pre-departure briefing for (country)...radio license, lost rental etc. • ring a month’s worth of...
TRANSCRIPT
Pre-Departure Briefing for
GERMANYMonday, 19 November 2018
Agenda1. Highlights of SEP2. Preparing for SEP3. What to expect at your destination4. Settling in5. Homecoming6. Sharing by returning NUS exchange students7. Networking
SEP is an opportunity for students to:
Spend one or two semesters studying at a partner university
1
Earn modular credits toward their major in a new academic setting
2
Immerse themselves in a new place and culture
3
4 Enjoy tuition-fee waiver from the partner institution, and pay NUS tuition fees for the exchange semester(s)
What is SEP?
PRE-DEPARTURE VIDEOhttps://share.nus.edu.sg/goabroad/Video/Pre-Departure_Video.wmv
ROAD MAPPreparing for SEP
• Set personal goals
• Find out about host destinations
• Plan itinerary
• Work out budget
After applying with your host university
• Read pre-departure guide
• Attend country briefing
While waiting for your acceptance
package
• Follow instructions in acceptance package (read carefully & meet deadlines)
• Apply for visa
• Book accommodation
• Make travel arrangements
Upon receiving your acceptance package
STUDY PLAN
• Complete the module mapping process via the “Education Records System” (EduRec)
• Include some spare modules in your study list in case you are unable to secure your preferred modules or when your enrolled module(s) has been cancelled.
• Should there be any changes to your study plan, seek approval from your home faculty immediately.
Preparing for SEP
If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail - Benjamin Franklin
PASSPORT & FLIGHT
• Ensure that passport is valid for 6 months after return date.
• Do NOT confirm flight booking until you have received:
1. the acceptance from the host university and;
2. gotten your visa
• Arrive at least 2 weeks before study period and attend orientation programme.
Preparing for SEP
VISA – GERMANY
Information for application of National Visa: https://singapur.diplo.de/sg-en/service/05-VisaEinreise/-/1349502
Documents require for application of National Visa – Student Applicant’s Visa/Student Visa: https://singapur.diplo.de/blob/1257976/fba8b03c23be24c8d54313c794ea5038/download-visa-study-applicants-data.pdf
Information correct as of 19 Nov 2018.
Preparing for SEP
To check with embassy for more information/updates.
VISA – GERMANY • Apply for a long-term National Visa in Singapore and convert it to Resident Permit in
Germany
• Long processing time – could be more than 2 months!
• Must open a bank account early and provide it as proof for the visa application. Sufficient fund of at least €720 per month in the bank account
1. Late/Incomplete exchange application to host university leads to late issuance of offer letter
2. Student should apply for visa immediately after the receipt of the offer letter
3. Do not enter Germany with a tourist visa!
Preparing for SEP
VISA – SENIORS’ TIPS
• Recommend to follow the flowchart to maneuver the complicated German visa application process
• Login to VPN to access the flowchart (updated in August 2018) saved in SharePoint
• Alternative source of information from NUS SEP returnee: https://courseware.nus.edu.sg/e-daf/cir/la3203%20gr/Sequence%20to%20apply%20for%20VISA%20to%20Germany.pdf
• Very strict requirements on photo. Take photo at the big photo shop on the ground floor in the same building as the German Embassy
Preparing for SEP
VISA – GERMANY
There is a German Embassy based in Singapore:https://singapur.diplo.de/sg-en/botschaft/-/1225596
Visiting hours of the Visa Section:Monday - Friday: 08.30 am - 12.00 noonE: [email protected]
MFA Singapore: https://www1.mfa.gov.sg/Countries-Regions/G/Germany
Preparing for SEP
HEALTH & INSURANCE Preparing for SEP
Germany
Get mandatory health insurance recommended in the offer letter from host university
The health insurance valid in Germany is an essential document to support your visa application
HEALTH & INSURANCE Preparing for SEP
• Read through the coverage from the NUS Students Travel Insurance http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/InsuranceCoverforOfficialNUSTrips.html.
• Have a comprehensive travel and health insurance coverage for the full duration of your stay abroad, including travelling
• You have to purchase mandatory health insurance from your host university in Germany
• Bring along the emergency hotline numbers and a copy of your insurance policy
• Report accident/loss at the earliest possible opportunity
• If you are taking any medication, please continue and bring along an adequate supply
Estimated Cost of LivingPreparing for SEP
• You should work out a budget covering accommodation, food, transport, clothing and entertainment
• Hidden cost: visa application cost, semester ticket, student club service fees, radio license, lost rental etc.
• Bring a month’s worth of cash for the first month of arrival.
