Studying at FTMS Studying in Singapore
| Studying in Singapore |
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ClimateThe climate in Singapore is typically tropical as the island is almost on the equator. The weather all year round is similar, with temperatures never sinking below around 20 degrees Celsius (71 degrees Fahrenheit). However, there is a monsoon season between November and January when there will be torrential rain almost every day in the early morning and mid-afternoon, for about an hour.
PeopleCulture and religion remain entwined in Singapore, far more than in the West. Throughout the year, a constant stream of festivals and celebrations in the streets and temples reflects the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of this multicultural society, comprising of Buddhists, Taoists, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs. Many of the major Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu festivals are marked by public holidays and Christmas is just one more holiday - for which shops stay open. Cost of LivingThe standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.
An international student in Singapore spends on average S$750 to S$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount varies depending on your individual lifestyle and course of study. These estimated cost ranges in the table below give a rough guide of the basic expenditure an international student may incur per month. To know more about the exchange rates based in your home currency, please visit www.oanda.com/convert/classic Item Cost Per Month
*Please note that the average estimates were derived based on recent prices and they serve as a reference only. Transport
Singpapore's modern Changi International Airport is vast, efficient, and organized. There are banking and money-changing facilities, a post office, which is open 24 hours a day, credit card phones, free phones for local calls, Internet facilities, free hotel reservation counters, luggage facilities, restaurants, day rooms, fitness centers, saunas, business centers, and over 100 shops. The airport even provides free films, bars with entertainment, hairdressers, medical facilities, a swimming pool, and even a mini Science Discovery Museum. In other words, Changi International Airport has almost everything a visitor would require. There are three airport terminals: Terminal 1 - 3. The Changi Skytrain, which is a monorail, shuttles between the terminals. Located on the extreme eastern end of the island, the airport is about 20km from the city cente and is connected to the rest of Singapore via the MRT system. Singapore has over 15,000 air-conditioned taxis, which provide comfortable, hassle-free traveling at reasonable costs (though higher compared to public buses and trains). Visitors can flag them down anytime. To further ease visitors, well marked taxi stands are available outside most major shopping centers and hotels. An extra charge will be added during peak hours, as well as for advanced booking. Clean, punctual and air-conditioned, Singapore's MRT subway system is a hallmark of efficiency. It is the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way of getting around Singapore within minutes. Do note that there are fines for littering, smoking, eating and drinking in MRT stations and on board the trains. The MRT operates from 6 a.m. to midnight at frequencies of 3 to 8 minutes. Singapore's bus network is extremely frequent and comprehensive. Visitors rarely have to wait more than a few minutes and a bus will get them anywhere. If you are planning to travel a lot by public transport, it is best to purchase a copy of the TransitLink Guide, which has a list of all bus and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) services. You can also buy the TransitLink Card, a stored value card that can be used on both the MRT and bus. Most buses operate between 6 a.m. to midnight. EntertainmentAs the young middle class begins to spend more on entertainment, Singapore's nightlife has also grown with its increase in interesting night spots. There are a large number of bars and discos, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated in Singapore today. Pool, wine, and cigars are the norm and that is what the young-at-heart are indulging in these days at the various groovy hangouts. Visitors can choose between exciting bars, clubs, discos, and karaoke. Serious "fun" is also available in the form of Chinese street operas, night markets, theater productions, classical music performed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, dances performed by the Singapore Dance Theatre, international bands, and off-Broadway productions. Singapore's nightlife does, indeed, make the country a truly bustling city. Food
Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Peranakan, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Korean cuisine, and more compete one another in the "battle of the taste buds"! On top of that, there is Singapore's vast array of hawker stalls and restaurants that range from global franchises to gourmet delis to posh six-star settings. To further promote this delicious pastime, there are seemingly endless food promotions and tours - including the Singapore Food Festival in July - which are held throughout the year. Furthermore, food and entertainment often go together like hand and glove. Many places offer both excellent food and entertainment options, thus enabling you to enjoy the best of both worlds in one location. Indeed, all these attractions have created a food paradise like no other. Food has become something that is thoroughly appreciated by every Singaporean and visitor alike. Other InformationAirport Tax Drinking Water Electricity Drug Abuse Safety The exceptions are for full-time undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities that are allowed to work part-time of up to 16 hours per week during school term. However, they need to obtain permission from the Student's Liaison/Affairs Office of their respective Polytechnics and Universities. During their vacations, they are allowed to work full-time as the Ministry of Manpower has exempted them from applying for work permits. Before you look for part-time or vacation employment, please gather more details, ensure you meet the conditions and seek prior approval from the approved institutions (Immigration Department). Sometimes, the employer may require a letter of authorisation from the approved institutions to indicate that the students are allowed to work during the school holiday. For details of the Work Permit Scheme, students can also contact the Work Permit Department of the Ministry of Manpower during the official operating hours: OneCall Centre: (65) 6438 5122 Operating hours: Other useful links would include the following: Council For Private Education (CPE)  |
Traveling in Singapore is both easy and economical. There is an efficient public transportation network, which offers taxis, buses, and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. With its excellent public transport system, Singapore is, without a doubt, the easiest city in Asia to get around
Eating is a national pastime in Singapore. Furthermore, with the variety of places to enjoy this pastime, it is no surprise at all if the phrase "eat to your heart's content" had originated from Singapore.