Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AsiaLearn offers semester/year abroad programs with The National University of Singapore Extension (NUS). NUS is Singapore's premier university with distinctive strengths in education and research, and an entrepreneurial dimension. In 2010/11, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranked NUS in the top 50 universities worldwide and 3^rd among Asian universities.

NUS Extension is the dynamic continuing education arm of National University Singapore and seeks to support the university’s philosophy for quality education and innovation by developing new academic programs and responding promptly and dynamically to learning needs. The mission of NUS Extension is to make the NUS experience of excellence in higher education available to a wider community of interested learners and thus to strengthen the universities social impact and its relationships with different segments of society. 

To meet a variety of education needs, NUS Extension offers a comprehensive suite of courses which extend across a range of disciplines such as business, computing, and language. In addition, their study abroad program provides foreign students the chance to undertake an exciting academic experience in the heart of Singapore. Their heritage ensures access to the finest instructors, well-researched and time-tested training methods, as well as innovative learning resources.

Quick Links

General information about GlobaLinks Learning Abroad programs 

Location

University of Singapore Extension campus is located in the heart of Singapore. Although Singapore is one of the worlds smallest nations geographically there are about 4.5 millions people speaking four official languages living in the country. By and large Singapore is considered the economic, business, and educational hub of Southeast Asia and has one of the worlds busiest international ports. Singapore is considered to have one of the highest standards of living in Southeast Asia and because it truly is a melting pot of cultures Singapore is the type of place where you can experience everything Asia has to offer!

For an in-depth look at Singapore click here!

Academic Highlights

NUS Extension developed this program to meet the specific needs of visiting international students who are interested in intensive language learning, coupled with academic coursework specifically focused on Singapore and Southeast Asia. As a multilingual society Singapore is the ideal place for students to learn Mandarin. English and Mandarin are officially recognized languages of Singapore and are widely used throughout the city/state.

Courses are offered in:

• Intensive Mandarin
• Southeast Asian Culture and Traditions*
• Singapore - From 3rd World to 1st*

*You will participate in a number of excursions and out-of-class assignments to illustrate and reinforce the learning outcomes in these subjects.

Housing

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students attending NUS Extension will live close to campus in student hostel accommodation located in Singapore’s central business district. Students are generally placed in a twinshare or triple-share rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Bridging Culures Program

Want to learn more about study abroad in Singapore?

Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Asia.  To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources.  Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Special Programs/Excursions

As part of the academic experience, students will participate in a number of educational excursions to strengthen and build upon classroom lectures. Films, documentaries, seminars and local excursions are compulsory components of each class. Examples from the past include educational excursions to:

• Chinatown Heritage Centre
• Baba House showcasing Peranakan history, architecture and heritage
• Asian Civilization Museum
• Singapore’s ethnic quarters: Little India, Kampong Glam and Chinatown
• Singapore Public Housing
• Newater Plant

Get Involved Abroad

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Singaporean culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See how to live like a local and get a sample of community involvement opportunities available NUS Extension or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Singapore on GlobaLinks Learning Abroad's Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Singapore.  Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts throughout the semester making a profound impact on the local community.

Enhance Your Experience

Enhance your time abroad!

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication.  

Learn the Local Language!

• LiveMocha - Prior to departure you will receive information and instruction for, LiveMocha, an online language learning program to help you learn your host language. Learn at varying levels and at your own speed. Get started now!
• Lonely Planet Guide & Phrase Book - For both language learning and culture/history/country specific inforamton you will receive a Lonely Planet Guide and Phase book before departure, which will allow you to start planning your adventures and learning how to communicate with locals.
• Additional Language Resources - To even further your language skill take a look at some of these optional language learning tools.
• Basic language practice during the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) - for semester/year programs students will participate in the AsiaLearn BCP and have the opportunity to practice their language skills and learn a few new words through interaction with locals.

Course Catalog

All students will enroll in the following three courses:

• Intensive Mandarin
• Southeast Asian Culture and Traditions*
• Singapore - From 3rd World to 1st*

*You will participate in a number of excursions and out-of-class assignments to illustrate and reinforce the learning outcomes in these subjects.

Photo Slideshow

Watch a slide show of photos highlighting Singapore!

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in US dollars and include tuition for full time enrollment, on-campus student fees, official transcript, overseas health coverage, introductory survival language training, in-country AsiaLearn Bridging Cultures Program, pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service and fee, personal advising, subject selections, liaison with your home university, credit transfer assistance, financial aid services, and alumni support.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Asia Coordinator

Name: David Grove Title: Manager, Programs in Asia Department: BIO: David is the Manager for Summer, Semester, and Year abroad programs in Asia. A former alumnus of AustraLearn, David studied abroad at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He has traveled extensively in New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. David holds a B.S. in Psychology from Appalachian State University in North Carolina, and when not in the office is either biking, playing sports, or enjoying the mountains.