Munich Berlin
Accommodation €300 – €900 €200 – €900
Food €200 – €400 €200 – €300
Transport (SemesterTicket)
€220 €200
Insurance (Compulsory) €95 €80
Others €200 €200
Monthly expenditure €1,015 – €1,815 €880 – €1,680
Estimated in SGD S$1,592 –S$2,964
S$1,380 –S$2,635
Tips on costs saving
• Cook!
• Potluck
• Enjoy student discounts (with your student card)
• The nearest grocery store might not be the cheapest
• Plan your trips in advance to save cost
• Source for alternative means of traveling (e.g. bus rides instead of flights, etc.)
• Use apps that will give you discounts
Preparing for SEP
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – DOCUMENTS
Preparing for SEP
Valid passport and visa
Proof of acceptance by PU
Approved Study Plan
NUS transcripts (to facilitate module registration)
Proof of financial support
Letter confirming accommodation
Receipts of payments made (housing, admin fees, etc.)
Medical records (including vaccinations)
Insurance with necessary coverage
Forms of identification (ISIC youth card, driving license, etc.)
Bank draft/ credit card/ cash (1 month)
Confirmed flight ticket
List of emergency contacts
Please remember to make a copy of all important documents. Keep separate sets in different places. You might also like to leave a set at home, so that these documents can be easily sent to you in the event that you lose those with you.
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – NECESSITIES
Preparing for SEP
Windproof and water-resistant jacket with a hood
Medication & First-aid kit
Multi-plug, Multi-USB port (and adapter)
Umbrella/ raincoat
Water resistant, non-slip shoes
Toiletries
Hairdryer
Digital camera
Photos and souvenirs of home/ Singapore
Foodstuff (pre-mix sealed in vacuum pack)
Passport photos
PACK IT RIGHT FOR YOUR FLIGHTPreparing for SEP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlbnnWyDalQ&feature=youtu.be
Preparing for SEP
• Singaporeans/PRs should register themselves with Singapore MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action.
• NS men must notify MINDEF of their trip and apply for the Exit Permit if required at www.ns.sg.
• International students should contact their country’s diplomatic missions.
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER WITH MFA!
USEFUL RESOURCES• Partner university specific information:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php
• Partner University application instructions and university information:https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/Partner%20Univerisity%20SEP%20application%20material%20for%20s/Forms/AllItems.aspx
• Read seniors’ reports of host university:https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/SEP%20Report/Forms/AllItems.aspx
Preparing for SEP
Self-directed Learning• It’s still possible to fail classes while on exchange
Course registration and attendance• Registration of modules will be mentioned during point of
offer or during orientation• Check how you can verify your enrollment to classes• Map extra modules as contingency plan• Attendance to classes are expected
ACADEMIC CULTUREWhat to Expect at Your Destination
EXAMINATIONWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Semester 1: FebruarySemester 2: Ranging from July to September depending on the individual academic at different
German Universities
• Approach the department coordinator at your host university at the start of the exchange to clarify the examination dates of your preferred modules
• Only consider modules which have examination by early August unless you are ready to miss a semester at NUS.
• Leave of Absence (LoA) is subject to approval from your home faculty at NUS• You are expected to turn up for the official examination during the specific date• If the academics at the host university is not able to provide you with an earlier assessment,
please respect their decision • Examination dates might only be made known half-way through the term• Examination registration could be done separately
LIFESTYLEWhat to Expect at Your Destination
• Punctuality is a norm and if you are late, you are supposed to have a better reason than just “I lost track of time”
• Locals are generally helpful but might not take the initiative to make small talk so be thick-skinned, smile and start a conversation
• Pace of life is slower, a weekend spent with a long brunch or just chilling out is not unusual
• Walking and cycling culture is very strong
• Partner universities usually have lots of sports activities from the beginner’s to advanced level so don’t miss the opportunity to exercise and make friends!
• Spend time making local friend but remember to stay in touch with family back home
• Safety should be the priority in all that you do.
• Assess the risk of what you are about to do and try to minimise and even avoid unnecessary risk.
• If confronted, give up your valuables and do not resist as your safety is the most important.
• Ask locals about any dangerous areas or locations that should be avoided.
• Check for nearest fire exit and ensure that your dormitory has valid fire extinguisher.
