new to 2024!
Singapore Maymester
Business in Asia
May 8 - May 30, 2024
3 weeks, 3 credits
Application Deadline has PASSED: January 24, 2024
Application closed
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 2024, but possible opportunities may include:
- MacRitchie Treetop Walk Trailhead
- Guided tour of Chinatown
- Local museums and galleries
- Gardens by the Bay – a 250 acre nature park featuring futuristic Supertrees
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
Singapore, a small island nation, has transformed from a British colonial trading post to one of the top global business hubs, renowned for its cutting-edge innovation. This small but dynamic city-state today plays an outsize pivotal role in the world of international business. This Maymester class will explore Singapore’s history and culture and its impact in shaping its unique standing in today’s business world. Students will learn about Singapore’s early days as a colonial outpost as a means to better understand its modern society. We will spend some time exploring Singapore’s multicultural neighborhoods and learn more about the influences of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cultures. Finally, we will also look at the role of Singapore’s government in establishing business-friendly policies to create stability, attract foreign investments and promote innovation and sustainability.
Through classroom discussions, case studies and field trips to multinational and regional organizations, we will take a close look at marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance, all in the context of Singapore’s vibrant business landscape. Possible case studies we hope to discuss include understanding Singapore’s economic and government policies, why companies like Johnson & Johnson have chosen Singapore as the location for their headquarters in the Asia Pacific region, the experience of city branding surrounding the film Crazy Rich Asians and a discussion of a venture capital firm and its focus on sustainability. At the conclusion of class you will have an understanding why Singapore is the regional home to some 40% of Fortune 500 companies and come home with new perspectives on the future of business in Asia.
faculty
Meet Your Professor
Rich Bundro
Instructor of Finance, Smeal College of Business
Bio coming soon!
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 apartment-style accommodations. Rooms will be double occupancy with a shared kitchen.
Singapore’s reputation of modernity extends to its housing, so students can expect high quality accommodations during the program.
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 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 Stories
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 Budget Sheet for this particular program:
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 27) but before the deadline to commit to the program (February 7).
Penn State Global Programs Scholarships
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.