automatically enrolled in the BU Chubb International Travel plan which includes comprehensive health and evacuation insurance. Policy information will be sent to you via email approximately two weeks prior to your program start date. In the meantime, we encourage you to review the insurance information we provide on our website.
Domestic Health Insurance
Participants are required to retain their existing health insurance: study abroad insurance does NOT replace comprehensive, US-based health insurance as required by Massachusetts and US law. You may not participate in BU Study Abroad programs without certifying that you have US-based coverage or are purchasing the BU Student Health Plan.
Plan for Medications, Prescriptions and Healthcare Abroad
MEDICATIONS & PRESCRIPTIONS:
If you take regular medications, the best course of action is to bring enough medication to last the duration of your program (if allowable). Consult with your doctors prior to departure to obtain the necessary supply of your medications, as well as copies of the written prescriptions. Many insurance companies offer vacation waivers to accommodate being out of the country for several months.
If for any reason you cannot be prescribed or transport a full supply of your medication, you will need to see a doctor in your host city to be re-prescribed. Keep in mind that you should not plan to mail any medications due to customs regulations.
International SOS can help you manage your plan for your healthcare abroad with expert advice on how to navigate the local healthcare system and with personalized recommendations based on your specific medical needs. Students should contact the International SOS 24/7 Assistance Center at +1 215-942-8478 or via the International SOS Assistance App. ISOS can assist you to find out whether your medication is available in your host country and make a plan to avoid any disruption of care, including planning for healthcare needs and connecting you to quality healthcare professionals abroad.
DOCTORS & SPECIALISTS:
If you see a doctor or mental health provider for regular care in the United States, you will want to meet with your provider to discuss continuing your care abroad. As part of this conversation you may need to contact ISOS directly to find local medical providers.
ISOS can provide assistance with planning for your medical needs abroad, including:
- Availability of meducation, including shipment options and costs
- Standards of local medical care
- Confirming coverage of specific conditions or treatments
- Confirming insurance benefits
- Appointment scheduling assistance
- Filing a claim, or status of a filed claim
- Setting up guarantees of payment or direct payment to in-network doctors.
If you have any questions or need assistance preparing for your individual medical needs abroad, please contact Katie Mungovan, Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, at katiedoh@bu.edu. During your on-site orientation, you will also receive detailed information about how to access local health resources and what to do if you get sick.
GENERAL HEALTH PREPARATIONS:
Study abroad can be mentally and physically challenging, so it is important for you to prepare as much as possible now for your health and safety during your time abroad. We recommend that you consider the following:
- Make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup and discuss any medications you take.
- If you are experiencing any emotional, eating, or substance abuse issues, seek professional counselling and consider deferring your participation in an overseas program, if necessary.
- If you have had difficulties coping with change, stress or anxiety in the past (whether or not it was professionally diagnosed), or are hoping that time spent overseas will help you solve a problem facing you at home, or on campus, you should talk to a medical professional before studying abroad.
- If you anticipate needing any dental, optical, or other procedures, plan to have them completed before departure. If you wear contacts or glasses, plan to bring enough with you to last the full program.
- Take the time now to read the BU Study Abroad Health and Safety webpage.
- Consult the CDC website (specifically for "Extended Stay/Study Abroad" travelers) for country-specific health information. The CDC recommends being up to date on all routine immunizations for any travel abroad, and you should ask your doctor about any recommended vaccines or medications you may need based on your destination. Be sure to discuss these recommendations, as well as any other health conditions you may have, with your doctor before you depart.
Request Academic Accommodations & Additional Support
If you have a mental health, emotional, learning, or physical disability that would require reasonable accommodations in order to complete the requirements of the program, you must obtain approval from the BU Disability and Access Services office (DAS), even if you've worked with their office previously. To initiate the approval request process, contact DAS at access@bu.edu or by phone at 617-353-3658. Please note that certain accommodations that you receive on your home campus may not be available at your program site, so the earlier that you are in contact with their office for advising, the better. The process for arranging accommodations may take several weeks. Please note that we are unable to accommodate emotional support animals in our international programs.
If you are currently consulting with a mental health professional, you must seek their counsel about the advisability of your participation in a study abroad program, especially as related to your adjustment to new cultural, academic, and housing environments and the availability of therapeutic or medical support while you are away from your home campus. If you have questions about the support available at your program destination, please contact your Program Manager.
