Keys to the world

A student learning about the overseas opportunities provided by NUS' International Relations Office

For the first time ever, NUS' partner universities from Europe, America and across Asia participated in International Exchange Day, the flagship outreach event of the International Relations Office (IRO). Themed "Keys to the World, Future-readiness Unlocked, the event which was held on 3 September at University Town attracted scores of students keen on an overseas learning experience. 

This annual event aims to encourage students to explore and engage the world while gaining valuable insights which would prepare them well for the future. Students were able to visit the various booths and attend informative talks throughout the day on the opportunities available in more than 50 countries across the globe.

Speaking at the event, NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan called the international programmes a "centrepiece of the NUS student experience, presenting a unique facet of experiential learning. "They allow our students to immerse themselves in new and different environments and this is particularly important for Singaporeans because Singapore is such a small and comfortable country, he said.

From left: Assoc Prof Pakir, Prof Tan and NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Prof Tan Eng Chye launched International Exchange Day 2015 with a key which "unlocked the doors to the suite of overseas programmes

Emphasising the value of an overseas educational experience, IRO Director Associate Professor Anne Pakir encouraged all students to go abroad if they can saying, "I believe that if you are globally mobile, you are also globally employable.

For Year 4 NUS Chemical Engineering student Arjun Mulloth, a Student Exchange Programme experience in Texas taught him to be more independent and adaptable traits he believes will be advantageous when he joins the workforce. He also had some advice for students considering an overseas stint: "Try new things, you'll never know what can happen. 

Guests and partners at the event connecting the dots to form NUS 110