STEER (Iran and Oman)
Theme: One Thousand and One Sights from the Gulf: Lessons from Iran and Oman
Venue: Tehran, Isfahan (Iran), Muscat, Duqm, (Oman)
Date: 9 – 23 December 2018
What is STEER?
The NUS Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER) is a programme designed to familiarise students with the diverse socio-cultural-economic environments of new and fast-evolving regions through a mix of classroom-based learning and experimental site visits. Inaugurated in December 2010, the STEER programme has expanded to include countries in Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam), Asia (China, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan), Central America (Costa Rica, Panama), Latin America (Brazil), the Middle East (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates), Eastern Europe (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia) and Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe).
What does STEER (Iran and Oman) offer?
In Iran, grasp the complexities of its development after the Iranian revolution in 1979. See how sanctions led Iran to become a resistive economy relying on domestic capacities, developing barter trade and an import substitution model of industrialisation. Even as the majority of its revenue comes from the export of hydrocarbons, renewed sanctions have resulted in a drop in oil exports, affecting its economy.
At the same time, discover the rich culture and heritage of the Persians, who form half of the Iranian population today. With a history dating back to 10th century BC, see how Persian arts and science endured through time as you explore Tehran, the capital city of Iran, and the Safavid dynasty architecture in Isfahan, an ancient city with roots dating back as far as 2700 BC.
Take part in educational visits to universities and ministries to learn about Iran’s model of economic development, its national challenges and the impact of sanctions on its economy.
Across the gulf, the fall in oil prices in recent years has pushed Oman to hasten the diversification of its economy from an energy-based dependent industry to financial and service-based sectors such as banking and manufacturing. How will Oman achieve its goal to reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons?
Through educational visits to ministries, companies in Muscat and to the Special Economic Zone in Duqm, you will be given the opportunities to learn how Oman aims to reduce its dependence on oil by promoting investments in key economic sectors such as tourism which Oman hopes to receive at least 2.7m visitors by 2020.
Embrace the culture and heritage of the Bedouins and their semi-nomadic lifestyle of the past. Discover the effect of modernity on nomadic, tribal traditions and cultural practices, even as you immerse yourself through bustling alleys at the Mutrah Souq in Muscat. Appreciate Oman’s natural beauty from age-old fossils embedded in limestone and sandstone at the rock garden at Duqm.
While you are in the scenic and inspiring city, meet and network with fellow Singaporeans working and living in Oman and be inspired by what it takes to thrive and succeed in a foreign land.
When does the programme take place?
9 – 23 December 2018
Participants will spend their first week in Oman followed by Iran*.
*subject to change
Who can apply?
STEER (Iran and Oman) is opened 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.
Undergraduates who had not previously participated in any STEER programmes will be given priority in their applications.
*Graduating students in their final semester may apply for the programme. They will not be eligible for funding from International Enterprise (IE Singapore).
How can I apply?
Students interested in applying for STEER (Iran and Oman), will be required to apply for the programme through NUS Student Information System* (click here for the application guide) by Sunday, 16 September 2018.
*students encountering issues in submitting their application via NUS Student Information System may write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg for the offline application form.
To find the programme in the system, search using setup ID 00723
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, 20 September 2018*. Candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of S$1,000 to secure their places by Monday, 24 September 2018*.
. *subjected to change
How much does the programme cost?
The estimated programme cost is approximately S$4,600 inclusive of airfare, 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 participant.
Participants applying for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for journeys to the United States will be required to declare if they have previously travelled to Iran.
Is financial assistance available?
GRO 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 Enterprise Singapore for up to S$800 (subsistence and partial airfare).
After relevant subsidies, the estimated cost is between:
S$3,300 – S$3,600 for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs, who are eligible for IE Singapore funding
S$4,100 – S$4,400 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 @ grottd@nus.edu.sg.
For travel notices please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.