SAFETYWhat to Expect at Your Destination
In the event of an attack, adopt the following:
SAFETY: “RUN, HIDE, TELL”What to Expect at Your Destination
Adapted from “Advisory in the aftermath of Paris and London attacks”, circulated by the Singapore Police Force
RUN (if escape is possible)1. Consider the safest route2. Move quickly and quietly3. Stay out of view of the attackers4. Insist others leave with you5. Leave your belongings behind
1HIDE (if escape is not possible)
1. Find cover from gunfire and stay out of sight2. Lock yourself in, but do not get trapped3. If you are unable to lock the doors/entrances, place
objects such as tables or cupboards behind the doors or entrances to prevent access of attackers
4. Move away from doors5. Be very quiet and switch your phone to silent mode
2
TELL • Provide details about the attackers (Total number of attackers, Equipment or weapons being carried,
Look of the attackers, Location of attackers (where they are now and moving towards)• If it is safe to do so, stop others from going towards danger areas• Follow the police’s instructions and do not make any sudden movements
3
USEFUL CONTACTSMake your own list of emergency contacts
1. Embassies/ High Commissions: www.mfa.gov.sg
2. Local emergencies numbers
3. Host universities’ emergency numbers and counselling hotlines
4. Credit card and bank telephone numbers
5. Insurance hotlines
6. NUS Emergency contact: +65 6874 1616 (24 hours)
USEFUL CONTACTS – EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Settling In
Singapore Embassy in Germany
Address:Voßstraße 1710117 BerlinFederal Republic of GermanyPhone:(49)(30) 226 343 - 0Fax:(49)(30) 226 343 75Email:[email protected] URL:http://www.mfa.gov.sg/berlin
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/berlin.html
The address of the Office of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Singapore in Munich, Germany, is as follows:
Office of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Singapore
Address : Maximilianstraße 32, 80539 Munich
Telephone : +49 89 215 454 23 0Fax : +49 89 215 454 23 1Email : [email protected]
N U S PA R T N E R U N I V E R S I T I E S
Germany1. Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg2. Free University of Berlin3. Humboldt University of Berlin4. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology5. Ludwig-Maximilians-University of
Munich6. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-
Universitat Bonn7. Ruprecht Charles University of
Heidelberg
8. RWTH Aachen University9. Technical University of Darmstadt10. Technical University of Hamburg-
Harburg11. Technical University of Munich12. University of Hohenheim13. University of Konstanz14. University of Mannheim15. University of Stuttgart16. University of Tuebingen17. University of Ulm
28
N U S P A R T N E R U N I V E R S I T I E S ( U - w i d e )
STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Country School From the host universities
Germany All universitiesArranged by Studierendenwerk or Studentenwerk with International Relations Office
1. Please take note that the rental options for Studentenwek could end in July, August or in September.
2. You have to choose the option most suitable for you depends:• on your confidence level of getting an early assessment• the availability of the options
3. On some occasions, you might have to pay for the non-refundable rental even if you are not staying the full term of your contract.
ACCOMMODATIONWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Humboldt University Berlin -Adlershof
ACCOMMODATIONWhat to Expect at Your Destination
University of Mannheim
ACCOMMODATIONWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Technical University of Munich, Olympiadorf
ACCOMMODATIONWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Technical University of Munich- Hausverwaltung
ACCOMMODATION – SENIORS’ TIPSWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Apply as soon as you receive email on school accommodationAccommodation (especially for city campuses) are in short supply and run out quickly before the accommodation application deadline.
Keep your room neat
• Not every hostel has a housekeeping service
• Some hostels conduct spot checks
• You might forfeit your deposit if you leave your room in a mess when you leave
Roommates
• You can request but you might be randomly assigned a roommate
• Beautiful bonding or horror story
ACCOMMODATION – SENIORS’ TIPSWhat to Expect at Your Destination
Source for off-campus accommodation if you really cannot stay at the university accommodationYour safety, sanity and well-being should be of utmost concern. If you are not able to stay in shared university accommodation, do consider renting private accommodation. Talk to host university to explore recommended and trusted options.
Check the location of your roomThere might be different campuses and hostels located across the city – make sure you know where you’re staying before signing on.
Read the terms and conditionsBefore you commit to any accommodation (private or university), please read and clarify your doubts about the terms and conditions before you sign on the rental agreement.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT…What to Expect at Your Destination
Climate and time difference
Exchange rate and cost of living
Regional map and local transportation
Cultural similarities and differences
Health and safety
Meet and greet services
Living and studying at host university
Expectation and academic assessment at host university
Activities for exchange students at host university
Stay Connected
Settling In
• Call home immediately when you reach yourexchange destination
• Find out the economical and reliable telco whichyou can buy prepaid SIM card with data plan; orexplore data plan with Singapore telco beforeyou depart
• Update your local calling number in NUSEducation Records System
• Alert your family members when you are exitingor entering a country on tours!
