We have outlined here TEAN’s six easy steps to studying abroad. Your TEAN Program Manager guides you through the entire process, reminding you when and what we need from you as you traverse along the journey to studying abroad. These six steps also include all the vital information you need to know as you prepare for your time abroad. If you can’t find the answers to your questions here, then don’t hesitate to call or email us.
Congratulations! You have applied to a TEAN Singapore semester or summer program, so you are already one step toward the best semester of your college life! This section walks you through how to complete your application; paying your deposit; how to obtain a passport and check that yours will be valid for the duration you need, the best ways to contact TEAN and all the important dates to mark down on your calendar. As usual, if your questions are not answered here, then don’t hesitate to contact us. Step 1: Get Started explained in 60 seconds.
1. If you haven’t already started your application with TEAN, you will need to visit the apply now page to start the process. You will be asked to pay a $95 application deposit that is counted toward your total program fees.
2. Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the application deposit, our team will review your application.
3. After your application has been approved by TEAN you will receive an email from us with information on how to login to your account and access your application.
As we move through the application process more forms and items will be added to your checklist by your Program Manager. So continue to check back for updates!
5. Submit your most recent transcripts
In order for us to fully process your application, we will need to review your official transcripts. For students studying in the Spring semester, we will need transcripts including grades from the previous Spring semester. For Fall students, we require transcripts including grades from the previous Fall semester. Summer students must have the previous Fall semester grades included on your transcript.
There are two ways you can submit your official transcripts:
1. Request an official copy of your transcript be sent via mail to our office:
The EDUCATION ABROAD Network
5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78735
2. Request an official copy of your transcript be sent electronically (directly from your Registrar’s office) to TEANtranscripts@teanabroad.org We are unable to accept documents that have been previously opened as they are then considered “unofficial.”
Once you complete the required forms in your TEAN application portal, your Program Manager will let you know that you are accepted to the program! Once accepted, we will provide information on how you will pay for your program. If we do not have a billing agreement with your home institution, you will receive your program invoice at this time. Payment is due by your program’s payment deadline. We’ll send you more information on how to make payment, using financial aid, and the option of a payment plan. Please be prepared to make payment by your payment deadline in order to move forward with the program. You can review more information regarding finances here.
Your TEAN Program Contract will be available in your TEAN application portal once you apply. You must sign and upload your completed Program Contract by your program’s payment deadline. Please familiarize yourself with the cancellation policy below prior to signing your contract.
The below cancellation policy applies if a student chooses to withdraw. For our policy covering TEAN cancelling the program, please see here.
This policy applies to all cancellations, regardless of the reason. Your request to withdraw and receive a refund must be made in writing to TEAN. The $95 application deposit is non-refundable. If your application is denied due to eligibility requirements, your deposit will be fully refunded. Alternative payment arrangements (financial aid, payment plans, etc.) do not exempt you from this policy. Payment deadlines can be found on our Dates & Fees page.
If you withdraw…
The final deadline to withdraw from any TEAN program is 14 days prior to the start date of the program. If you withdraw after this deadline, regardless of the reason for withdrawal, you are not eligible for any refund from TEAN.
Signing and returning all documents in your student portal is your responsibility. If you fail to return the documents after repeated notification (email or call), you will be deemed withdrawn and will not be eligible for any refund.
Housing confirmation fees are non-refundable after the TEAN original payment due date. If you change or defer to another TEAN program after your TEAN original payment due date, but prior to the final deadline to withdraw, TEAN will assess a $500 change fee plus costs incurred. Program changes are not permitted 1-14 days prior to the start of the program. Prior to your official acceptance, please refrain from booking flights for your program. TEAN reserves the right to adjust program dates to accommodate host university calendar changes and is not responsible for airline fare or ticket change fees incurred by program participants.
Prices and dates are subject to change without notice.
Obtaining a passport for international travel may take a considerable period of time as the State Department can often have a backlog of applications to work through. Therefore, it is crucial that you apply for your passport as early as possible to avoid any last minute complications. You can apply for your passport at your local U.S. Post Office.
You can obtain necessary information regarding passports from the U.S. Department of State: Passport Services Department, download passport applications, find a nationwide list of passport agencies, etc. here.
