GEM Discoverer Pre-Departure Briefing

14 April 2014

LKC–LT

Speakers

12 – 12.30pm Johnie Goh of OGEM

12.30 – 1.15pm Steven Loo of iSOS

1.15pm – 1.45pm STA Travel Representatives

BEFORE YOU GO …

BEFORE YOU GO …

Collect Limited Edition of the GEM-D T-Shirt

BEFORE YOU GO …

GEM Discoverer Awards & Grants

To boost GEM-D participation rate in approved regions/programs. Assist undergraduates in financing their GEM Discoverer program.

69 undergraduates have been selected for the first cohort.

Each GEM-D Award is valued at $500. Each GEM-D Grant is valued at $300. No bond

Recipients are expected to be a good ambassador and promote the GEM-D program upon return to juniors.

BEFORE YOU GO …

Health and Travel Insurance

Check it is comprehensive and provides adequate coverage for flight delays, loss of luggage, medical costs.

Medical services overseas are expensive

Extreme sports VS unforeseen circumstances

Know Your Policy, Read the Fine Print

BEFORE YOU GO …

Travel Documents

Passport. Check that it is at least valid for at least 6 months from entry date.

Loss of Passport Abroad. Report incident to local police and nearest Singapore Mission for replacement. Update OGEM

Secure your passport, visa and IC.

Confirm all air and transport tickets and schedule. Bring a copy. Sign up for frequent flyer program.

Travel in Groups.

Take note of arrival time, especially at night.

Give ample time allowance if you are taking train to your final destination.

Check your airline baggage allowance.

Leave a copy of your schedule with your family and how you may be contacted.

Visas. Ensure you have all the visas for the countries you plan to visit. Obtain them in advance from Singapore before departure.

BEFORE YOU GO …

NTU Online Indemnity Form

Before departure, please complete the online form

with details of your passport, insurance, next-of-kin contact details.

Sign the form and upload a copy online.

Upload supporting documents such as your passport and flight itinerary.

Use .pdf files. Keep filesize < 1MB

Make amendments to the online form if there are changes in your schedule. You need not upload another indemnity form to the system to reflect the new changes.

An email will be sent to you shortly as a reminder.

BEFORE YOU GO …

Register with MFA

Download ‘MFA@SG’ smartphone application

eRegister

Locate Mission and Store Contact Details

Travel Notices & Updates

BEFORE YOU GO …

Overseas Trip Notification (MINDEF)

NSmen and Regulars only

Online or through mobile app

BEFORE YOU GO …

Familarise Yourself with iSOS Services

iSOS Guest Speaker Mr Steven Loo

Download mobile app

Read country profiles and advisories

BEFORE YOU GO …

Money & Currency

Ensure that you have enough funds for the entire stay,

including extensions. Spread out your expenses and keep a record for tracking.

Do not splurge your scholarships and loans

Carry some local currency of your host country and do not carry too much cash.

Use of credit cards. Keep all receipts in case of fraud.

Use of travellers’ cheques. Keep a separate record.

Loss and theft. Report to your host coordinator at once.

Avoid changing money with illegal moneychangers even if the rate is attractive. It is illegal.

Departure Taxes (if applicable). Ensure you have enough local currency to pay this tax before departing the country.

BEFORE YOU GO …

Know The Local Conditions and Customs

Pack appropriately for the weather conditions.

Monitor media reports on your destinations.

Be sensitive to local customs and dress codes.

Comply with local laws such as alcohol, driving, drugs, animals. Store local emergency numbers.

Use common sense. If in doubt, consult your buddy, group leader or host coordinator.

Do not hitch-hike. It is not a safe way of travelling.

Bring suitable power adaptors. Do you need laptops?

BEFORE YOU GO …

Minimizing Jet Lags

Be relaxed. Be organized and check in at least 2

hours in advance, especially for US flights. Security procedures now take significantly longer.

Alcohol. Drink plenty of water or light juices on board. Limit yourself to one or two glasses of alcohol.

Consult your family doctor or pharmacist for medication to help you sleep better during or after flight.

While you are there …

WHILE YOU ARE THERE…

Academic Matters

Add courses only after you obtain school approval.

Dropping courses. Check if this will affect your visa status.

Successful completion of program is needed for credit transfer. Summer Studies is an academic commitment and can be intensive. Maintain a balance between your social activities and studies.

NTU course registration for the new semester.

Personal Safety and Security

Avoid isolated, unfamiliar places or places with

a high incidence of crime.

Read local news to monitor.

Plan carefully. Bring enough cash for the day. Do not flaunt expensive jewellery.

Travel in groups. Watch for each other.

Share the driving load. Note local norms.

Always work within the legal framework of the hot country. If in doubt, try to give in even if it costs more money.

WHILE YOU ARE THERE…

Sanitary and Health Conditions

Know your body and watch what you eat

Bring a basic first-aid kit.

If possible, avoid contact with wild birds and animals.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

Overseas Singaporeans Networks

SIF (www.sif.org.sg)

Overseas Singaporean Unit (www.overseassingaporean.sg)

WHILE YOU ARE THERE…

Be An Ambassador for NTU

WHILE YOU ARE THERE…

RETURNING TO NTU …

Academic Transcript and Transfer of Credit

Every univ has their system for issuing transcript. Some univs send transcripts to NTU directly (i.e. Berkeley). Others require you to order the transcript (i.e UCLA). If you are in an exchange-based program (i.e. UTT), the transcript will be sent to NTU.

If transcript is sent to OGEM, the credit transfer will be processed by the end of the semester (ie. end of Semester 1). No action is required on your part.

If you need to order a transcript, please send a copy to OGEM. You will be notified of the action plan.

RETURNING TO NTU …

Pay Outstanding Fees

Transcript may be withheld if you have outstanding fees owed to the host university or service providers.

Double-check your library, telephone and rent accounts.

RETURNING TO NTU …

Stay Involved and Spread the Word

Keep up the international outlook and spread the experience to your juniors.

Participate in outreach activities such as information sessions and buddy programs.

RETURNING TO NTU …