Complete the Phase 2 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1 and 2? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application, paid your program deposit, and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Selected potential NUS courses – SEP 22
- Submitted the NUS Application – SEP 22
(From Phase 2)
- Applied for NUS Housing – mid-NOV
- Reviewed Arrival Information and Booked Flight – DEC 1
- Confirmed Solar Information & Printed e-Form 16 – DEC 1
- Attended your pre-departure meeting – DEC 7
- Made any necessary doctors appointments and located your nearest travel clinic for immunizations.
- Made a plan for any medications, prescriptions or healthcare needs abroad
- Contacted BU Disability Services to plan for academic accommodations and other support services (if necessary)
———– END PHASE TWO ———–
———– START PHASE THREE ———–
Billing: Deadline Early Dec. for BU and mid-Jan. for Non-BU
BU Students:
The Spring 2025 payment deadline will be early December. You will use the StudentLink “Money Matters” tab to view and pay your bill, as usual. Any questions regarding your bill or making payments should be directed to BU Student Accounting Services at studenta@bu.edu.
Non-BU Students:
Voting Abroad
VOTING ABROAD
Don’t use studying abroad as an excuse not to vote, there are many resources that make it easy. Plan ahead and make your voice heard.
Boston University is partnered with TurboVote – an online platform that makes sure you know when elections are happening and have the information you need to vote. Once you sign up, you can get registered to vote, apply for your absentee ballot, and receive election reminders through the site. Get started with TurboVote now!
Here are some other great resources that make it easy for you to vote while your abroad:
- Overseas Vote Foundation
- Vote From Abroad
- Department of State – official absentee voting information
- Voter Registration Deadlines by State
If you are not registered to vote yet make sure you check your local state deadlines to register online. Registering to vote online is quick and easy!
Banking Abroad
It’s essential that you call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad. You’ll need to tell them what country (or countries) you’ll be visiting, and the dates you’ll be away. If you don’t let them know, they may freeze your accounts, assuming your card has been used fraudulently. When you call your bank, you should ask them about the fees you may incur when using your debit/credit cards internationally.
We do not recommend opening a bank account abroad. The fees for transferring funds and the time it takes to set up and close the account, outweigh the benefits. Plan to use your current bank and credit cards. Some students in the past have opened credit cards that have specific benefits for travel – like waiving international transaction fees – and have saved money that way. You’ll need to assess what is right for you.
There may be banks that partner with your US bank. One of these partnerships is the Global ATM Alliance – a joint venture of several major international banks that allows customers of their banks to use their ATM card or debit card at another bank within the Global ATM Alliance with no international ATM access fees. Other fees, such as an international transaction or foreign currency fee, may still apply.
Mobile Phones & Internet Access
Mobile Phones
- Make sure you have a local number for emergencies and ease of use
- Local pay-as-you-go plans are the easiest and most economical. You can either get a whole new cheap phone, or just a new simcard.
- Most students purchase a phone after arriving in Singapore to use for local calls/texts
- T-Mobile offers good options in Singapore
- Keep your current smartphone on “airplane mode” and use apps (WhatsApp or Viber) on Wi-Fi when it’s available.
- US-based international mobile phone plans are more expensive and often don’t work.
Communication With Home
Most students who study abroad find that they are in less regular communication with their friends and family back in the US (or their home country). You’ll have a new routine, friends, commute, and a new time difference to account for. Because you’ll want to share your experiences with your loved ones, we recommend you consider the following before departure:
- If you currently speak to your parents everyday, for example, you may want to try and schedule a call every few days while you’re abroad. Some students make plans where they schedule a call every Tuesday and Thursday, or once a week on Sundays – whatever works for you! Remember that the best plan is one you can stick to.
- If you’re going to be traveling, let your family know how long you’ll be gone for, and where you’re going so they don’t worry if they don’t hear from you for many days. It’s also important that they know where you are for emergency communication purposes.
- You should download some of the free communication apps prior to departure, and help those with whom you’ll want to communicate to download them as well. Test them out together, so everyone knows how to use them. Examples are: Zoom, Facetime, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, LINE, etc.
- You may experience some differences locally; for example, wi-fi at your residence can be spotty, fewer public wi-fi spots, etc.
Packing List and Tips
All students should bring:
- Passport
- Printed eForm 16 (and IPA letter for non-US citizens)
- Passport size photo (taken within past 3 months)
- Flight itinerary (include NUS acceptance letter if you booked a one-way ticket)
- All medication you will need for the duration of your program
- NUS contact details and directions to your housing
Recommended packing list:
- Handbooks and emails from NUS
- Clothes for hot, humid weather
- Light jacket/sweaters to layer
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Comfortable shoes
- Rain boots
- Bath Towel
- Pillow and bedding (or plan to buy in Singapore)
- Sunscreen and Bug spray
- Laptop
- USB drive for backing up academic work and for printing
- 3-prong plug adapter (UK-style) and voltage converter (if needed)
- Ibuprofen: requires a prescription and can be expensive in Singapore, so bring it with you if you want it
What NOT to bring:
- US-based international cell phone plan
- Conspicuous clothing or electronics
- Sentimental/valuable items you could do without
- Personal appliances (hairdryers, straighteners, shavers)
Withdrawals: Deadline JAN 5
Have You Changed Your Mind?