As a condition of your student visa, your passport must be valid a minimum of six months after your program end date. If your current passport is set to expire before then, you will need to apply for a renewal.
Email is the primary form of communication during the application and enrollment period. Please provide us with an email address you use regularly, as important program announcements and instructions will be sent via email. Also, please check your email on a regular basis and make sure to update your online application if you change your email address. Please also periodically check your junk mail to ensure that messages from TEAN are not begin filtered into “spam”. If messages are being filtered into spam, please add TEAN’s email to your contacts. Singapore Management University may also contact you directly via email with information regarding your student visa and enrollment.
In addition, please be sure to include your full name on all correspondence (including emails). We work with many students so providing your name will ensure timely responses to questions and inquiries.
The EDUCATION ABROAD Network
5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78735
Toll Free: 1-800-585-9658 (from within U.S.)
Local Number: 1-312-239-3710 (from outside of U.S.)
Fax: 1-312-239-3713
TEAN is open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Central Standard Time and observes all major holidays. If these hours are not convenient, you may schedule a time outside of our normal business hours to speak with us. If you are currently international, it is possible to set up a time to Skype and get to know your Program Managers.
We finalize our program calendar several months before each semester abroad. During that time, we work with our overseas partner universities in order to determine our orientation schedule. We will provide updated information pertaining to orientation, key semester dates, flights and excursions once our program calendar has been finalized. We will send you an email notification once the updated calendar information has been posted on the website so you can plan accordingly.
Once the program calendar has been finalized, we will post this information on our website and you’ll be notified by your Program Manager. Once the calendar has been released, all dates are still subject to change. While we do not anticipate any date changes once the calendar has been finalized, we reserve the right to make changes, particularly if one of our partner universities institutes their own date modification. All program participants will be contacted in the event of a date change.
If you haven’t already, please start your TEAN application prior to your program’s application deadline. Your payment for the program (unless we have a billing agreement with your home institution) and Program Contract are due by your program’s payment deadline. You can find both deadlines on our Dates & Fees page. You must also reach out to your home institution’s study abroad office to ensure you meet any of their deadlines to study abroad.
Please review the cancellation policy in the ‘Program Acceptance’ section above for important dates should you choose to withdraw your application.
The program officially begins at the start of our Orientation Program in Singapore. Students arriving in advance of our orientation will be responsible for their own transportation from the airport and any necessary accommodations prior to the orientation start date.
One of our main goals at TEAN is to make sure all of our students are thoroughly supported from day one of the study abroad process. Embracing diversity in all its forms is very important to us. We’re dedicated to providing the most information and resources possible so students can make an informed decision on what program will best suit them, both academically and personally. We encourage all students to read through our Diversity and Identity page of our website to find resources useful for you directly and learn more about the students you will be studying abroad with.
Congratulations again! If you’ve gotten this far you are well and truly on your way to an incredible study abroad program in Singapore! This section contains information on selecting your courses to ensure you get credit for them, financial aid and how to navigate the system to ensure your aid transfers, details of the TEAN and other scholarships you may want to apply for. Step 2: Get Schooled explained in 60 seconds.
Students should pay close attention to the prerequisites of the courses as the 100, 200, 300 and 400 levels are not necessarily indicative of the sequential order of the courses and the class level of the student. 600 level courses are for graduate students only.
Please make sure you’ve read Step 2 in its entirety before choosing courses.
FALL (TERM 1) COURSES
BUSINESS
COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA
ENVIRONMENT
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
SCIENCE
BUSINESS
COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA
ENVIRONMENT
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
SCIENCE
The Choose Earth Program is an opt-in experiential learning opportunity that develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students and participants need to become locally engaged, civically minded, and globally responsible. Understanding how your individual choices made at the local level have a global impact is essential! By engaging as many participants as possible with Choose Earth, our collective actions will positively impact the planet’s vitality, diversity, and longevity.
If you would like to participate in our Choose Earth Micro-Credential, click here for more information.
Check out these other great courses that are available for standard credits!
When and how do I enroll in my classes?
