International Summer Programmes (i-SP)

USA: Columbia University Summer Sessions 2013

What is this program about?

Take advantage of countless possibilities at Columbia University, New York City’s Ivy League university, during the summer break.  With over 100 courses in 52 subject areas taught by world-class faculty, the Columbia University Summer Sessions offers students an opportunity to advance their academic learning and meet like-minded people in the setting of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

When does the programme take place?

NUS students can participate in either of the following Sessions:

While NUS students are welcome to take courses in any of the Sessions (either individually or in-tandem), IRO recommends taking courses only from Sessions D or E. Students who wish to participate in Sessions Q or X should ensure that they consult their home faculty about the need to apply for Leave Of Absence (LOA) BEFORE applying for the programme.

Where does the programme take place?

Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA

What is the academic content?

The Columbia Summer Sessions follows a summer school concept, and offers over 100 undergraduate courses in more than 50 disciplines. Students will take between six to 15 Columbia credit units worth of courses (equivalent to between two to five courses of three credit units each). A preview of the courses available in 2013 is available on this webpage: http://ce.columbia.edu/summer/courses

Academic credit MAY be available. Students interested in obtaining credit must work with their faculty for credit mapping. IRO does not apply for credit transfer on the students’ behalf.

What does it include?

Students participating in the Columbia Summer Sessions will have access to all campus facilities, including a state-of-the-art student center, gym, recreational facilities, as well as one of the renowned library collections in the United States.

NUS students participating in the Columbia Summer Sessions will receive a 10% discount on the listed tuition fee.

What is the student accommodation?

Participants of the Columbia Summer Sessions who wish to stay in University housing must submit a separate online application for housing. Housing applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all beds are filled so getting your application in early is important. You will not be assigned a room until your acceptance for the Summer Sessions has been confirmed.

Housing applications will be available in mid-February, and a non-refundable $50 application processing fee will be added to your total housing bill for the summer. If you register after 6 April, the application processing fee is $100. Full payment must be made by credit card at the time of reservation. Once all the beds are filled, the housing application system will be taken offline. If more spaces become available, the application will be brought online again.

Visit this webpage for more information about housing at Columbia University:
http://ce.columbia.edu/summer/undergraduate-visiting-students/housing

Students interested in off-campus housing can utilise the services of Columbia University’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ire/ocha

How much does it cost?

The Columbia Summer Sessions is a fee-paying programme. Expenses will vary with the session of participation and the length of stay. The following cost estimate is provided based on participation in a six-week Session.

Item	Cost - Six Weeks
Tuition Fee (Two courses of three credits each @ USD 1,454 per credit)	USD 8,724 (approx. SGD 9,750 after 10% NUS discount)
Application Fee	USD 80 (approx. SGD 100)
Student Activities Fee	USD 30 (approx. SGD 38)
University Facilities Fee	USD 361 (approx. SGD 448)
Transcript Fee	USD 95 (approx. SGD 120)
International Services Charge	USD 50 (approx. SGD 62)
Accommodation (Double-sharing room)	USD 1,370 (approx. SGD 1,700)
Food	Approx. SGD 1,100
Course Materials Fees, Books and Supplies	SGD 200
Airfare (SIN to New York)	Approx. SGD 2,300
Airport Transfer (Pre-arranged shared private pick-up service, two-way)	Approx. SGD 50
Insurance	Approx. SGD 200
Visa	USD 320 (approx. SGD 400)
Miscellaneous Expenditure (e.g. entertainment, etc.)	SGD 800
Total Estimated Cost	Approx. SGD 17,270

Please note, these are estimated expenses and actual expenses may differ based on price shifts and personal spending habits!

Is financial assistance available?

Participants of this programme are eligible to apply for the NASA Enhancement Bursary or Scholarship. For more information, visit this webpage: http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/financial/out/nasa/index.html

Number of placements available?

25

What are the eligibility requirements?

Undergraduate students from any faculty who have completed at least one year of study at NUS prior to participating in this programme. Students should not be in their graduating semester prior to participating in this programme. CAP of 3.5 and above.

 

Is a visa required?

Yes. Columbia University will assist in providing documentation needed to apply for a visa.

Students are to consult the Embassy of the United States in Singapore to determine the visa application procedures required for their participation in the programme. 

U. S. Embassy, Singapore
27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have proper entry documents for all countries they plan to visit as part of this programme!

How do I apply?

Application deadline has been extended till Monday, 25 March 2013.

All applications are to be submitted via OPAS.

Students interested in the Summer Sessions can participate in an online information session hosted by Columbia University on Tuesday, 19 March 2013, at 1am (Singapore time). Click here to RSVP for the information session.

IRO will notify students about their application status as soon as possible. Students nominated by IRO to participate in the programme will need to complete the online Columbia University registration to certify their participation in the programme. IRO will provide approved applicants with a customised guide to help in the application procedures required by Columbia University.

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here.