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HOST COUNTRY
Settling In
1. Create a travel manifesto outlining three goals and skills that you want to develop while you are away.
2. Become a “regular” (but not at a touristy spot). Have a coffee and read the paper at the same cafe or have an evening drink at the same bar at the same time every day for a week. Be open to speaking with other regulars.
3. Ask a local person to name what they think is the most beautiful building in the city/town. Ask them to describe it and explain why they find it so beautiful. Go to that building and experience its beauty for yourself.
4. What are some local games played in your host country? Ask the locals to teach/play these games with you. If you do not know the rules, ask for clarification.
Point 1 to 4: Adapted from University of Edinburgh’s Third Space
UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Settling In
Based on the app Culture Compass, with ref to www.Hofstede-insights.com
MITIGATING CULTURE SHOCKSettling In
• Recognise feelings of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc. is normal and okay
1. Honeymoon phase
2. Negotiation phase
3. Adaption phase
• Talk to friends or a counselor
• Keep in regular contact with friends and family back home
• Join university and community activities
EXPECTED CONDUCTSettling In
• Respect others and behave respectably too.
• You are representing yourself, your school and your country.
• Obey laws and regulations of host country, host university, Singapore and NUS.
• Read rules and regulations at host university and ensure that you do not violate them. (e.g. rules on plagiarism and cheating)
• Do not be pressured into anything. Just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t make it right. Be comfortable being your own person.
• Usage of drugs overseas might be legal but not in Singapore!
Anti-drugs campaign by Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)
Hotline for Central Narcotics Bureau: 1800-325-6666 | Website: www.cnb.gov.sg
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SEMESTER
Settling In
Learn the local languageA little bit of German is better than none
Be courageous and proactive• Don’t just stick to Singaporeans • Take part in ESN/school activities
Stay connected • Check both host university and NUS email frequently• Update your local contact in EduRec - GE• Always stay in touch with your family and friends back home
Understand the city and the country• Travel around the city on foot• Travel to different cities in the country• Before explore beyond the country
BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY
Homecoming
• Complete ex-matriculation process at host university
• Check procedures for closing bank accounts/moving out ahead of time to ensure that you are not inconvenienced/lose deposit upon departure
• Follow NUS’ deadlines for CORS module bidding and application for on-campus housing
• Prepare and submit your SEP report and do the SEP survey
THINGS TO WHEN YOU RETURNHomecoming
1. Submit your SEP report
2. Join the Welcome Back Session (to accumulate point for the Outstanding NUS Exchangers Award)
3. Complete the SEP Evaluation Survey
4. Join the Peer Advising Programme
Advising Programme seeks to build a community of Peer Advisors (PAs) consisting of students who have been on SEP and are keen to contribute.
Link up with our Peer Advising Leaders (PALs) to find out more:
[email protected] http://tinyurl.com/peeradvisingNUS
www.nus.edu.sg/gro/student-exchange.php @NUSPeerAdvisors
5. Help out at SEP outreach activities and help your juniors prepare for their SEP journey ahead
Be a SEP Ambassador for Singapore and NUS!
SESSION ONE
Date : 10 Dec 2018, Monday
Time : 2.30pm – 4pm
Venue : CLB Theatrette 1
SESSION TWO
Date : 12 Dec 2018, Wednesday
Time : 2.30pm – 4pm
Venue : CLB Theatrette 1
SEP – LMU Chua Khai Shing
Your next 10 minutes...
My experience
Administrative Stuff
Considerations
Social ties
Cultural differences
Experience and Expectations
Questions?
Why Germany?
“4 years in MOELC (German O Levels)
Took in NUS
2016: Goethe-Institut Scholarship
2017: Summer course scholarship from DAAD
2018: Exchange Semester at LMU
”
“
Administrative Stuff (pre): Online bank account (Fintiba, Deutsche Bank)
Passport photo (find a studio to take the photo! – you
may need it when you’re in Germany as well)
Visa (settle at least 1 month in advance)
Administrative Stuff (during):
Studentkonto (link to the online bank account:
Sparkasse, N26, Deutsche Bank)
Housing (check-in) and buy appliances
Kreisverwaltungsreferat (registration)
Compulsory health insurance from public provider
Matriculation (half a day)
Administrative Stuff (during):
Kreisverwaltungsreferat (registration)
Administrative Stuff (post):
Remove bank account
Kreisverwaltungsreferat (deregistration)
Deregister your health insurance
Ex-matriculation (half a day)
LMU:
Get an exchange buddy! (Join the buddy system)
Travel around!!! Don’t plan too far in advance
Get personal travel insurance as well
Get involved in the sports there
Compulsory radio fee (pay it)
Transport
Get student pass
- Almost 200 Euros
- Travel efficiently
10 stamp ticket (short rides)
- Single tickets – 2 Euros
- bicycle from flea market +
recycle
School modules
Do module planning!