You will enroll in classes online approximately 4 weeks prior to departure. SMU uses a bidding system for enrollment meaning you will receive $100 SMU e-dollars and will bid for the courses that you want to enroll in. Both TEAN and SMU will provide detailed instructions for enrolling using the bidding system once we are at that stage in the process.
Can I change my classes after I enroll?
Yes, you will have an opportunity during the add/drop period on-campus to make adjustments to your schedule and enrollment.
Can you guarantee that I’ll get into my classes?
No, TEAN cannot guarantee that you will be able to enroll in specific classes. This is why we suggest that you have 6-8 course pre-approved so that you have some flexibility with your enrollment in the event a course is full, you don’t meet the pre-requisite requirements or there is a timetable clash. If you have very specific classes you need to take while you’re abroad, please contact your Program Manager.
Is there a discount if I only enroll in 3 courses?
Yes, there is a tuition discount if you only enroll in 3 classes. Please refer to the Fees & Inclusions tab on the program page for details. During the course selection period, you will receive a form from TEAN that you must complete asking you to confirm how many courses you intend on taking during the semester.
Choosing the option to only enroll in 3 classes requires approval from your home university and is your responsibility.
Students can take 1 course over the four-week program, which usually transfer as 3 U.S. semester credits. Students interested in adding a second course will be responsible of any additional fee. For scheduling reasons, students taking two courses must select one course from each cluster listed below.
Courses in Cluster 1 will be held in the morning, and courses in Cluster 2 will be held in the afternoon. Each course has 36 contact hours so depending on your home university, each course may be worth either 3 or 4 credits. Final credit allotment is at the discretion of each student’s home university, and is typically based off of the total number of contact hours for each course.
Please be sure to select at least one additional course per cluster so you have a back-up should a course fill up and meet capacity or get cancelled due to low enrollment. All courses are limited to the first 45 students and are admitted on a first come, first serve basis.
ASIAN INSIGHT
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
ASIAN INSIGHT
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
**If you add a second course the additional fee will be of $1,650
It is highly recommended that you have your academic advisor approve your classes before leaving if you wish to ensure you receive transfer credit. If you do not wish to receive any credit when you return home you may be able to forego the approval process. Some students negotiate the credit transfer issues when they return from their program, but at the very minimum you should meet with your academic advisor/dean before departure so they are fully aware you will be studying abroad. They will be able to help you select courses that will count towards your major and that will be easily transferable for credit when you return.
Contact your study abroad office at your home university to discuss study abroad credit approval and other specific procedures to be completed for your program overseas. This is an important step as it may reveal crucial steps towards avoiding complications and making your transition abroad seamless. In addition, your study abroad advisor will need to sign our “Statement from University” form. You can send this to them from your online application.
While we strive to keep our programs affordable, we recognize that many students need financial help. The good news is that most financial aid you are currently receiving is applicable toward study abroad. Generally, you can transfer federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans, which do not need to be repaid until after graduation.
See the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Public Law 102-325, 106 Stat.448): The act was reauthorized in the summer of 1992 to include a number of provisions to facilitate the use of federal financial aid for study abroad. (NAFSA: Association of International Educators Newsletter, Volume 44, No 3/Dec-Jan 1993).
The U.S. Department of Education advised that the Perkins Loans, SSIG Grant Program, Pell Grants, FSEOG Grants, Stafford Loans, SLS loans, PLUS Loans and Consolidation loans can now be used for study abroad. Your study abroad experience does not have to be compulsory for your degree program in order to apply your aid. Please contact your home institution financial aid office to discuss your financial aid options for study abroad.
The Financial Aid Agreement form (FAA) is completed by you and your home university. The FAA acts as proof of incoming funds and allows you to defer a portion of your payment until your financial aid awards are released, even if that is after your program start date. Note: If your entire program is covered by aid, a down payment is still required to confirm your participation in the program. More information will be available via a link in your TEAN portal.
2. Read the information carefully and sign and date the student portion at the bottom
For example: If your financial aid covers all but $700 of your balance and your program down payment is $1000, you would pay $1,000 by the payment deadline. This $1,000 would go towards your total program balance.
