Singapore Management University’s Study Abroad Fair, held on 17 January 2024 on SMU campus, attracted the largest ever number of participants since it was first launched more than a decade ago, registering a total of 1,512 student attendees.

Organised by the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), a member of SMU’s Academic Services and Operations Group, the vibrant one-day event witnessed steady streams of students visiting its booths at the SMU Concourse. Festooned with streamers and buzzing with energy, with students’ excited chatter rising above the upbeat background music, there was a festive mood amongst representatives from the University’s 22 participating partner universities as they engaged in a multitude of energising conversations.

The Fair was divided into three zones, Asia & the Rest of the World, Americas & Oceania and Europe. Participating universities included Mahidol University, Fudan University, University of California, Berkeley and King's College London. SMU also welcomed representatives from Sabanci University, Turkey, who were participating in SAF for the first time.

With Global Citizenship being a key attribute of future- and employment-readiness, and an element that underpins the University’s Graduate Learning Outcomes, SMU offers all undergraduate students the opportunity to join a Global Exposure (GE) programme. A GE programme includes  study abroad programmes which are managed by GEO, such as the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) and the Short-Term Study Programme (SSP). Students can also choose GE programmes such as Overseas internships, SMU-X Overseas courses, Overseas Study Missions, and Overseas Community Service Projects, which are managed by the Dato' Kho Hui Meng Career Centre, SMU-X, Schools, and the Centre for Social Responsibility respectively. The Fair served as a one-stop platform for students to seamlessly find out more about the GE programmes on offer, engage in direct conversations with representatives from SMU’s partner universities and to gain firsthand answers to the questions percolating in their minds about overseas exposure opportunities.

Students visiting the Fair also had the opportunity to hear from their seniors, who had recently completed their overseas exchange programmes, while international exchange students currently enrolled in SMU shared insights about their home universities at the Regional Booths. From these invaluable conversations, students attending the Fair were able to expand their perspectives, gain candid tips and formulate their own decisions about their GE choices.

Partners from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universitas Gadjah Mada and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS also presented information about the customised SSPs that they co-organise for SMU students. Offering the convenience of pre-arranged courses, accommodation and itinerary, the two-week SSPs are one of the most effective ways to experience life at leading overseas universities and to establish close connections with peers in the ASEAN region.

Recognising the benefits of online resources paired in tandem with the in-person Fair, GEO had also made available a digital Study Abroad Fair hub that offers access to information kits and brochures from SMU’s over 220 partner universities. The digital hub remains activated and accessible for students’ reference after the conclusion of the in-person Fair.

Affirming GEO’s commitment to facilitate enriching GE opportunities for students, Mr. Rick Tay, Head of GEO said “We would like to thank everyone who participated in SAF 2024. Without you, the Fair would not have been such a success. We are honoured to contribute to the University’s efforts to nurture Global Citizenship in students. Under the guidance of our Senior Director, Dr. Navin Rajagobal, we will continue working closely with colleagues across the University’s departments, to provide meaningful  GE programmes in the upcoming year to positively benefit even more students.”

To learn more about GEO’s programmes, visit GEO’s website or connect with GEO on Instagram or YouTube.