<Message from International Relations Office>
Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER)
STEER Middle East 2017
Theme: “Where the Road Forks; Charting a New Development Path for the Gulf Co-operation Council Countries”
Venue: Kuwait City, Kuwait, Muscat, Oman and Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Date: 9 – 23 December 2017
What is STEER?
The NUS Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER) is a programme designed to familiarise students with the diverse socio‐cultural‐political‐economic environments of newly emerging markets through a mix of classroom‐based learning and experiential site visits. Inaugurated in December 2010, STEER has brought our students to Botswana, Brazil, Hungary, China, India, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Viet Nam.
What is STEER Middle East about?
The Arabian Gulf is home to nearly two-thirds of the world’s crude oil reserves and about 35% of the world’s natural gas reserves. Collectively, the region is responsible for approximately one-quarter of the world’s oil production. The fall in oil prices in recent years has provided the countries in the region with the necessary willpower to diversify their hydrocarbon export based economies into knowledge-based ones, including a flourishing tourism sector. Learn how Kuwait, Oman and United Arab Emirates have been utilizing their oil revenues to hasten the transformations of their economies and societies.
Embrace the culture and heritage of the Bedouins and their semi-nomadic lifestyle of the past. Learn about the delicate balance of the pressures and demands of a modern society and its effects on nomadic, tribal traditions and cultural practices.
Experience the desert, and marvel at the stars and the constellation in the cloudless sky from the cool comfort of your Arabian tent. Intrigue yourself in the ancient sport of falconry that dates back to the 7th century BC where birds of prey (saker or peregrine) are netted during their migration and learn about its role in today’s society.
Meet up and network with fellow Singaporeans working and living in Oman and the United Arab Emirates and be inspired by what it takes thrive and succeed in a foreign land.
Join us, as we embark on a fascinating journey where we familiarize ourselves with the unique heritage, culture, society and economies of these 3 countries in the Arabian Gulf.
When does the programme take place?
9 – 23 December 2017
Participants will spend their first week in the United Arab Emirates followed by Kuwait and Oman*.
*subject to change
Who can apply?
STEER Middle East 2017 is open to all full‐time NUS undergraduate students*.
Successful applicants should be thoughtful and mature in their outlook and be able to act as effective ambassadors of NUS.
*Students graduating in December 2017 will not be eligible for funding from International Enterprise (IE Singapore).
How can I apply?
Students interested in applying for STEER Middle East 2017 will be required to apply for the programme through NUS Student Integrated System (https://myisis.nus.edu.sg/)* (refer to email attachment for the application guide) by Tuesday, 12 September 2017.
*students encountering issues in submitting their application via NUS Student Integrated System may write to Jasper Tang irottd@nus.edu.sg for the application form.
Candidates shortlisted for the programme may be invited for an informal meet-up session at a later date. Final decisions will be made by Thursday, 14 September 2017*. Candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of S$1,000 to secure their places by Tuesday, 19 September 2017*.
. *subjected to change
How much does the programme cost?
The estimated programme cost is approximately S$4,500 inclusive of air fare, accommodation, some meals and insurance. Subsidies are available (refer to financial assistance). Any portion of the payment amount not utilized during the trip will be returned to students.
Visa fees (where applicable) and other personal expenses will be borne by the student.
Is financial assistance available?
IRO will provide a STEER Award, valued at S$500 per student to successful candidates to help offset the cost of the programme. Students who are Singapore citizens or Singapore PRs (except those in their graduating semester) may apply for funding from International Enterprise (IE Singapore) for up to S$800 (subsistence and partial airfare).
After relevant subsidies, the estimated cost is between:
S$3,200 – S$3,500 for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs, who are eligible for IE Singapore funding
S$4,000 – S$4,300 for graduating students, non-Singaporeans and non-Singapore PRs
Students from Yale-NUS College will need to approach the Yale-NUS College for financial assistance
*Please refer to the website on Young Talent Programme – Market Immersion funding from IE Singapore for the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions of the grant.
Who to contact for more information?
For additional information or related queries, please click here or write to Mr Jasper Tang @ irottd@nus.edu.sg.
For travel notices please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website