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 10^th 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.

ASEAN-Korea Centre in Seoul is organising an ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop from 2-12 July 2018. The ASEAN-Korea Centre would like to invite Singaporean undergraduate or graduate students, who have interest in ASEAN-related issues and digitalization to participate in the Workshop.

Interested students should submit their application to the ASEAN-Korea Centre via email (mdulos@aseankorea.org) by 22 May 2018.

More information can be found here.

Regards

StudyAboradFASS

<Message from Global Relations Office>

Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER)

STEER China (Wuhan) 2018

Theme:  Understanding China: Past and present:

The Maritime Silk Road
Venue: Wuhan (Hubei), Quanzhou and Xiamen (Fujian)
Date:      3 – 23 June 2018

What is STEER China about?

The programme comprises lectures* and seminars* focusing on the Maritime Silk Road, with discussions in areas such as cultural traditions, the economy, political, legal systems and regional developments in contemporary China which will be conducted jointly by faculty members from Wuhan University (WHU), Xiamen University (XMU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The first leg of the programme will comprise of educational visits to business corporations as well as visits to historical sites, museums during their stay in Wuhan. The second and final leg of the programme will take participants on a four-day field trip to Quanzhou and Xiamen where participants will be given the opportunity to explore the historical sites and learn about the Muslim Community in Quanzhou.

Join us, as we embark on this unique journey and familiarise yourself with the heritage, culture, society and economy of China

*Lectures and seminars will be conducted in English.

When does the programme take place?

3 – 23 June 2018

Participants will spend the first part of the programme in Wuhan followed by a field trip to Quanzhou and Xiamen.

Who can apply?

STEER China (Wuhan) is open to all full‐time NUS undergraduate students*.

Applicants are required to have a minimum CAP score of 3.0 at the point of application.

Successful applicants should be thoughtful and mature in their outlook and be able to act as effective ambassadors of NUS.

Undergraduates who have not previously participated in any STEER programme will be given priority in their applications.

*Graduating students 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 China (Wuhan) 2018 will be required to apply for the programme through NUS MYISIS* (refer to email attachment for the application guide) by Monday, 26 March 2018.

To find the programme in the system, search using setup ID 00474

*students encountering an issue in submitting their application via NUS MYISIS 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, 29 March 2018*. Candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of S$1,000 to secure their places by Monday, 02 April 2018*.

*subjected to change

Are Modular Credits Available?

The programme carries 4 modular credits (MC) and is recognized by both the Department of Chinese Studies and China Studies Minor Programme. Students will receive 4 MCs under “CH3295 Understanding China: Past and Present” upon successful completion of the programme and required assessments. The module will be registered in the first semester of AY2018/19.

What is the mode of assessment?

Attendance & Participation 30%, Test 30%, Report/Project: 40%

How much does the programme cost?

The estimated programme cost is approximately S$2,900 inclusive of airfare, accommodation, local transportation and entrance fees for planned visits, 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$1,600 – S$1,900 for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs, who are eligible for IE Singapore funding

S$2,400 – S$2,700 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 for 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.