If you are considering withdrawing from your Study Abroad program, please thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds. Please keep in mind that at any time after your admission to the program there may be non-recoverable costs associated with withdrawing from the program. Examples of non-recoverable costs for which you may be financially responsible may include, but are not limited to, charges related to housing, flights, academics, internships, or program-related activities.
It is important to note that the first day of the program is JAN 13, 2025 (date subject to change), and the program is more than 12 weeks long. The last day to notify our office in writing of your withdrawal prior to being responsible for a portion of the program fee is January 5, 2025 (subject to change based on actual Orientation dates).
Complete the Phase 3 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1, 2 and 3? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application, paid your program deposit, and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Selected potential NUS courses – SEP 22
- Submitted the NUS Application – SEP 22
(From Phase 2)
- Applied for NUS Housing – mid-NOV
- Reviewed Arrival Information and Booked Flight – DEC 1
- Confirmed Solar Information & Printed e-Form 16 – DEC 1
- Attended your pre-departure meeting – DEC 7
- Made any necessary doctors appointments and located your nearest travel clinic for immunizations.
- Made a plan for any medications, prescriptions or healthcare needs abroad
- Contacted BU Disability Services to plan for academic accommodations and other support services (if necessary)
(From Phase 3)
- Registered for TurboVote (optional)
- Called your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad. Asked about any banking reciprocity agreements they may have, as well as any fees you may incur.
- Decided if you’re going to use your current mobile phone abroad, or get a new phone after you arrive in (site). If you’re going to use your own phone, be sure to get it unlocked at least a week ahead of departure.
- Made a reasonable communication plan with your family and friends
- Settled your Boston University Student Account – Billing Deadline early DEC
- Reviewed your packing list and purchased any essentials
- Read your “In-Country Guide”
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Program Contacts
As you prepare for and embark on your study abroad experience, you will be in contact with various staff members from BU Study Abroad, both in Boston and abroad. To avoid missing important information, please add “@bu.edu” and “@nus.edu.sg” to your address book. Please keep all emails in a folder for your reference as you prepare for your semester abroad. Here are the names and email addresses of some people who will be in touch with you this semester, and/or whom you may want to contact with questions.
Boston-Based Staff
- Sage Suorsa, Program Manager
Sage will be your primary contact during the pre-departure process. All questions and concerns you may have should be directed to her.
Singapore-Based Staff
- Shaleeha Hajamaideen , Exchange Student Coordinator, International Relations Office
The IRO will be your primary point of contact at NUS.
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Program Dates
The Spring 2025 NUS exchange program runs from January 15 to May 11, not including any orientation they may schedule. You should plan to arrive in Singapore before January 13 (to be advised by NUS). (These dates are subject to change.)
- January TBD – Dormitory check-in (subject to change)
- January 13 – First day of class
- April 18 – Last day of class
- April 19 to 25 – Reading period
- April 26 – May 10 – Examination period
- May TBD – Dormitory check-out
Tentative Academic Calendar
The NUS academic calendar is available here.
Neither late arrivals nor early departures are permitted. We urge students to not make any weekend or mid-semester break travel plans until they arrive on site and receive the finalized course and program schedule. During the semester, students must fulfill strict attendance requirements and will be very busy with classes, program activities, and assignments. If family and friends plan to visit, please schedule trips to take place before the start of on-site orientation, during a scheduled program break, or after the semester ends. The first and last weeks of the program are critical to students’ success and require your full attention. By timing visits to coincide with scheduled program breaks, you can meet attendance requirements and take full advantage of your study abroad experience.
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National University of Singapore Resources
- NUS Exchange Program
- NUS Information Sheet 2024-25
- NUS Exchange – “While in NUS”
- NUS Exchange – “After Applying”
General Resources
Local Embassy
US Embassy in Singapore
27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508
Main Tel. No: (65) 6476-9100
Main Fax No: (65) 6476-9340
More information and services available to US Citizens can be found here.
