Study abroad in Singapore: A Complete Guide

Want to study abroad in Singapore? Discover why Singapore is the ideal destination for your Hospitality Management studies and get all the insider know-how on setting up your new life as seamlessly as possible from a University which has helped many thousands of students do just that.

• Why should you study abroad?
• What are the study abroad benefits?
• Why study abroad in Singapore?
• Why study hospitality management abroad?
• Living in Singapore as a student

Why should you study abroad?

Studying abroad opens a world of opportunities and experiences that not only benefit your professional career, but also adds to your personal experience and building of essential soft skills, which are so crucial in the hospitality industry.

An international experience should be part of your education, if possible, whatever your goals or field of study.Studying abroad will help to build your skills and knowledge, while preparing you to compete in today’s competitive workforce. Study abroad to build skills and knowledge, prepare to solve the world’s toughest challenges, and compete in the 21st century workforce.

From learning a new language and experiencing new perspectives to learning to navigate difficult cultures and work with diverse peer groups, studying abroad is an amazing, priceless experience. As a future hospitality leader, you need to feel at home in a fast-changing world.

Whether you aspire to become an innovator, entrepreneur, manager, or leader in the future, mastering these skills will equip you to tackle the world's most challenging problems. Additionally, it will enhance your competitiveness in the job market and transform you into a responsible and engaged member of society.

What are the study abroad benefits?

If you're thinking about studying abroad, it's natural to feel both excited and apprehensive. Leaving your home country can be daunting for some, but the potential rewards are immense. Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to when studying abroad.

5 benefits of studying abroad

1. Gain a Better View of the World - Living and studying abroad opens you up to new adventures and experiences you will not find in your college or hometown. This time spent away from your typical daily environment will give you a better understanding of the real world including political, economic, and social trends.
   
   
2. Employers Consider Studying Abroad a Bonus – Many employers in the hospitality industry value abroad experience. Communication is one of the key tools for success in today’s hospitality world and employers want to hire those with knowledge about international trends as well as people who can easily interact with diverse cultures.
   
   
3. Learn a Second Language – Those who master a foreign language can reap personal and professional rewards. Employers are seeking employees who can effectively communicate with their guests, as this helps them ensure their customers are satisfied. Adding this skill to your resume or CV will definitely get their attention.
   
   
4. Discover Who You Are – When you study abroad, it is a great time to learn more about yourself and what you want from life. For many, it will probably be the first time they are alone without close friends or family being near. While you do have the support of university, school, or college, you will have to figure out many things for yourself and face decisions you have not dealt with, which will help you grow as a person.
   
   
5. Exposure to Diverse Cultures and Environment – Nothing teaches you more about a culture than immersing yourself in it by living there. An important soft skill that employers in the hospitality industry are looking for is adaptability. Adapting to change, such as a new living environment with a completely different culture, will be easier for you after studying abroad.

What are the career advantages of studying abroad?

In addition to the life skills acquired while studying abroad, the career advantages are priceless. Some of the many benefits of studying abroad include these statistics from the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad).

• Approximately 84% of survey participants said that studying abroad gave them valuable job skills.
• Almost 90% of those who studied abroad were able to secure a job within six months of graduating.
• An amazing 90% got into their first or second graduate or professional school.
• Those graduating from college who studied via IES Abroad programs reported higher earnings than typical US college graduates who stayed at home.

Living and studying abroad provides valuable experience for developing entrepreneurial skills. Immersing yourself in a foreign culture promotes focus and learning, while also building confidence in adapting to new environments. Exposure to different cultures increases self-awareness and improves soft skills, such as attention to detail and communication, which are essential for success as an entrepreneur. Therefore, studying abroad is a highly recommended career-enhancing opportunity.

Why study abroad in Singapore?

Singapore is a top choice for students seeking to study abroad. Although it may come as a surprise, this is due to the numerous opportunities and benefits available in Singapore. Once you discover all that Singapore has to offer, it becomes an obvious choice for students.

