boats in singapore harbor sunny day
Singapore, Singapore

Arts + Sciences

Study Program

Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 16 semester hours

22.5 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

TBD

Credit

15 - 16 semester hours

22.5 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Credit

15 - 16 semester hours

22.5 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 16 semester hours

22.5 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Immerse yourself in bustling university life at one of Asia’s top-ranked universities, Singapore Management University (SMU). From business and humanities to social sciences and STEM, you'll find challenging coursework across academic disciplines to advance your degree. Coursework at SMU is enriched with CIEE extracurricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

Study with peers

from all over Southeast Asia and the world

Eat to your heart’s content

at Singapore’s hawker stands – two of which have Michelin Star awards

Live in the dynamic gateway to Asia

that combines an ultramodern skyline with the rich cultures of its past

4

4 official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil

64

islands and islets in Singapore’s territory

46.5%

Singapore's green city space

Experience
  • singapore girl on boat looking at buildings
  • singapore skyline aerial

The Destination

The island-state of Singapore lies one degree north of the equator in Southeast Asia. It blends Malay, Chinese, Arabic, Indian cultures and religions. Since gaining independence in 1965, Singapore has become a flourishing city-state that excels in trade and education and is considered a model to developing nations. Singapore is one of the most competitive economies in the world and a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Singapore.

The Culture

singapore budda temple

Excursions & Activities

  • Take a walking tour to the civic and cultural district in downtown Singapore
  • Learn about Hawker cuisine, and the heritage behind street food culture in Singapore
  • Explore outlying islands and experience the eco-diversity across Singapore
  • Enjoy multicultural events held all year round in Singapore
  • Hike the trails in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore’s only primary forest
  • Visit the night safari, regarded as one of the world’s best nighttime zoos
  • Participate in sports such as indoor soccer, beach volleyball or sepak takraw
  • Two days one night trip to Bintan/Batam [Indonesia] or Malacca [Malaysia]
singapore swing park

Volunteer Opportunities

CIEE Singapore seeks to foster an urban community of learners that is respectful of its surroundings and proactively engages with individuals, community groups, and institutions. Orientation will include an introduction to the community resources and opportunities to give back. Students can volunteer their time working with local environmental groups to help maintain public parks, with the local Singapore Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or with youths in after-school programs.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Study Abroad Singapore: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re looking for an adventure in a lively, busy city packed with incredible natural landscapes, a unique modern culture, and amazing food, consider Singapore . Read on as we... keep reading

From CIEE

24 Hours in Singapore: A Global Intern's Guide to an Island City-State in Asia

By Global Internships at CIEE

When you are a Global Intern in Singapore, the possibilities are endless. From beautiful landscapes and lush green spaces by the water, historic landmarks, and fresh seafood galore, there is... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Modelled after the Wharton School, Singapore Management University (SMU) is one of the top-ranked universities in Asia. SMU’s downtown campus is surrounded by museums, theatres, educational institutions, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and a range of retail outlets. Buildings are fringed by heritage trees, with the park landscape of Campus Green at the center. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs in the disciplinary areas associated with its six schools, as well as in interdisciplinary combinations of these areas. The university is renowned for its Business, Computer Science, and Social Sciences programs and for its seminar-style classes.

CIEE students enroll in SMU undergraduate courses offered across a diverse range of academic fields, including specialized areas such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, Social Sciences, Law, and Information Systems. Students may also have the opportunity to add the CIEE Intercultural Communication and Leadership elective course.

The CIEE Singapore team are available to help students navigate the academic, cultural, and political environment of Singapore. The CIEE Singapore office is located in downtown Singapore at Balmoral Plaza, 5 minutes from Newton MRT, a quick hop from SMU on the subway. 

GPA

3.0

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students at a college/university with at least one completed, full year on their official transcript at the time of application.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students enroll in either four SMU courses for 16 total credits, or three SMU courses plus the CIEE Intercultural Communication and Leadership course (not offered ever term) for 15 total credits. Students may enroll in any 4-credit course from the SMU course offering and can choose to focus on an area of interest such as business, technology, or cultural studies and social sciences. The majority of SMU courses confer 1 SMU credit/4 U.S. semester credits each.

Program Credit

15 - 16 U.S. semester / 22.5-24 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
  • SMU courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 39 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

In comparison to the campus and academic culture in the U.S., students will have to adjust to a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach at SMU. The expectation for independent student work/study per class session is generally higher than that in the U.S. AS 1 SMU credit consists of 39 contact hours per term, students are expected to spend a significant amount of time outside of class in self-directed study. The total independent study time dedicated to completing each course is estimated to be in the range of approximately 6-12 hours per week. Students are empowered to speak up in class and participate actively. There are group projects and presentations for most courses and final examinations at the end of the term. Students will be provided with an academic orientation both by the host institution and the CIEE site staff.

Class Format

Students are eligible to enroll in any SMU course for which they are qualified. SMU faculty will deliver the majority of academic content on their campus, except for the optional CIEE-delivered elective, Intercultural Communication and Leadership. A typical SMU course meets for 3 hours per week over the course of 13 weeks. Students may also have the option of taking a CIEE elective course, where instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

Assessment at SMU is typically based on presentations, projects, class participation and performance, and exams. SMU uses a local grading system which CIEE converts to recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents. The CIEE course is graded on the basis of class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. The U.S. grading scale of A – F is used.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Students are eligible to enroll in any SMU course for which they are qualified.

You can browse the suggested academic pathways to assist your selection or use the Class Search.

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fall 2024 17 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $25,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2025 17 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Spring 2024 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $25,950

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300

Educational Costs = $20,556

Housing = $4,900

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $25,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,564

International Airfare = $1,300††

Local Transportation = $300

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $220†††

Total Costs = $3,584

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Meals are not provided and there is no access to a kitchen.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300

Educational Costs = $20,556

Housing = $4,900

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $25,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,564

International Airfare = $1,300††

Local Transportation = $300

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $220†††

Other = $75††††

Total Costs = $3,659

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Meals are not provided and there is no access to a kitchen.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

††††COVID Test back to US

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Marc Teng

Center Director

Marc has over 15 years of experience in the education and travel sectors. He holds an MBA and a postgraduate diploma in education.

Biona Liew

Program Coordinator

Biona joined CIEE in 2022 after seven years of managing operations in the education travel industry. She holds a diploma in hospitality.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info