| QUESTION
1:
What level of English do I need to join
SIC?
ANS: During the evaluation process
your level of English will be checked during the written test
and during the interview. We are looking for students with a minimum
intermediate level of English. Once you have been accepted onto
the programme extra English support is available. Living in Singapore
exposes you to more English and the language of the school is
strictly English. This will give you further opportunity to practice.
QUESTION
2:
What if I get homesick, as I have never
lived away from home before?
ANS: Homesickness is a natural
part of living away from home. At SIC we have longstanding experience
of helping students who feel homesick. Our pastoral care and induction
programme helps students to manage homesickness and encourages
them to adjust to living in Singapore. Having our own international
hostel also ensures that students have comfortable accommodation,
good food and laundry services. You will find friends from both
your own country and other countries while studying with us even
while you stay in close touch with family and friends back home.
QUESTION
3:
How do the marks gained by international
students compare with Singaporean students?
ANS: International students
do just as well as Singaporean students. Many of our international
students have earned distinctions and credits in the Diploma in
Economics and first class honours in the degrees. In fact, one
of our past international students, Ms. Li Shan first earned a
distinction in the Diploma in Economics, won a scholarship to
complete her degree at the London School of Economics (for which
she earned a First Class) and is currently studying at Cambridge
for a Masters Degree!
QUESTION
4:
It usually takes months to go through
the procedure for immigration, how long does it take with SIC?
ANS: It is true that the immigration
procedure to come to Singapore can be very time consuming –
especially for students from China (up to eight months in some
cases!). For SIC we have a special ‘fast track’ procedure
which means that processing time is usually between 2 to 4 weeks.
The ‘fast track’ facility also means that no security
deposit is required and students in China don’t have to
go to Beijing for an interview in the Singapore Embassy. One of
the major reasons SIC has been granted this fast approval system
relates to its excellent reputation and experience of conducting
our programmes.
QUESTION
5:
What about my parents – they are
very worried about me living in Singapore alone?
ANS: SIC likes to keep in close
touch with its students so parents can always contact us to find
out how their children are progressing.
QUESTION
6:
What times are the lessons and how many
days a week do I have to attend?
ANS: SIC has a very strict policy
about attendance, this policy is aligned with SIR regulations
but also the requirements of the courses. We have also designed
our attendance policy in order to ensure that students maxmise
their achievements while they are studying with us. All international
students must sign in and out and classes start at 9.30am and
finish at 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Even when classes aren’t
scheduled students are expected to do their own private study.
QUESTION
7:
What support can I get from SIC besides
academic programme?
ANS: At SIC, we assist and guide
our students to explore and pursue their career based on their
core competency and interest area. We will provide and made available
to you personal career profiling and self-assessment tools to
assist you in your career exploration. Ongoing training and career
talks such as writing resume and cover letter, interview skills,
and job search strategy will also be included in your curriculum.
QUESTION
8:
If I have personal or relationship problem
or simply troubled by some events, where can I seek help?
ANS: If you are experiencing anxiety or troubled
by some events, you may not be able to function well. We have
in-house COUNSELLING support to help you clarify your thoughts
and issues so that you can arrive at your own decisions or even
make major changes in your lives. Students can make appointment
through the Student Affairs office during office-hours.
QUESTION
9:
Can I work part-time while studying in
Singapore?
ANS: NO! Foreign students holding a student pass
are not permitted to work in Singapore. Any foreigner who work
illegally without a valid work permit are liable to be fine not
exceeding S$5,000 and have their student pass revoke.
QUESTION
10:
Is there career opportunity in Singapore
after graduation?
ANS: It depends on your experience and qualification.
Singapore labour law like many other countries gives priority
to its own citizen first. Foreign citizen seeking employment in
Singapore need to apply for work permit or employment pass through
their potential or prospective employer, subject to approval by
the authority (ICA). Depending on the global economic growth,
there will always be career opportunity in Singapore if you possess
the relevant experience and skills.
|