First, Singapore consistently ranks highly among the top ten best cities in Asia by Best Places to Study Abroad in Asia. It is also a leading global destination for business, innovation, and education. In fact, Singapore is well-known for its high-quality universities and exceptional student life conditions.

Singapore is also included, along with Switzerland, in the top ten countries in the world for quality of life for expats, which means students will benefit from studying abroad in these locations.

EHL Campus (Singapore) offers the perfect combination of a top Swiss-quality education and all the luxuries of the fast-paced Singapore lifestyle, for the perfect balance of a unique personalized education experience with exciting urban amenities. There simply isn’t a more deserving destination for the top hospitality school in the world.

High-quality education: Singapore has one of the world's top-ranked education systems 

Singapore’s education system has proven to be one of the best in the world. Its students are continually ranked highly, especially in the areas of math and science. Singapore also applies rigorous standards to private institutions operating within the country to ensure the tradition and reputation of world-class education prevail.

Key facts about Singapore

If you are considering studying abroad in Singapore, here are some fun facts about the city that you may find interesting. These are just a few of the many (many) reasons students enjoy studying abroad in Singapore.

Singapore is a city, a state, and an island nation and is the only place in the entire world that can proclaim this.

• At only 682.7 square kilometers, Singapore is quite small.
• Singapore is densely populated with 6 million people who call it home.
• This popular island nation welcomes 17 million international tourists each year.
• There are over 23.4k international students who chose Singapore to study abroad.
• Near-perfect weather with an average year-round temperature of 25-32°C is attractive.
• Singapore is diverse and multicultural with one-third being international residents. The four official languages of Singapore include English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.

Below are more facts and interesting information about the city that offers insight as to why Singapore is so popular with students in hospitality management who want to study abroad.

Study abroad in Singapore because….

1. Singapore offers on-point hospitality

Being named one of the top destinations in the world is no surprise since Singapore is so well known for its hospitality. Tourism is alive and well in this popular island nation and the service is among the best in the world.

Known as an international hub for both industry and education, tourism in Singapore has seen a tremendous growth pattern over the past several years, giving it a thriving hotel industry, currently boasting over 50 five-star hotels.

And with the new direct flight routes from the US, Singapore continues to strengthen its appeal as not only a desirable destination but also as the gateway to Asia.

74% of Tourists in Singapore are from the APAC region

The hospitality scene in Singapore is top-notch, boasting everything from the perfect luxury hotel experiences to divine culinary delights from street food to Michelin-starred Restaurants in the city.

In addition, the food service, travel, and hotel industries are well-supported by the government with its worldwide marketing efforts to promote the Singapore hospitality industry.

2. Singapore ranked as one of the world’s easiest places to conduct business

Singapore’s role as a major business and tourism hub makes it the perfect place to study abroad. Being home to many multinational companies who are headquartered in the city makes it a magnet for international business. In addition, Singapore has been ranked as the 2nd easiest place to do business in the world due to its strong economic growth.

One of the main reasons Singapore is credited with such a strong economy is that they have a strong education system that supports tremendous economic growth. The location of many of the world’s top schools in the city provides a dynamic workforce for businesses and therefore a thriving economy.

Singapore is such an easy place to conduct business that even Switzerland has taken advantage of the opportunities for success with more than 400 Swiss companies that employ over 26,000 people there.

3. Singapore is an innovation leader

Singapore has been recognized many times over the past decade as a world leader in innovation. Its strides in higher education and research are exceptional, especially considering the small size of the island nation. In addition, it has been ranked number one in these prestigious surveys:

Singapore ranked #7 on the Global Innovation Index

Singapore ranks highly in the World Competitiveness Ranking

4. Singapore is the Switzerland of Asia

Singapore is often compared to Switzerland as being small countries with tremendous platforms for global business. The city is a small financial hub that is considered to be very wealthy. It is a pleasure to visit and live in Singapore, as it is clean, safe, socially and politically stable and offers a high standard of living.