If your financial aid only covers $5,000 of your $12,000 program balance, you would pay the difference ($7,000) at the payment deadline and then pay the remaining $5,000 once your aid is disbursed.
Your FAA is due by your program’s payment deadline. You can read more about financial aid and payment options here.
If you are currently receiving financial aid (federal loans, grants, scholarships, etc.) from your home institution please follow these steps. The financial aid you currently receive may not be processed in the same manner and the same amounts may not be awarded to you.
Step 1: Visit your home university’s financial aid office and inform them you will be studying abroad through TEAN. Ask them how much of your current aid will transfer for a study abroad experience. You will also need to check if there is additional paperwork specific to your home university.
Step 2: Ask your financial aid office if they have a “consortium agreement” (do not worry if this is a foreign term to you, they will know what it is!) which essentially means they will complete all paperwork regarding your existing financial aid while you are studying abroad. This is the ideal arrangement as it makes the whole process easier for everyone. You will also need to have a TEAN Financial Aid Agreement form filled out that will be provided to you by your Program Manager.
Step 3: If they have a consortium agreement, most likely they will have an existing agreement that is university specific. TEAN will likely have to sign this for you and send it back to them. It will not go to your overseas institution. The TEAN Financial Aid Agreement form should then be faxed or emailed to us.
Unfortunately, not all universities will sign a consortium agreement. If this applies to your school please consult us immediately for further guidance.
Please note: The financial aid process is very complex and adequate planning is necessary. You should contact your home institution’s financial aid office if you will, or think you may need to, apply loans or aid to your study abroad program. TEAN is not a lending institution so unfortunately, all financial aid and loan discussions will need to be made within your home university’s financial aid office.
In addition to the current financial aid you receive, you may want to consider one of our many scholarships. Each year TEAN awards thousands of scholarship dollars to qualified program participants. Awards range from $1,000 – $5,000, and we have a range of categories that students may qualify for. In addition, there are scholarship opportunities available through several external organizations. Review details of the available study abroad scholarships. If you are a returning TEAN student, review the option to apply for our TEAN Repeat Grant as well.
TEAN makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations abroad. The level of accommodations varies by country and by university, thus TEAN cannot guarantee that all services offered at your home university can be matched in your program location. We will try to accommodate you as much as possible through coordination with the resident staff, the host university abroad and others in charge of student services overseas.
The host university and TEAN facilities and sites may not be equipped to handle special physical or other requirements as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Office of Civil Rights, United States Department of Education has opined that ADA and Section 504 do not apply extraterritorially. Accordingly, please understand that our asking you for further information does not imply what, if any, accommodation may be provided to you by TEAN or the host university.
You will live in an off-campus apartment located within walking distance from the SMU campus. Within a short walk from your front door, you will find many cafes, awesome street food, restaurants, and shopping’s. You will share a room with another TEAN student within a multi-bedroom apartment. Continue to the Housing Details section for full details on what to expect in your TEAN housing. Step 3: Get a Room explained in 60 seconds.
You will live with other TEAN students in a shared apartment, within walking distance (Approx. 0.4 miles) from the SMU campus. Depending on student numbers, gender breakdown and availability, you may be accommodated in a 2-bed studio apartment or a 3 bed 2-bedroom apartment.
Within your furnished, shared, apartment you will have the following:
All your utilities, including Wi-Fi, will be included in your housing fees to TEAN.
Studio Deluxe – Capped at SGD $100 per month
2 Bedroom Apartment – Capped at SGD $200 per month
Any exceeded amounts will be an additional cost
Linens are provided and included in your total program fee. Students are provided with sheets, a comforter, a pillow and towels.
Wireless internet is included.
The apartments have weekly housekeeping service. In between those cleans you will be responsible for keeping your room and the common areas tidy. You are also responsible for laundering your own sheets and towels.
Accessible options vary greatly, please consult your program manager directly for additional information.
It’s time to book your flights! It’s really happening – get excited! This section details information regarding booking flights for Singapore. Step 4: Get Booked explained in 60 seconds.
The best route (and airfare) for flights to Singapore will depend on your departure point in the U.S. Please read the below Steps for Booking Flights, Important Flight Booking Notes, and FAQs in full before booking your flights.