“Being You” Abroad
Personal Identity and Cultural Perceptions
Identities Abroad
As you prepare for your study abroad experience, you’ll want to consider aspects of your identity and how these may be perceived and treated in the culture you’ll be spending time in. You may encounter varying and even opposing perceptions of your identity, which could include your gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, ethnicity, and possibly several others. Although some of this will be covered in your on-site orientation, we encourage you to do some research into social norms, cultural mores, and local practices before your program begins. We want you to participate as much as possible in the host culture and should be prepared for the experience, which can be both personally challenging and rewarding.
Explore our resources for understanding how your experience may be impacted by your identity(ies).
Additional Resources
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Academic Policies for Students Directly Enrolling in Courses at a Foreign University
As a student who will be directly enrolled in one or more courses at a foreign university, you are subject to a set of specific policies that apply to your classes, credits, and grades on this program. You are expected to be familiar with these policies before going abroad. Please read the academic policies below and make sure you understand them fully. You may download a copy of these policies here. Contact your Program Manager if you have any questions.
ACADEMIC POLICIES FOR STUDENTS DIRECTLY ENROLLING IN COURSES AT A FOREIGN UNIVERSITY
You will be enrolled in a course or courses at a university whose policies, teaching methods, and grading systems will differ from Boston University’s. Please read the policies outlined below very carefully and refer to your program-specific informational materials, which may include additional policies that modify or supplement the below.
- Full-time status. You are required to maintain full-time student status, equivalent to 12 or more BU credits per semester, while abroad. You may need to take more than 12 credits at your host university in order to earn the equivalent of 12 BU credits. Some foreign universities require that you take more than 12 BU credits in order to meet their requirements for full-time status.
- BU degree progress. You are responsible for verifying with your department in advance how the classes you take abroad will apply towards your major or minor degree requirements. An Academic Worksheet is available to you for this purpose.
- Auditing classes. You are not permitted to audit classes while studying abroad.
- Registering for final exams. Some universities abroad require students to register in advance for their final exams. It is your responsibility to know whether you need to register for your final exam, and to do so by the deadline. At some universities abroad, failure to register for or take a final exam results in a failing grade for that course. Although some universities abroad allow their matriculated students more than one opportunity to sit for final exams, BU Study Abroad program participants will sit the final exam only once.
- Grading Conversion and Credit Transfer. It is a student’s responsibility to understand the grading system and grade conversion scale for their host university courses. Some courses offered abroad may carry fewer than four credits.
- Grades and transcripts. Boston University cannot edit, modify or changein any way the final grades that are issued by your host institution and indicated on your host university transcript. Any questions regarding your grades should be directed to your host university faculty. All grades assigned to you by the host institution will be recorded on your BU transcript and all grades earned abroad will be factored into your GPA. You cannot opt to omit courses taken abroad and/or grades earned abroad from your BU transcript.
- Pass/Fail. No credit will be given to courses taken Pass/Fail.
- Withdrawals. If you withdraw from one of your classes abroad and a ‘W’ appears on your host university transcript, that ‘W’ will also appear on your BU transcript. However, a grade of ‘W’ will not be recorded on your transcript retroactively and post-program.
- Incompletes and Failing Grades. No grades of ‘Incomplete’ will be given; all coursework must be completed with your host institution, including the completion of all final exams before the end date of your program. You will also receive an ‘F’ on your BU transcript for any class that is ‘Incomplete’ on your host institution transcript. A failing grade earned in a class taken abroad will appear on your transcript as an ‘F’ and will count towards your GPA. In keeping with BU academic policy, you will not earn academic credit for incomplete or failed courses even though the grades appear on your transcript and impact your GPA.
Boston University Study Abroad reserves the right to rescind admission to or continuation in any program if an applicant’s academic or disciplinary record is not satisfactory. Boston University students placed on expulsion, academic suspension, or residence separation are not eligible to participate for the duration of the sanction. Deferred separation status will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Non-Boston University students are expected to verify their eligibility to study abroad with their home institution. In addition, your Boston University student account must be in good standing. University policy requires the withholding of educational services, including participation in a BU Study Abroad program from any student whose financial obligations to the university are due and/or unpaid. In completing your online pre-departure forms, there are a number of terms and conditions that you have agreed to by your electronic signature. In addition, some policies are stated on our website and linked below. We suggest that you review the following with your family, parent/guardian or other interested party: All students should thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds. This policy applies to all students and should be thoughtfully read when considering a withdrawal from a program. If you have questions, please contact our office. All students should review the Boston University Study Abroad Privacy Notice.The Fine Print: Policies and Procedures
Academic, Disciplinary and Financial Standing
Students’ Responsibilities While Abroad
Policy on Refunds
Privacy Notice
