Singapore Maymester
Business in Asia
Upcoming Information Sessions
Penn State Education Abroad Fair
Wednesday, October 30 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
Each year, Penn State hosts exhibitors from its education abroad partners, support offices, funding resources, and academic colleges to bring students the information they want about education abroad!
Smeal Summer Study Abroad Fair
Tuesday, November 12 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Atrium, Business Building
Meet Smeal faculty leading courses around the world and get your questions about Faculty-Led Maymester & Summer programs answered. Also learn about other summer study abroad and internship opportunities!
Singapore Maymester Info Session
Wednesday, November 13 | 6:00PM
120 Business Building
Learn more about this customized Smeal experience! Talk with the faculty leading the course and get your questions answered.
Study in Singapore, where East meets West in a thriving global marketplace!
Discover this bustling city-state in Southeast Asia! Singapore offers a fascinating blend of modernity, diversity, and innovation. Renowned for its stunning skyline and rich cultural heritage, the city has emerged as a global business hub and melting pot of cultures – offering a unique opportunity for business students to expand their knowledge and international perspectives.
Hosted by CIEE Singapore, students will be accompanied by their Smeal instructor and local support staff to help them navigate this new city and make the most of their time abroad!
Local activities:
Field trips and site visits have not been finalized for 2025, but possible opportunities may include:
- Rifle Range Nature Walk Trailhead
- Guided tour of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam
- Business visits with local PSU alumni working in Singapore
- Day trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Students will have free time throughout the program to explore on their own. Ideas include:
- Local museums and galleries
- Gardens by the Bay – a 250 acre nature park featuring futuristic Supertrees
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Marina Bay Sands
- and more!
Travel to Singapore:
Expectations:
Students should come prepared for an intense and enriching experience! This program offers the opportunity for students in business and related fields to learn about the business environment of Singapore by exploring economic structures and sectors that contribute to its competitiveness, gain insight into international business strategies specific to Singapore, and develop a basic understanding of Singapore’s culture and history.
Eligibilty:
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 3.0 GPA or better at the time of the application
- Sophomore standing or above at the time of the program
- Applicants should have an interest in business
GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY
Why Study in Singapore?
Multicultural and Global Outlook
Singapore is known for its diverse cultural heritage. This thriving city-state is home to Chinese, Malay, Indian, and many other ethniticies, serving as a melting pot of languages, traditions, and foods. Singapore’s coexisting cultural diversity fosters intercultural understanding, global perspectives, and the development of cross-cultural communication skills—essential competencies in today’s globalized business world.
Strategic Business Location
Singapore’s strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia provides business professionals with unparalleled access to the region’s dynamic markets. It serves as a gateway to emerging economies such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, offering insights into diverse business cultures and market dynamics. Singapore’s well-connected transportation infrastructure also makes it convenient for visitors to explore nearby countries!
Quality of Life
Singapore offers a high standard of living and a safe environment for visitors. Students can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a plethora of dining options, shopping, cultural events, and recreational activities. Singapore’s diverse food scene, from hawker centers to Michelin restaurants, is a culinary delight that reflects the city’s multiculturalism.
the study in study abroad
Program Overview & Academics
All students will be enrolled in the following course for a total of 3 credits:
IB 399 Singapore: Where Business Meets Innovation
| 3 credits | This course can satisfy GS, IL, Inter-Domain or general elective credit for Smeal majors.
Taught by Rich Bundro, Finance Department
The roots of modern Singapore date back to 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles purchased the island to establish a trading port for the British Empire. In 1965, the island became an independent sovereign nation, and in the years since Singapore has developed into a global destination for businesses in many industries. US News and World Report ranks Singapore as the #7 country in the world to do business in and #16 in the best countries overall.
This course will assess Singapore’s business environment, focusing on how its unique geopolitical history allowed this small city-state to develop into a global trade and commerce center. This 3-week course will combine classroom lectures, case studies, guest speakers, and multiple business visits to help students better understand how international business is impacted by history, culture, economics, and politics. Through visits to both local and global companies doing business in Singapore we will learn more about Singapore and the challenges and opportunities that businesses face. Some guest lectures will focus on the history, while others will be delivered by individuals living and working in Singapore. These lectures will provide insight into the business environment of Singapore as experienced by native born Singaporeans as well as expat employees.