IMPORTANT: Do not book your flights until you have received instructions to do so by email from TEAN and you have completed all steps in the TEAN application portal.
TEAN strongly recommends that you purchase refundable airfare or flights with flexibility. If you purchase non-refundable tickets for the current arrival date and the date changes for any reason including entry requirement changes, visa processing issues, you will be responsible for the cost to change your flights.
Students are responsible for their flight selection. TEAN won’t be able to help you in the event you have to cancel or change your flight. Please be sure you read your airline’s policies before purchasing your flight.
Why doesn’t TEAN offer a group flight for Southeast Asia programs?
Airfares for individual flights to this region are cheaper than group flights, and for this reason we provide advice on booking your flights individually.
What if I want to arrive prior to the program arrival date?
You’re able to arrive prior to the program arrival date. Please know that you will have to book your own accommodation and you won’t qualify for airport pickup. Your Program Manager will provide you with the details of the TEAN housing and the time and place of when to meet up with the group on the arrival day. TEAN Airport pick up will only be available if you arrive on the program arrival date and during the designated arrival window.
If I decide to change my return flight while in Singapore, will TEAN be able to help me with that?
No, TEAN won’t be able to help you with any flight change, cancelation or rebooking that you would like to do. Students will need to contact the airline or the travel agency directly. Please be sure you read your airline’s policies regarding cancelation and changes before purchasing your flight.
What happens if my flight arrives early in the morning on the arrival date or late in the night the day before the program arrival date, will I be able to do early check-in to the accommodation?
Arrivals outside the TEAN Airport Pickup time and date will have to arrange their own accommodation and transportation to the TEAN housing. Check-in to the accommodation starts at 12pm on the TEAN program arrival date. Students arriving a day prior or early in the morning are recommended to stay in a hotel in or near the airport and then meet the group at the designated meeting place and time. Your Program Manager will provide you with information about where to meet everyone if you arrive outside of the Airport pickup time and date.
Does TEAN need my flight information?
Yes! We require that you upload your flight itinerary to your TEAN Application under “Upload Copy of your Flight Itinerary.” Flight itinerary should show the following information:
How many bags can I have?
You need to check with the airline for baggage allowances as they differ by airline and by international or domestic. We strongly recommend that you confirm your luggage allowance before you travel to avoid expensive charges for additional bags or overweight luggage.
Will TEAN staff be waiting for me as soon as I arrive?
No, depending on your arrival time you will have to wait for our Resident Director at the airport until the designated pickup time.
Do I have to book a return flight?
You don’t have to book your return flight now if you’re not sure what your plans are going to be at the end of your semester. That said, it can oftentimes be more economical to book it all on one ticket.
This section is very important. Before you jet off for the time of your life, you’ll need to apply for a student visa for your program. Please read this section carefully, and when the time comes, your Program Manager will guide you through the visa application process.
All students going to Singapore will be required to apply for a student pass online prior to your departure and you will finalize the visa process in person after you arrive in Singapore. You do not have to surrender your passport to the Singaporean Consulate at any point since the application process is completed online prior to departure and in person after you arrive in Singapore. However, we encourage you to not plan travel for your first four weeks in Singapore while your Student Pass is being finalized. SMU will submit the initial application information that is required by the Singaporean government before you are able to begin the process of applying for the Student Pass. Your Program Manager and SMU will supply you with specific, step-by-step instructions about 6- to 8-weeks before departure, when you are eligible to apply. Please read the following instructions as it is important to understand the process and what to expect.
When you arrive in Singapore, you will be granted a Social Visit Pass stamp in your passport or on your Disembarkation/ Embarkation card, because they will see your Student Pass application in their system. This will allow you to stay for at least 30 days in Singapore. Before expiry of the entry visa stamp, you must collect your Student Pass from the immigration office (this is an actual card similar to a drivers license) and finalize the visa process, which will either be facilitated by Singapore Management University on a specific day prior to the start of the semester or you will need to make an appointment directly with the Immigrations and Checkpoint Authority (ICA).
The Student Pass application is a three-step process with required steps to complete before you leave and after you arrive in Singapore.
