Communication Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Jurong, Singapore

Fall: 19 weeks (late July to late November)
Spring: 16 weeks (early January to early May)

Sponsored by the College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

During the fall and spring semesters, the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University offers an exciting opportunity for undergraduates to study at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore.  This exchange program allows students from both institutions to experience an international education focusing on the field of communication.

Where does it take place?

Singapore consists of a main island and some 60 small islands within its territorial waters.  The main island is approximately 85 miles north of the Equator. 

Malaysia and Indonesia are Singapore’s immediate neighbors.  A causeway 3,465 feet long, which carries a road, a railway and a water pipeline across the Straits of Johore, links peninsular Malaysia with Singapore.

The university is in Jurong about 15 miles from the city center.  The campus is beautifully landscaped and is conducive to learning.  It has modern facilities for teaching and research, as well as for staff and student residence and recreation.  The School of Communication and Information Building, completed in 1996, houses state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for print media, advertising & promotions, audio/radio and video/television.

Students can explore the region with attractions such as Clarke Quay, Haw Par Villa Dragon World, Jurong Birdpark, Malay Village and Night Safari.

What can I study?

Students can select courses offered by the School of Communication and Information at NTU.  Approval of selected courses depends on their availability during the semester of participation.  The offerings include:

• Speech Communication
• Promotional Communication
• Visual Communication
• Newswriting and Reporting
• Broadcast and Cable Media
• Public Affairs Reporting
• Public Opinion & Persuasion
• Journalism

Students, however, are in no way limited to this list. 

Participants must enroll in a minimum of twelve (12) credits per semester.  Prior to departure, students must make their course selection and obtain departmental approval for acceptable transfer of these courses.  Students accepted into the program will be enrolled as non-degree students at Nanyang Technological University and earn transfer credit.  MSU students remain enrolled at MSU for the program and are allowed to maintain their financial aid. 

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details see co-sponsored programs.

Contact the study abroad program coordinator listed below to learn more about available courses. To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

This program is designed for students with an academic interest in communication-related fields.  Participation is limited to a maximum of five students annually.

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application for fall and spring semester participation.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Additionally, students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

This process will reflect not only admission standards of MSU, but those of NTU as well.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

There are 15 residence halls on the NTU campus.  All halls provide amenities such as kitchenettes equipped with cooking utensils, lounges, television rooms, ironing rooms, laundry rooms with washing machines and dryers, and air-conditioned reading rooms.  Off-campus accommodations may also be available.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Eric Freedman
School of Journalism
345 Communication Arts and Science Building
Phone: (517) 355-4729

You can also log-on to NTU’s Web site for more information.

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

Students participating in this program are strongly encouraged to receive a series of immunizations specific for travel within Asia.  Students should schedule an appointment to be seen at a travel clinic at least 4-8 weeks before the program to inquire about the recommended and/or required vaccines to consider before departure.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

Funds paid directly by the student include:

• transportation to Singapore
• accommodations
• meals
• books and supplies
• MSU tuition and fees*
• passport application fee
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visit
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs were estimated at $5,135 for fall 2008.  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

A program fee of $113 (fall 2008) is required and includes pre-departure orientation and requisite accident and sickness insurance.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are March 1st for fall semester programs and October 15th for spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester participation and by March 1st for fall semester or summer participation.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. 

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records.

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.