Students will gain an understanding of Singapore’s geopolitical history and its relationship with Britain and Malaysia. The class will explore how the government of Singapore drove development and positioned the company as a business-friendly locale to generate foreign investment. Students will understand how macroeconomic factors such as trade, labor productivity, and investment impact gross domestic product and influence government economic policy. A focus will be placed on the evolving role that Singapore occupies within the ASEAN countries. Students will gain an understand of how the post-COVID economy in China and competition among other ASEAN nations are shaping the future of business in Singapore. Students will understand how Singapore manages the complexities of being a growing, forward-thinking country while providing its citizens with a high quality of life.
Specific areas of focus will be venture capital and entrepreneurship in Singapore. The role of Singapore as a global logistics hub will also be discussed. The classroom experience will center on student-student and student-faculty interaction and be largely discussion-based. In addition to in-class research projects, assignments will include case studies exploring business topics through the lens of companies in Singapore, Class evaluations will be based on student reflections on visits and guest lectures, performance on case work, and overall contributions during class discussions.
faculty
Meet Your Professor
earn 3 credits towards the
International Business Minor
The International Business Minor is an academic credential for Smeal College of Business students to demonstrate their education in international business at Penn State and globally.
logistics
Housing, Travel & Meals
Students will be supported during the program by the CIEE Singapore. CIEE Singapore’s Study Center is conveniently located in the southwestern part of the city about 5 miles from Universal Studios Singapore and 13 miles from the Singapore Changi Airport.
Where You’ll Stay
Accommodations: Students will be housed in a hotel located close to Bugis Junction. Rooms will be double occupancy with twin beds. Space is small, but the location of the hotel is wonderful with easy access to MRT, shopping and eating & the CIEE center. Breakfast is not included, but there is a 7 Eleven just outside for grab and go options.
Getting Around
Getting around Singapore is incredibly convenient thanks to its efficient transportation system. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a reliable and extensive subway network that connects various parts of the city-state. Buses are also a popular mode of transport, offering comprehensive coverage and easy accessibility.
Good Eats
Students are responsible for providing their own meals. A welcome lunch and farewell dinner will be organized by the program.
Singapore’s food options are a vibrant reflection of its multicultural population. From the bustling hawker centers offering affordable local street food to Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines, there is a wide array of flavors to explore.
what’s it like?
Student Experiences
Smeal Students, Singapore Maymester 2024
Smeal Students, Singapore Maymester 2024
Smeal Students, Singapore Maymester 2024
Colby Tallia, Spring 2018
Colby Tallia, Spring 2018
Owen Ritchey, Spring 2022
Budget
Cost & Scholarships
There are many ways to reduce the cost of study abroad. One key strategy is to plan ahead and select a program that makes the best use of credits towards graduation requirements. Smeal International Program Advisers are available to meet with students to help them select the best program to meet their academic goals.
Click here to view the PSU Global program website, click on the “Costs & Funding” tab for this particular program’s budget sheet:
Smeal Summer Study Abroad and International Internship Scholarship
meal students are encouraged to apply! One easy application to be considered for various financial awards.
***Scholarships are need-based and require that a FAFSA has been filed to be considered.***
Most PSU scholarship awards are made after the program application is due (January 23) but before the deadline to commit to the program (February 7).
Penn State Global Programs Scholarships
Student Engagement Network Study Abroad Grants
The Student Engagement Network offers this unique funding opportunity for students which supports the breadth of student engagement experiences in the spirit of both in-person and virtual/remote engagement experiences. Undergraduate students across the commonwealth are encouraged to apply for an SEN Grant that will support virtual, remote, and/or in-person engagement opportunities in the coming academic year.
Undergraduate students are eligible to receive one $2000 grant per student career/degree.
*Please note that SEN grant award decisions will not be made until after the commitment deadline for Summer Study Abroad*
More information is available on the Student Engagement Network’s website
Penn State Office of Student Aid
Have a Question?
Meet with an Adviser!
Make an appointment with a Smeal International Programs Adviser to learn more about study abroad programs, discuss academic fit, and how to apply! We offer in person advising in the Business Building (Suite 484) or virtual advising through Zoom.