After you receive your official acceptance letter from SMU, it will only be about a week or two before they notify you that you are able to to submit your online application (eForm16) with Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Items required for your Student Pass application:
After the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority approves your application, they will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter to SMU. SMU will send the IPA letter so you are able to proceed with Part Two; you cannot move forward until this is received. Once you receive the IPA letter, please log into your SOLAR application on the ICA’s website and pay the $60 SGD issuance fee and $30 SGD multiple entry fee. The multiple journey/multiple entry fee is required if you plan to leave Singapore to travel during the semester. Items required for Part Two of your Student Pass application:
All students applying for the Student Pass are required to attend the Student Verification and Enrollment session at held at SMU or schedule an e-appointment with ICA directly (your Program Manager will let you know if you need to schedule an e-appointment – we will confirm this for you after you book your flights). Bring the following with you to the Offsite Student Verification and Enrollment session or e-appointment at ICA:
Students are required to pay a $30 SGD application fee electronically at the time of submission and then $90 SGD prior to your departure.
All students need to complete their Student Pass application at least 30 days prior to departure. It can take up to ten days to get your In-Principal Approval letter. Once you complete the final step of the process after your arrival in Singapore, we estimate that it can take up to 4 weeks for you to receive your Student Pass.
You should apply for your passport as soon as possible once you apply for your study abroad experience in Singapore, as this process can take approximately 4–8 weeks and will be required for your student visa application as well.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the conclusion of your semester to satisfy Singapore’s entry requirements. All countries have different requirements for passport validity so be sure to check details for any other countries you plan to visit before your final return home.
It’s almost time! Now you just need to review some final pre-departure information including the below quick tips, insurance while abroad, our packing tips; planning how you will manage your money while abroad, reviewing cell phone arrangements, and reading up on details regarding your arrival and your orientation. Our Singapore-based staff is looking forward to meeting you when you get off that plane. Step 6: Get Going explained in 60 seconds.
Photocopy all-important documents – Leave one set of photocopies with your parent/guardian and keep one set with you (on your person) as you travel. Important documents to copy include, but are not limited to:
Bring copies of important numbers/contact details – Details include, but are not limited to: emergency contact details (ie: parents/guardians), TEAN contact details (to be provided), arrival details (to be provided).
Exchange money in advance of your arrival into Singapore – If possible, it is advisable to exchange some funds prior to your arrival into Singapore. Most international airports have currency exchange kiosks where you can exchange funds for a small fee. Rates are competitive with local banks, and will be much more convenient than attempting to exchange funds after your arrival in Singapore following a long and exhausting journey. It is recommended that students have enough funds to get them from the airport to the accommodations (if necessary) and cover any initial expenses while in Singapore ($100 USD is a recommended amount!).
Arrival Instructions – Be sure to carry all airport arrival instructions as provided by TEAN. This will be extremely helpful in the event you are unable to locate your TEAN staff at the airport.
Bug Spray – This is highly recommended for your stay in Southeast Asia; however rather than bring along, it is advisable to wait to purchase it until after you have arrived in Singapore. Doing so will allow for more space and less weight.
Clothing – Please refer to the Packing List in regards to appropriate dress, especially in consideration of classes at SMU. Please also note that beyond these campus requirements, it is still important to practice “conservative dressing” while in Southeast Asia. Be careful not to expose too much of the shoulders or arms (tank tops are okay for daily wear but can’t be worn for temple visits). Clothing exposing the torso or with low-cut necklines should not be worn. Shorter skirts and shorts are generally okay outside of temples and rural areas. In regards to exposure of the shoulders – when in doubt, throw a thin lightweight shawl or scarf over your shoulders.
TEAN requires that all international students possess health insurance coverage for the duration of their studies in Singapore. The cost of this insurance will be included in your program fee and enrollment is automatic.
Your medical insurance policy includes the following:
We recommend students put anything of value, i.e. phone, camera, tablet, jewelry, musical instruments, cell phone, laptops, etc., on a Personal Articles Policy (many homeowners already have this policy so students most likely can add their items onto their parents’ Personal Article Policy). This insurance often covers the full value of the items worldwide, with no deductible. Typically, items valued up to $3,000 can be covered for an approximately $30 premium. We encourage students to take pictures of item(s) and note their model, make and serial number, as well as saving receipts when possible. Purchase of this insurance is left to the discretion of the student and their parents.