- Check for module
mapping
- Check credits
Trips
Planned trips!
- To nearby cities, countries
(ESN) Erasmus Student
Network
- Munich – International
Friends
- Free tours/cheap tours
Cultural differences
Explore!
- Don’t compare
- Experience
Quality of life
- basic consumption
- luxury items
- save money
Experience and expectations
Set some expectations of
yourself to see how much
you’ve grown!
SEP Sharing 2018Life in Technische Universität München
Getting to TUM
• Letter of Acceptance
December
• Blocked Account
• Fintiba
• Deutsche Bank
3 Days to 1 Month
• Visa• Insurance
• Blocked Account
• NUS Letter
3 to 6 Weeks
• STA Travel
• International Student Card
• Additional baggage Allowance
Buy Air Ticket
Living in Munich
Accommodations
• AirBnB
• ~€500
• Usually among ~4 people
• Studentenwerk(Student Union)
• Organized activities
• Single Rooms in student dorms
• ~€300
Mobile
• AldiTalk
• LycaMobile (Not supported for Singaporean passport)
• ~€20 for 5GB
Banking
• Brick & Mortar
• Deutsche Bank
• Commerzbank
• Might cost money!
• Online
• N26
• Comdirect
Administrative Matters
• Arrive at your accommodations
Check-in
• Queue for 3 hours at the KVR
• Within 2 weeks of checking in
Registration• Get a mobile
number
Mobile
• Sign up for a bank account
• Link your blocked account to your bank account
Bank• Complete your
insurance
Insurance
Surviving Your First Week
• Bring Cash (~300 euros)
• Bring Card (Multi-Currency)
• Bring Router
• Bring Data Roaming
• Bring indomee
Cost
Breakfast (€2)
Lunch (€4)
Movie (€8)
Dinner Out (€15)
Beer (€0.80)
Cost
Monthly Activities Cost (Estimate) €
F&B €600
Rent €300
Insurance €90
Radio Tax €17
One-off Cost Cost (Estimate) €
Public Transport Semester Ticket €196
Rent Deposit €300
Living Stuff (Cooking utensils, seasoning, pillows) €100
Router €20
TUM
• Has 4 Campuses• Main Campus• Garching
• 30min north of main campus
• Olympiazentrum• 20min north of main campus
• Freising• 1 hour north of main campus
• Sign up for TUMi (their version of IRO) events• Fruhlingsfest• Trips to nearby cities
Education
• Modules are difficult• Failure is possible
• Failed modules do not appear on your transcript
• Professors are very willing to help
• No maximum number of modules
• Exam registration is separate from the module• You can take the module without taking the exam
• You can take the exam without taking the module
Getting Out of Munich
• Well connected• Plane
• Train
• Bus
• Car (No need for conversion for SG licenses)
• Data Roaming• Most plans have EU-roaming
Tips from Yong Jian
• Use TransferWise or a Multi-Currency Account to send money of different currencies
• Munich Airport is about 1 hour train ride away from the city centre
• Download Google Translate
• Public transport is 24/7 but they go on strike once in a while
• Bike-friendly city
• Amazon Prime is free for a year for students
• Take note that most shops are closed on Sunday!
Tips from Bryan SeeUseful Facebook groups for the students going exchange in Munich:
1. Free your stuff Munchen: https://www.facebook.com/groups/527327203973127/?ref=br_rs
2. Singaporeans in Bayern: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1026374884068768/
3. Verschenk's & Verkauf's StuSta: https://www.facebook.com/groups/520163004718300/?ref=group_header(Buying and Selling in Studentenstadt)
• Fortnightly flea market at Olympiazentrum which could be to pick up cheap second hand stuff and bicycles.
• For buying stuff when they first check in, the IKEA store is at Heisenbergstraße 14, 85386 Eching, Germany. Takes about 1h from Studentenstadt, advisable to buy the student concession pass before making this trip.
• For electronics applicances, you could consider shopping at SATURN located in central Munich at NeuhauserStr. 39, 80331 München, Germany. Advisable to buy a fan as the later half of summer exchange might get really warm.
• Very advisable to bring a power strip from Singapore with 1 or 2 adapters (1 for the strip, 1 for travelling), rather than to have to buy individual power adapters for their devices. Power strips in Germany are different from Singapore and are very expensive.
W E L C O M E T O Y O U R
B IG ADVENTURE!