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Introduction to Global Business, Singapore

Fast Facts

Sessions Offered:

Summer

Location:

Singapore

Credit:

Resident

Eligibility:

UI GPA 2.75. Sophomore standing.

Application Opens

December 22, 2023

Application Deadline

January 22, 2024

Confirmation Deadline

February 4, 2024

This program is scheduled to run again in summer 2026.


The Tippie College of Business sponsors the Introduction to Global Business in Singapore Summer course designed to provide students with deeper insights of international business.

The course focuses on global business in the Asia Pacific region through company presentations, tours, cultural activities, and an academic course.

Academic Program

Gain a deeper understanding of international business in Singapore. The program focuses on global business in the Asia Pacific region through company presentations, tours, cultural activities, and a course led by a local faculty member, Dr. Chin Heng Low from Singapore. This program is open to all Tippie students, but it is ideal for students coming out of their first or second year who need to complete their International Global Issues gen ed and Tippie RISE.

The course and company presentations provide practical guidance on how to develop and sustain a competitive advantage. Learn about the rise of ASEAN, the challenges and opportunities for trade growth, and collaboration within this fast growing and dynamic region.

Program Highlights

  • 13 days in Singapore, over summer break
  • Experience a dynamic, global class with a local professor
  • Learn from business executives through company presentations and visits
  • Earn credit toward marketing major or international global issues gen ed
  • Fulfill a portion of the International Business Certificate
  • Enjoy a cultural excursion day and free days to explore Singapore
  • Network with business students from other universities
  • Scholarships available

Credit

Course credit satisfies Tippie RISE and also counts in the following ways:

  • Pick one:International Global Issues Gen Ed for Tippie students
  • Pick one: For the International Business Certificate: To be determined

Why Singapore?

This course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding and firsthand look at ASEAN through the lenses of business and leadership. This will be done from the very heart of the ASEAN region – Singapore.

Commonly referred to in the past as the "Balkans of Asia," many expected ASEAN to fail and be conflict ridden. However, peace prevailed and continues until today. It is in this context that students will get to learn about the region's highly diverse makeup of languages, cultures, and norms. Students will be introduced to the business and leadership challenges that organizations face when working in this part of the world. However, students will also learn how Singapore and the neighboring regions present the world with exciting opportunities for the business, educational, and cultural sectors, and is well positioned to meaningfully impact the global economy and geopolitics in the foreseeable future.

IMPORTANT: Please note that this program is highly competitive and there is a possibility that it will fill up before the designated deadline. We recommend that you apply for the program after it opens as soon as possible. Students are not advised to wait until closer to the deadline to apply as they will risk being waitlisted. We cannot guarantee placement in the program if students are waitlisted.

Program Dates

This winter travel course will run May 12, 2024 - May 25, 2024.

For More Information

Sydney Johnson

Email: sydney-johnson@uiowa.edu

Singapore

Approximately 5.2 million people reside in just 700 square kilometres of Singapore, making it the world's third most densely populated country.

Singapore is home to a range of fantastic attractions that keep visitors coming back including some wonderful beaches on the east coast as well as on Sentosa and the southern islands.

As a hub of business transactions in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore is the epicenter of trade, finance, and business transactions in the Asia-Pacific.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements


Students are housed in shared rooms in fully-furnished apartments, or flats, in Singapore's city center within walking distance of the classroom. The apartments include a living area, kitchen, and bath, and laundry facilities are available. Students will be housed with other University of Iowa students, or students from another U.S. college or university.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens:

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

International Students:

To return to the United States after the class, you will need a valid form I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed for travel abroad and an F-1 or J-1 student visa that is valid through the date that you plan to return to the United States. You can obtain a travel signature from an advisor at International Student and Scholar Services, 1111 University Capitol Centre.

Travel Arrangements

Students will make their own travel arrangements with advice and information provided by the program coordinators. Accepted students should NOT purchase tickets until the program's status is confirmed. In late September, instructions for purchasing tickets will be shared with the group.

Students arriving within a designated window of time will be met at Singapore Changi Airport and transported to their apartments in central Singapore. Students will also be provided with a return shuttle to Singapore Changi Airport at the time of departure.

Local Transportation

Transportation for all course activities is provided, including a group airport pickup and drop-off at the beginning and end of the course.