Trip insurance is optional and is not included in TEAN program fees. We recommend considering supplemental trip insurance to protect against unexpected mishaps (i.e. lost luggage) that can occur while traveling. Plans range from $100 to $350 and can be purchased through various insurance carriers. If you would like to discuss plans with TEAN’s recommended travel liaison please contact Student Universe at 602-253-4743.
TEAN is committed to the health and safety of every participant. It is very important that students make informed decisions about their study and travel destinations. TEAN continually monitors the safety and security of our study abroad program locations as well as popular student travel destinations. We continue to advise students of the safety and health risks associated with studying and traveling abroad based on the information from the U.S. Department of State travel warnings, local law enforcement, the Southeast Asian governments, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the World Health Organization.
TEAN has created an Emergency Response Plan for our study abroad locations that will be implemented by both our staff in Southeast Asia/the South Pacific, and our U.S.-based staff in Chicago. TEAN staff will work with students, parents, and study abroad staff at both the student’s home and host institution to provide the most up-to-date information regarding situations that may arise while studying abroad.
Emergency Contacts: Be sure to designate a parent or guardian as your Emergency Contact. This way, information regarding an emergency situation will automatically be passed on to your parents. Also make sure to provide TEAN your Emergency Contact’s most up-to-date contact information.
Communication Information: Provide TEAN with accurate and up-to-date contact information regarding your mobile phone, address and email address. Be sure to notify your parents and Resident Director in case of an emergency.
Keep Others Informed: Tell others (your roommates, your parents, your Resident Director) your travel plans. Keeping others informed will make it easier to locate you in case of an emergency.
Stay Informed: Research the political, cultural, and social climate of your study and travel abroad destination before heading overseas. While abroad, whenever possible, read local newspapers and watch local news broadcasts for developments that may affect your health and safety. If you have questions, please contact a TEAN staff member either in the U.S. or abroad.
What about anti-foreign sentiment? Although individuals are generally well liked abroad, host nationals will often question the activities of foreign governments and may hold anti-foreign views. This has occurred for some time, in periods of both peace and crisis. Participants in the past have found these tips useful: use common sense, dress to blend in, speak softly, avoid overt displays of home country patriotism, and stay away from known established locations frequented by foreigners. TEAN also advises that students avoid all public demonstrations.
While Singapore is very clean and you do not need to worry about the drinking water, TEAN urges students to be extremely cautious about food and water while traveling elsewhere around Southeast Asia. Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. When traveling around other parts of SE Asia follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:
Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.
There is no need to have malaria shots or take malaria pills. Malaria is not prevalent in the areas where you will be studying. It is recommended to have general vaccinations up-to-date including tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.
Please note that Singapore requires students to register their vaccination status to the National Immunization Registry, prior to arrival or once you arrive to Singapore. More details on how to register your vaccines, will be provided by your Program Manager
If you have any health conditions that may cause issues, please make sure to consult a doctor before departing.
State Department Travel Warnings
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization
U.S. Embassies
While Singapore Management University does not have an official dress code, students studying at SMU typically are a bit more dressed up for class than American students are used to. You likely will not see students coming to class in pajamas or hooded sweatshirts. Students are also advised against wearing overly revealing clothing or clothing with vulgar language. Other than that, please just use your best judgment to wear casual but appropriate attire. Also, plan on dressing in layers for the hot weather outside and the air conditioning inside!
Wear a nicer t-shirt, polo or button down shirt with jeans or slacks. Sometimes students wear shorts to class, but we are told it usually is only on Fridays. Don’t wear t-shirts or jeans with any holes in it.
Wear dresses and skirts at appropriate lengths and don’t wear short shorts to class. T-shirts, blouses, jeans and slacks are all fine.
We recommend that you bring your own laptop with you to Singapore so you can do your schoolwork from home. There are computer labs on campus though if you need to use them. The internet is pretty fast and reliable so students have not had trouble getting online in the past.