5. Singapore is a center for culture and entertainment

Singapore is a melting pot of diverse cultures and religious traditions that embraces everyone. The most religiously diverse country in the world, Singapore is truly a city that recognizes and even celebrates multiculturalism.

In addition, it is home to a thriving arts scene featuring a variety of concerts, festivals, theaters, exhibitions, and more for locals, students, and guests to enjoy. Singapore offers the ideal location for students to experience the diversity of many Asian cultures and many beautiful places to explore during their time studying abroad.

6. Singapore is a foodie’s paradise

Another reason why EHL’s campus in Singapore is well located for Hospitality students is due to it being a true “Foodie’s Paradise.” Famous for its hawker culture where urban chefs offer world-class cuisine at fast food prices at food courts, food is always in the center of it all in Singapore. From the latest trends in Asian culinary feasts to authentic Indian cuisine, experience food from every corner of the world in Singapore.

Fine dining and local cuisine are so important in Singapore that there are currently 39 Michelin-starred Restaurants in the city, with two new restaurants opening every day!

7. Singapore is for shopping lovers

Shopping is a favorite activity in Singapore, and it is considered to be one of the most vibrant shopping hubs in Asia. In addition to the hundreds of shopping centers in the city, Singapore is also known as a fashion mecca for millions of tourists who come to not only see the popular landmarks of the area but to spend some time shopping in its stores for trending fashions and accessories.

Why study hospitality management abroad?

Students will especially enjoy studying Hospitality Management abroad in Singapore because it is truly the ideal location to study hospitality due to its world-class resorts, 5-star restaurants, and its status as a leading destination for business and pleasure travel.

There is so much to see, do, experience, and learn in Singapore. From nightlife and unique culinary experiences to world-class resorts and exceptional hospitality service, it is no wonder why so many students choose to study abroad at universities in Singapore.

International and diverse career opportunities

If you choose to study hospitality, you will be preparing for a career in one of the world's largest economic sectors. The hospitality sector includes all the economic activities that are directly and indirectly related to travel and tourism.

Develop soft skills

While many jobs can be replaced by technology, most hospitality roles are not at risk because managing the customer experience relies on human qualities.

The hospitality industry in Singapore

Singapore is well known for its food industry and hotels. As Singapore lures visitors from all around the globe, this makes the hospitality industry in Singapore vibrant with enough scope to keep growing.

The hospitality industry of Singapore is set to come up with a lot of innovations to lure in more tourists. The food service industry, travel industry (predominantly Cruise and Aviation), and the hotel industry are all set to gain through the friendly measure the government is taking to promote the Singapore Hospitality industry.

Singapore is also looking to promote more medical tourism as well as promoting the Buddhist temples to attract more visitors to the country.

Living in Singapore as a student

Students enjoy living in Singapore, as it is the perfect combination of urban living and peaceful quiet places to explore. With over 75,000 students in the city, people from around the world come to the island nation for its exciting, safe, and culture-filled atmosphere.

Singapore offers a vibrant culture, a variety of things to do, nearby places to visit, and so many opportunities to learn and grow. From trying new foods and traditions to learning about religions and playing new sports – life in Singapore is great for those studying abroad.

Places to visit while studying in Singapore

1. Marina Bay Sands
   The Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay within the Downtown Core district of Singapore. It is Singapore's most iconic hotel for the world's largest rooftop Infinity Pool, award-winning dining, and a wide range of shopping and entertainment options.
   
   
2. Gardens by the bay
   The Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares in the Central Region of Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden (in Marina South), Bay East Garden (in Marina East) and Bay Central Garden (in Downtown Core and Kallang). Its Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world.
   Gardens by the Bay was part of the nation's plans to transform its "Garden City" to a "City in a Garden", with the aim of raising the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city.
   