Covid-19 Protocols

For courses traveling abroad, participating students and faculty will be required to follow host country laws and procedures regarding COVID-19. Requirements of each host country are subject to change with little notice. Requirements may include COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine/isolation to enter the country or to access certain facilitates and services.

To review current entry requirements, please refer to the U.S. Embassy COVID-19 Country-specific Information page for your destination.

Eligibility

A minimum University of Iowa GPA of 2.75 is required for acceptance. Prerequisites: ECON:1100 or consent of the program director. A minimum of Sophomore standing (having completed one year of academic coursework at the University of Iowa) is required. Minimum of 30 completed s.h. prior to the program. Freshmen or those who have not completed one year at the University of Iowa are not eligible to apply. All participants must also be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa.

Cost

Program fees

Summer 2024 Cost SheetPDF

What's included in the program fee:

  • 3 semester hours of tuition
  • Company speakers
  • Shared accommodation including Wi-Fi
  • Daily breakfast supplies at accommodation
  • Lunches on class days
  • Welcome dinner
  • Cultural day trip and city tour
  • Ground transportation to and from the airport
  • Ground transportation to all course events
  • 24/7 staff support from Global Academic Ventures
  • UI study abroad administrative fee
  • Mandatory Iowa Regents CISI insurance
  • What's not included in the program fee:

  • Round-trip airfare ($2,000 - $3,500)
  • Meals not listed in the program fee
  • Personal expenses and travel
  • $50 application fee charged to U-Bill at time of application
  • Purchasing airline tickets

    Students are advised NOT to purchase tickets until the program's status is confirmed. In late February or early March, students will be informed about whether there is sufficient interest to offer the trip. Directions about purchasing tickets will be shared at that time.

    Scholarships and Financial Aid

    Students are encouraged to apply for Need-based, Merit, and Global Access Ambassador scholarships awarded by Study Abroad. More information is available on the Study Abroad website.

    The Tippie College of Business offers scholarships for students participating on winter study abroad programs. To apply to Tippie College of Business scholarships specifically for study abroad opportunities, please click on the following link: Tippie College of Business Global Experiences Scholarships.

    Financial aid received to attend the University of Iowa (scholarships, grants, and loans) may be applied toward the program cost. Students are encouraged to speak with someone in Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

    How to Apply

    Please apply for the study abroad application.

    Students who wish to study abroad through the Tippie College of Business on one of the Summer Session programs must only apply to one program. Multiple applications for multiple programs will not be considered.

    UI students who apply to this program will be U-billed the $50 application fee. The application form, along with a copy of the information page of your passport, should be submitted by the application deadline.

    Program admission decisions will be based on several factors:

    • Course eligibility requirements met;
    • Submission date of complete application

    IMPORTANT: Please note that this program is highly competitive and there is a possibility that it will fill up before the designated deadline. We recommend that you apply for the program after it opens as soon as possible. Students are not advised to wait until closer to the deadline to apply as they will risk being waitlisted. We cannot guarantee placement in the program if students are waitlisted.

    For More Information

    For more information about your application or the financial implications, please contact the program coordinator, Ryan Ourada.

    Email: ryan-ourada@uiowa.edu

    Health & Safety Planning

    Students should carefully review the following materials starting at least two months prior to departure:

    Prepare for Departure

    Health and Safety

    Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

    Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

    Flights

    Students will receive instructions for booking flights after the Confirmation Deadline. A suggested group flight will be shared with the group and students will make their own arrangements. Those who do not have extensive travel experience are encouraged to book the suggested group flight.

    Immigration/Visa

    All program participants are required to complete immigration requirements to enter and study in your host country. UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

    Note that permission to enter and study in your host country is provided exclusively by the host country’s government based on that country's immigration requirements. Your host country’s immigration requirements may include considerations related to specific national origin, national heritage, criminal background status, and similar issues that can make it impossible to receive permission to enter the country in some cases. Contact your UI study abroad advisor for more information.

    It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for your host country to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

    Do not take steps to complete your host country’s immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

    Review the informaiton under the Visa heading our Prepare for Departure page for further guidance on the immigration/visa process.

    Orientation

    In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

    Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

    You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

    Program-Specific Orientation

    A mandatory, in-person orientation will be facilitated by the Faculty Leader and Study Abroad Coordinator before departure and will cover content specific to your program and host country.