Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- Preference to students interested in obtaining design experience
- Preference given to students with significant design experiences either through course or work experience
Program Description
Design is a fundamental engineering activity. In this study abroad opportunity, students will receive training and experiences in three areas: 1) Best practices in design; 2) Design in the context of global markets; 3) The practice of design with international collaborators and in international environments. This program takes place at the National University of Singapore, one of the Top 20 Universities in the world (Times Higher Education, 2023). Penn State participants will join students from the US, China, Singapore, India, and others. In addition to attending lecture and participating in field trips, students will complete assignments and a team-based design project.
Singapore is an important global economy and a gateway to Asia. As such, many of the world's leading companies have a presence there. As part of this course, students will have the opportunity to visit the design studios and manufacturing operations of some of these companies to learn how the principles taught in class are practiced in industry. In Singapore, English is the national language, but most of its citizens are at least bi-lingual. The country is very safe and provides a great atmosphere for learning and experiencing Asian culture. The food is amazing, with cuisine from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, and India, among many others. Since participants will complete many of the class activities as part of multi-cultural teams, students will have the opportunity to interact with diverse groups of people. While the formal training will be focused primarily on engineering, there will also be a number of opportunities to learn about culture in the area, including how culture affects design and our perception of it.
Singapore places great emphasis on design. From architecture to the experiences of passengers at the airport, everything is viewed as an opportunity to make things better. There are even commercials before movies urging citizens to practice better design. It is an ideal environment in which to learn global product development. Interest in—and respect for—Design is an important trait of successful applicants to the program.
The program begins and ends in Singapore. Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements, enabling departure from the most convenient (and inexpensive) airport. Given Singapore's location, many students elect to spend some time exploring Southeast Asia after the program has ended; which would be considered independent travel and at each student's own risk and expense.
Dates
Summer: May 14 - May 31, 2024
Program Note
This program may have limited space, so we recommend that you identify an appropriate backup program and complete the Education Abroad Backup Questionnaire in your Penn State Application when applying to this program. Should you not be accepted for your first-choice program, you will automatically be reviewed for your backup choice. For help on choosing an appropriate backup, please contact your education abroad adviser.
Program Costs
Summer Costs
For more information on program costs, please be sure to review the budget sheet. These budget sheets include information on costs that are billable to the bursar bill, as well as estimated additional costs. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.
Please note that tuition rates may vary depending on major and class standing.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. For faculty-led freestanding programs, there is a specific withdrawal penalty schedule.
Education Abroad makes every attempt at keeping the program and administrative costs to a minimum. However, when you commit to participating in a program, Education Abroad begins to make financial commitments on your behalf. In case of withdrawal, the following fees will be charged to your Bursar account
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Upon Commitment - 90 Days Prior to Departure: 25% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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30 - 89 Days Prior to Departure: 50% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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29 Days - Departure Date: 100% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
Following the start of the summer semester, any adjustment of tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. More information can be found on the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