   
3. Singapore Zoo
   The Singapore Zoo occupies 28 hectares on the margins of Upper Seletar Reservoir within Singapore's heavily forested central catchment area. There are about 315 species of animal in the zoo, of which some 16 percent are considered to be threatened species. From the beginning, Singapore Zoo followed the modern trend of displaying animals in naturalistic, 'open' exhibits with hidden barriers, moats, and glass between the animals and visitors. It houses the largest captive colony of orangutans in the world.
   
   
4. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
   The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a Buddhist temple and museum complex located in the Chinatown district of Singapore.
   
   
5. Fountain of Wealth
   The Fountain of Wealth is listed by the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 as the largest fountain in the world. It is located in one of Singapore's largest shopping malls, Suntec City.
   During certain periods of the day, the fountain is turned off and visitors are invited to walk around a mini fountain at the centre of the fountain's base, three times for good luck.

Cost of living in Singapore

There are a variety of options for people of every budget in Singapore, and students are no exception. Visiting students can easily afford to make their way in the city, especially with the abundance of free and low-cost activities. From parks and trails to hawker centers and markets, which are all accessible via the city's amazing public transportation system, it is quite affordable for students to live in Singapore. Here are some examples of pricing for reference.

Average costs in Singapore for student items

• Pair of Levis 501 jeans SGD $150
• Summer dress in a High Street Store SGD $51
• 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) SGD $0.20
• Cappuccino SGD $6
• Monthly public transportation ticket SGD $120
• 2 movie tickets SGD $24
• 1 Big Mac for SGD $8.65

Getting around in Singapore

1. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway
   Using MRT is the best way to get around in Singapore. The MRT subway system is extensive, clean, efficient, inexpensive, and easy to understand – everything you want from public transit. Maps are available at every station. Fares are based on the distance you travel and usually range from SG$1 to SG$2.50 (about $0.74 to $1.85).
   
   
2. Bus
   Singapore's bus system has an extensive network of routes covering most places in Singapore and is the most economical way to get around, as well as being one of the most scenic.
   Tip: Instead of purchasing single-fare tickets for buses or MRT, consider purchasing an EZ-Link rechargeable card for SG$10 if you're in Singapore for an extended period.
   
   
3. Taxi
   Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by bus or MRT. You can hail a taxi by the roadside at most places, or by queuing for one at taxi stands found at most shopping malls, hotels, and tourist attractions.

What to pack to study abroad in Singapore?

Due to its geographical location and maritime exposure, Singapore’s climate is characterized by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. April is the warmest month, January is the coolest month and November is the wettest month.

• Light day-to-day clothing
• The average temperature is between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
• Umbrella
  Thunderstorms occur on 40% of all days. The relative humidity is in the range of 70% – 80%.
• Reusable & washable face masks
• Reusable water bottle
• Universal travel adapter
• Weekend bag/foldable duffel
• Insect repellent
• Credit/Debit card
• A small amount of cash for markets
• Portable charger

Singapore rules and laws to know

Known for its strict laws, Singapore has some rules that you may want to be aware of before your travels. Here are a few:

• Possession of controlled drugs is presumed to be for trafficking and is punishable by the death penalty.
• Any offense committed while intoxicated is punishable under the law.
• Smoking in restaurants and specific public places is prohibited.
• Jaywalking is an offense.
• Littering, spitting, vandalism, and graffiti in public areas are serious offenses.
• It is illegal to import chewing gum. Nicotine and dental chewing gum can be purchased from a pharmacy
• Eating or drinking using public transportation is not allowed.

Here are some more Singapore laws to familiarize yourself with.

How to Get Into EHL 

Ever wondered what the admission criteria are to get a prized place at EHL? Get answers directly from your Recruitment Officers! Our lovely Recruitment Officers have an Instagram series dedicated to sharing their experience and some frequently asked questions with you!

Watch till the end to get tips!

International Student Visa - Singapore Student Pass regulations

Once a student has been accepted to an educational institution for full-time study they can apply for a Student Pass. This pass enables the student to remain in Singapore for their studies and comes with specific regulations.

Discover the specific requirements on the government's official website