If you need to purchase schools supplies you can go to the bookstores on campus or you can order items online. You will get more specific instructions at the Singapore Management University orientation. Feel free to bring the school supplies that you cannot live without, but keep in mind you can buy pretty much everything you need from back home in Singapore.
Essentials to Pack
Necessary Items
Former Participant Recommendations
International Flight to Singapore
Most airlines allow all passengers flying internationally two checked items: one carry-on and one personal item. Please contact your air carrier for their current baggage restrictions (including dimensions and weight) and fees for additional checked items. If you will exceed your air carrier’s baggage restrictions, it is generally more economical, safer and easier to pay the airlines for additional checked baggage versus shipping items to Singapore.
Internal Flights within Southeast Asia
Pack light when traveling around Southeast Asia on personal excursions as discount airlines have strict baggage allowances. Be mindful of these restrictions if you booked each leg of your flight to Singapore separately, as each airline may have different allowances.
Students are notorious for bringing too much luggage for the duration of their study abroad term. Please try to limit your belongings to only the most necessary items for the duration of the program. Remember, you will also accumulate items during your stay as well. Please also keep in mind the following:
It is wise to plan that the airline may lose your baggage and to have ample supplies with you for at least 24 hours. Pack toiletries, laptop/valuable electronics, necessary medication and one change of clothes in your carry-on. More than likely this will not happen to you, but if it does you will be prepared. Please remember to adhere to all luggage restrictions when packing your carry-on. Also note that you may only take 3 oz or less of each liquid in a quart-sized Ziploc bag on the plan with you. The packing list provided is a suggested list only. Double check to ensure you have packed all necessary items.
Specific arrival details will be provided to you prior to departure but in general, you will need to arrive within the allocated arrival window provided to you during the flight booking process.
It is your responsibility to notify TEAN in a timely manner if you experience flight delays and/or itinerary changes.
Remember to have with you the following documents in your carry on:
Prior to your departure your Program Manager will provide you with contact details for all key TEAN personnel, including your Resident Director, as well as information on your local embassy and emergency contacts.
Opening a local bank account in Singapore (Only for semester students)
If you are in Singapore for the semester and interested in opening a local bank account, you can do so with the assistance of our Resident Director upon arrival.
We do not recommend bringing large amounts of cash with you for security and safety reasons. However, you may wish to bring a small amount of foreign currency for any initial personal expense needs. Most major banks in large U.S. cities have foreign currency in stock, but smaller, regional banks may be able to order Southeast Asian currencies. Therefore, do not wait until the last minute to place your order. Alternatively, you can exchange money at the airport before you depart for the overseas flight. This is slightly more expensive than using a local bank, but much more convenient.
Credit card: We recommend that you have a credit card for your time in Southeast Asia and not just a debit card. You will possibly not use it much, but it is good to have for emergencies or to purchase flights for regional travel.
Visa and Mastercard works best in Singapore (Before you use it, make sure you check with the shop if there is a fee to use it – some places charge extra to use international credit cards) All major credit and debit cards are accepted in large businesses, hotels, and restaurants in Singapore. However, you might find that smaller stores and cafes do not take cards, so carry some cash with you, always.
NOTE: Please make sure to talk with your bank and let them know that you will be away from your home country for a semester or summer. Many banks tend to freeze cards if a transaction was made outside of your home country. Do not forget this step.
Bringing Cash and withdrawing money: Bring some pocket money in cash with you whether you want to exchange some prior to arrival or bring some cash to exchange later.
Withdrawing money: To withdraw money in Singapore, you can use your standard Visa or Mastercard, at many ATMs in Singapore. Ask your bank what the international withdrawal fees are so that you’re aware how much you will be charged for each ATM withdrawal.
The cost of living in Singapore is pretty comparable to life in the United States. The day-to-day living could be less if students eat at more local restaurants, then they will be able to have their money go farther than it would at home. Purchasing clothing is usually more expensive than it would be at home. However, as students are in one of the best regions in the world to travel, travel around Southeast Asia is very affordable and participants may find themselves booking regional airfares and optional excursions at additional expense.
