Introduction

The FoD Overseas Enrichment Programme (previously known as the Student Exchange Programme) provides clinical students an excellent opportunity to experience first hand, teaching and learning programmes in reputable dental schools worldwide. This two-week attachment could be arranged at approved overseas dental schools  in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, China, Japan and, Australia.   The OEP takes place during the 3-week vacation break after Term 1 in September of each academic year.

The objective of this Programme is aligned with NUS’ goal to provide global exposure which aims not only to enrich the overall learning experience and broaden the horizons of participating students but also to provide students an opportunity to forge friendships that bridge miles between countries.

How much does it cost to go on the OEP

Students should ensure that they have the financial means to support their travel and living expenses for OEP. The cost of living varies from country to country and different cities in the same country.

The Faculty of Dentistry is able to provide financial assistance for at least 10 students for OEP with funding from external organizations.  Students who are offered financial assistance will be selected based on academic performance.

Eligibility/Selection

• Every Year 3 and Year 4 undergraduate student is strongly encouraged to participate in the OEP.  Year 2 students may also apply for OEP but exposure in clinical work is preferred in order for you to fully appreciate the clinical aspect of the attachment.
• Our exchange agreements with participating institutions usually specify a certain number of places which will be available to dental students. These numbers vary for each institution. If there are too many applicants for one institution, students are selected/balloted according to academic merit.

Application Procedure

• The call for application for the OEP is in March (after the Years 1-3 BDS Professional Examinations).  The application form is available as an attachment to this document or from the Dean’s Office brochure stand. 
• Students are to review the list of Universities available, the number of places and the duration offered.
• Choose 2 Universities that you are interested in and rank them in order of your preference.
• Submit your completed OEP application form (hardcopy) to the Dean’s Office before the submission deadline.  In addition, you are also to submit a personal statement of not more than 500 words on why you want to participate in the OEP and what are the experience/knowledge/learning points that you would like to gain during the attachment.

Upon Selection/Pre-Departure

• You will be notified of the outcome of your application; including the participating university that you have been assigned via email from Dean’s Office, in April.  If you accept the offer, please return to Dean’s Office the completed acceptance form together with the indemnity form to be signed by all participating students regardless of age.
• Dean’s Office (DO) will submit your details to the Host University.  Subsequently, DO will inform students of any supporting documents as required by the host university.   
• You will also be advised of your primary contact person at the host university.  You may liaise directly with him/her concerning the arrangements for your attachment – accommodation, visa application as well as proceeding to make your own travel arrangements.
• Ensure you have obtained suitable medical/health insurance coverage as required by the host university.
• The Dean’s Office has incorporated the following International Relations Office checklists pertaining to pre-departure as well as a list of necessary items to pack for your attachment.

While at Host University

• Upon arrival at the country of the host university, contact and register your personal particulars at the relevant Diplomatic Mission of your nationality.   For Singaporean student, please contact the Singapore's Embassy/High Commission which is usually in the capital city.  Alternatively, you may also register online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at http://www.mfa.gov.sg

Upon Return

• Each group will be required to submit a written report of their activities within 3 weeks of the start of the new term (Term II) as well as deliver a 15-min presentation sometime in November.

The report should include the following information:

• Settling In – you may include your experience in getting to the university, the accommodation arrangement etc.

• Summary of Programme/Schedule

• Objective(s) of the Programme - what you had planned to gain from this attachment

• Observations on the Dental School - share your observations and thoughts about the school.  Essential information that must accompany the report are: organisational structure of the school, overview of the dental programme, enrolment, teaching methodology, patient recruitment for undergraduate clinics, infrastructure and facilities (clinics, labs, lecture/tutorial rooms), undergraduate research experience, student welfare, location of school within city and accessibility, and generic challenges faced by dental students in school visited.  Support your report with anecdotes or specific examples.

• Whether the objective(s) of the attachment were met.  If not, please give reasons.

• How has this attachment benefitted you? What likely applications in the educational, research, or clinical areas could be implemented in NUS?

• Photos - attach relevant and appropriate photos which may be used for future faculty publications.

• Acknowledgment of external sponsorship (if applicable)

• If you have been awarded external sponsorship, please submit to Dean’s Office the airfare invoice or receipt within 1 week upon return from the OEP for reimbursement purposes as well as writing a thank-you letter to donor in appreciation of the sponsorship received.

Important Links for Outgoing Students

Travel Resources

• Directory & Search Engine of the World's Embassies & Consulates
• Currency Converter
• World Time Server
• Basic Country Information (CIA World Fact Book)

Travel Advisories

• U.S Government Travel Warnings
• Canadian Government Travel Warnings
• Australian Government Travel Advisories

Foreign Embassies & Consulates

• United States Embassy
• Canadian High Commission
• The Australian High Commission
• British High Commission, Singapore
• Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
• The Embassy of Japan

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