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“I vividly remember my mother pointing at the University adjacent to my school in Singapore and claiming, one day you’ll study here.
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Hi, I am Manjeera Pariti, a Bachelor in Computer Science from Nanyang Technology University (NTU), Singapore. Currently working with a Big Four, PwC, I’m elated to share my journey with you all.
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I was born in India, but my parents moved to Singapore in 1996 and then back to India after ten years to be with my grandparents. As a result, I completed my high school and junior college in India but always wanted to come back to Singapore for my Bachelors as my mother’s word stuck with me. Towards the end of class 12th, I started applying to a lot of Indian universities and also, to NTU. I was lucky enough to get through the university adjacent to my school and moved to Singapore for the academic year 2013.
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I always had a knack for Computer Science, probably because my dad was also a Software Engineer and would always bring home the latest computers and other gadgets in the 90’s era. Technology always kept me so fascinated as early as in class 9th that I decided to opt Computer Science in the future. Also, unlike other universities, NTU had fundamental criteria for admission. They didn’t require me to submit test results for IELTS or TOEFL or any other English exams as I had passed out from an English Medium school. Their only essential requirement was my class 10th board result, class 11th, 12th aggregate and JEE Rank.
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The education system here is hands-on, and the exposure at the university level is highly competitive, practical, full of opportunities and even provides assessment based mandatory ‘Industrial Experience/ Internship’. They don’t offer traditional placements, but towards the end, of course, a lot of companies come to organize career fairs which are very beneficial to enlighten students with a wide range of opportunities. For example, I was a very technical person until I precisely got to know what the Big Four does and what options I hold with them. The University also offers exchange programs inclusive of being a centre for Foreign Exchange for IIT students.
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To encourage an international student to adapt to and accept the culture here, the University usually allocates their accommodation with the local students. Further, they have exchange clubs for international students like Global Exchange mobility wherein you can network with other students coming from different parts of the world and keep a constant connection between universities and students abroad. There are several clubs and communities for sports, literature, arts, business and entrepreneurship. Likewise, many cultural events provide an opportunity to showcase talents. The University even offers academic as well as psychological counsellors on campus and keeps organizing events that help you develop to your fullest potential.
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As far as scholarships are concerned, the universities here offer plenty of them with stipends, but under a bond of working in Singapore for a compulsory few years post completion of the course. I wasn’t aware of the full Scholarships when I availed admission, and it was when I interacted with my fellows here, but I too benefited from the MOE GRANT (Ministry of Education Grant). Through the following grant, I fetched 60% government-funded subsidy for all academic years, on a bond of working for three years in Singapore upon completion of the program.
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Beyond the stigma attached to Southeast Asian countries, Singapore is a culturally diverse, well advanced, organized and moderately expensive country. However, the medical facilities here are highly costly for everyone. The main sectors of employment in Singapore are Banking and Finance, Management, Hedge Funds, Technology, Communication and Media and e-Commerce. The average pay scale as per Singaporean standard is about S$3600- S$4000 per month depending on the industry, with an average expenditure of S$2000-S$2500 inclusive of rent and day to date expenses.
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Many people plan to step out of India post-Bachelors, but I would recommend all the aspirants to pursue Bachelors abroad as it gives them better global exposure as well a higher chance of availing Permanent Residency, especially in a country like Singapore. So, if you intend to move to Singapore as a foreigner for work or for pursuing Masters, please keep in mind that you might have to face a tad bit of trouble with getting an employment pass as the government prefers its locals over foreigners for jobs”.
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Manjeera is a trained Indian Classical dancer. She also likes to travel and paint. We have attached one of her works below. It would be great if you all can appreciate the talent this fiercely dedicated woman holds.
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