Beyond the Classroom
Through these opportunities, scholars can explore global issues, engage with diverse communities, and encounter perspectives that challenge them to think beyond their immediate surroundings. From overseas learning experiences and field-based programmes to academic and community events, these activities provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts and learn through direct experience.
These experiences are an integral part of the NTU-USP journey, enabling scholars to develop **greater cultural awareness, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world**. Beyond gaining knowledge, scholars build meaningful connections and grow as proactive global citizens prepared to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Through the module, scholars learn how to plan and conduct fieldwork, gather and analyse information, and communicate their observations through visual documentation and storytelling. These skills are developed through classroom learning before being put into practice during the overseas fieldwork component.
The highlight of TOPS is a week-long overseas fieldwork experience, where scholars work together to investigate real-world issues and apply the skills they have acquired. Immersing themselves in a different environment allows students to engage directly with local communities and contexts, gain new perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnected challenges facing our world.
Beyond academic learning, TOPS encourages scholars to become curious, adaptable, and globally aware, while fostering collaboration and meaningful connections within the NTU-USP community.
Mini TOPS (Travel Overseas Programme for Scholars) is a specially curated overseas experience for graduating NTU-USP students, designed as a meaningful final journey together before they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
More than a travel experience, Mini TOPS provides an opportunity for graduating students to reconnect with their NTU-USP journey, reflect on their experiences and relationships, and celebrate their shared identity as a cohort. It also serves as a platform for students to leave a lasting legacy for future graduating cohorts.
Through Mini TOPS, students are encouraged to deepen their sense of service, belonging and community, while engaging with new environments and perspectives through an overseas learning and service experience. The programme provides space for students to reconnect emotionally with one another, reflect on the values and experiences that have shaped their time at NTU-USP, and carry this forward beyond graduation.
Ultimately, Mini TOPS seeks to create meaningful shared memories and a lasting sense of connection to the NTU-USP community, while inspiring graduating students to continue the culture of giving, service and community engagement as they become alumni.
As part of the NTU-USP experience, scholars have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of our partner universities, gaining exposure to different academic environments, cultures, and perspectives.
NTU-USP's curated network of overseas partner universities offers students the opportunity to explore academic interests beyond their home discipline while experiencing life in a new cultural and social setting. Through classroom learning, interaction with students from around the world, and engagement with the local community, scholars can broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world beyond Singapore.
With partner universities across different regions and academic disciplines, students can select an overseas experience that complements their academic interests and personal aspirations. The programme is supported by NTU-USP funding, enabling scholars to make the most of their semester abroad while gaining valuable international exposure.
The Study Abroad programme reflects NTU-USP's commitment to developing proactive global citizens who are intellectually curious, culturally aware, and prepared to engage with an increasingly interconnected world.
Our Partner Universities:
Beside Study Abroad that is unique to NTU-USP, students can also opt for global programmes offered by the Office of Global Education and Mobility (OGEM). OGEM provides students with comprehensive global education opportunities with top-notch universities. Students can select from over 350 partner universities of NTU.
The OGEM within the Student Academic Services Department is guided by a clear mission to advance student knowledge and learning through global experience. In line with NTU-USP mission to develop proactive global citizenship, OGEM offers broad-based and multi-disciplinary curriculum, which will fit our students. NTU-USP scholars also enjoy priority placement when applying for these programmes.
More information can be found here.
In addition to NTU-USP’s exclusive Study Abroad opportunities, NTU-USP students can further broaden their global exposure through OGEM Plus, which offers access to selected partner universities under a dedicated NTU-USP arrangement.
Through OGEM Plus, NTU-USP students enjoy guaranteed places at selected OGEM partner universities, providing an additional pathway to pursue a semester of overseas study at leading institutions around the world.
The programme is heavily funded by NTU-USP, with students not required to pay tuition fees to the host university, similar to the OGEM Explorer programme. This allows students to gain valuable international academic and cultural experiences while benefiting from substantial financial support from NTU-USP.
OGEM Plus complements NTU-USP’s commitment to developing proactive global citizens by providing students with opportunities to experience different academic environments, engage with diverse communities, and broaden their perspectives beyond Singapore.
What happens when you step away from the city lights and look up at the night sky?
SP0051 Astronomy takes students beyond the classroom and into the field, where they explore the universe through observation, discovery, and hands-on experiences. From stargazing beneath dark skies to exploring the wonders of the cosmos through hands-on telescope observations, students experience astronomy not just as a science, but as a way of understanding our place in the universe.
Through this overseas learning experience, students connect classroom concepts with the vastness of the night sky — sparking curiosity, wonder and a deeper appreciation of the universe around us.
Sometimes, learning begins by simply looking up.
Past Destinations
Taiwan | Indonesia | Chiang Mai | Malaysia | Australia
