Study Abroad Diaries: Maya Gilbert – post 2
Student experience 9 September 2019
Maya is a third year MChem (Hons) Chemistry with International Study student, currently studying at Nanyang Technological University. Here she shares her experiences on settling in to Singapore and starting her studies.
Arriving in Singapore seemed like dream; the airport was like an indoor tropical rainforest, complete with hourly light shows and giant water features. I had never seen or experienced anything like it and I was instantly blown away by my first impressions of my new home.
Moving into halls was not dissimilar to moving in to halls at Manchester- the only difference was that my family wasn’t with me and I had to carry 3 suitcases up 4 flights of stairs- in 30 degree heat! Almost as soon as I arrived, I had to leave and find my way to the main NTU campus to attend an orientation for exchange students. The orientation was a presentation from many guest speakers, giving information and advice about what to expect for the next year, speakers also included policemen, since Singapore- known for its low crime rate has very strict laws about things such as jay-walking or eating or drinking on public transport that carry hefty punishments or fines. There was also a speaker from the university wellbeing centre that explained how to get pastoral care or counselling should we need it, which I found very reassuring, since I was told that some universities do not place as much emphasis on pastoral care as Manchester.
We were also informed of how to register for courses, and given information about the 2 week ‘add/drop period’ which was very confusing. The school of Chemistry at Manchester have fairly strict requirements on the modules students must take abroad- since the year abroad counts towards the Master’s degree. At the orientation, I was concerned since we were told that NTU couldn’t guarantee any modules to any students- even if the courses are required for graduation. Initially I was not approved for any modules at all since I did not have the appropriate pre requisites from NTU (because I had taken the courses at Manchester), I was very worried that due to the delay in courses being approved, my required courses would be full and I would not be able to take them! I was in close contact with both my Academic Exchange Advisor and the International Programmes Office at Manchester, who reassured me and contacted NTU to try to speed up the approval process.
It is now the second week of term and I am registered on all of my required courses. So far, the pace of the lectures has been fast, and a lot of independent study is required. I think a major difference between NTU and Manchester is the laboratory component of the course. The lab sessions are conducted in groups of 3 as opposed to individually, the pre-lab preparation seems less comprehensive, and we are not allowed a lunch break. My first lab session is tomorrow and I am looking forward to adapting to a new laboratory, and will be sure to have a big breakfast!
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