Okay, so you've decided to take the first step and apply for the Semester-in-SEA program. What now?
1. Apply through the Overseas Programs Application System (OPAS). OPAS is open twice a year so watch out for information on when the system is open in your NUS email inbox. Apply like you would for any normal exchange program but MAKE SURE you specify your major. (Already having declared your major at this point would be a good idea.)
2. Forms, forms, forms. Paperwork is unavoidable. It's likely that for every other form you submit you'll need a passport sized photo of yourself. Get six. Here's a list of forms you'll need to get a hold of. Most will be sent to you via email, so you just wait for them, but it's always nice to have a checklist:
SE2660 & SE3660 Independent Study Agreement Forms - you will need your supervisor to help you fill this out. Submit it to the general office at the SEASP.
Consent Form - sign this or get your parents to sign it if you are under 21.
Participant's Consent Form - print a few copies if you are interviewing human subjects and bring them with you.
Module Mapping Form - you will need to get the department in your partner university to sign this so bring it along.
Request for transfer of SEP Credits form - submit this upon return to Singapore.
INDO-Gate SMART form - fill this in if you are taking a Bahasa Indonesia language module. Get your Bahasa Indonesia language teacher to help you fill it out and submit it to the Centre of Language Studies in NUS.
TF-NUS LEaRN Award form - apply for this if you are an ASEAN citizen going on exchange in Asia. It's a grant for $4250. The money is banked in to your account in mid August.
Visa Application form - if you are going to Indonesia, go to the Indonesian embassy (take a cab from the MRT station, seriously) and fill out a yellow form. If you are unsure which form to fill out, ask someone behind the counters. You will need a letter from NUS verifying that you are going on exchange for six months and need a student visa. Bring your passport, two passport sized photos, $75 (in cash - they don't accept any other form of payment) and your flight details (flight number, departure time, arrival time, departure date, seat number etc). They will keep your passport for a few days and when you come back to collect it, there'll be a visa printed inside it valid for two months starting the day you leave Singapore. You will have to renew it during your stay in Indonesia. UGM will help you renew your visa but you have to remind them when it expires.
3. Acceptance letter from the partner university. Typically this comes a little late and you should already have applied for your VISA at this point. Just bring this letter along with you to Indonesia.
4. Insurance - good idea to get some form of insurance. As mentioned in my first post, I fell sick early on here and so long as I keep the receipts from the doctor, when I return to Singapore my medical bills are fully paid for. I used Allianz's TravelSafe coverage plan. Pretty comprehensive, terms and price quote available on request (just leave a comment).
5. English books/materials are hard to find in Indonesia. You will, unfortunately, not have the wonders of the NUS library at your fingertips in Jogjakarta. Best thing to do is figure out the topic you want to study early on or at least the subject area, and photocopy whatever you need from the NUS library before you leave. Try Katong Shopping Centre for all your illegal photocopying needs. (You didn't hear it from me.)
6. AirAsia has a direct flight from Singapore to Yogyakarta. They often have promotions so check their website for the best time to buy a ticket and fly. Their baggage allowance is 15kg but you can supersize it up to 25kg at an extra cost. If you are going to bring along lots of reading materials I suggest you get at least 20kg.
Next post: What to bring and what to leave behind, or, Is Fluffy my toy dog REALLY necessary?
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