Vancouver and Singapore | UBC - NUS Joint Summer Studio
The NUS-UBC Joint Summer Studio is an immersive learning experience designed for senior undergraduate students from NUS and UBC. Collaborating in mixed UBC-NUS teams, students will embark on a comparative study of a particular topic/theme in Vancouver and Singapore. The urban topic/theme will be announced closer to the start of the programme. Students will gain international perspective and understanding of how planning theories and practice manifest similarly and differently in two cities of the Asia-Pacific region.
During the programme, students will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse network of local advisors, including academics, practitioners, and community leaders. This collaborative mentorship approach aims to foster cross-cultural connections within the built environment discipline.
The programme includes online sessions in May, followed by an intensive yet structured schedule of field trips, studio sessions, and presentation reviews. Below is a general guideline of the programme schedule (subject to changes):
Programme Schedule
Singapore
- Day 1 | Sun, Jun 1 – Jumpstart Activity
- Day 2 | Mon, Jun 2 – Studio Session
- Day 3 | Tue, Jun 3 – Field Trip
- Day 4 | Wed, Jun 4 – Studio Session
- Day 5 | Thu, Jun 5 – Field Trip
- Day 6 | Fri, Jun 6 – Studio Session
- Day 7 | Sat, Jun 7 – Field Trip
- Day 8 | Sun, Jun 8 – Studio Session
- Day 9 | Mon, Jun 9 – Midterm Presentations
Travel Buffer (Jun 10 – Jun 12)
Students travel independently to Vancouver.
Vancouver
- Day 13 | Fri, Jun 13 – Studio Session
- Day 14 | Sat, Jun 14 – Field Trip
- Day 15 | Sun, Jun 15 – Studio Session
- Day 16 | Mon, Jun 16 – Field Trip
- Day 17 | Tue, Jun 17 – Studio Session
- Day 18 | Wed, Jun 18 – Field Trip
- Day 19 | Thu, Jun 19 – Studio Session
- Day 20 | Fri, Jun 20 – Final Presentations
- Day 21 | Sat, Jun 21 – Farewell Activity
Programme Components
- Field Trips - Students will visit key urban sites, gaining firsthand insights into local projects. These trips will provide opportunities to meet with community leaders, government officials, planning/design consultants, and other key stakeholders.
- Studio sessions - These sessions will feature lectures, guest speaker presentations, and dedicated team time for research, fieldwork, and project development.
- Presentations - Students will formally present their projects to an external audience, receiving feedback and guidance to refine their work.
Final Deliverable
The programme will culminate in a digital compendium of comparative studies, co-produced by NUS-UBC student teams. Each study will explore an experimental approach to problematising and investigating the concept of the "liveable city" within the context of a selected urban theme.
Get ready for an exciting and fast-paced experience! The programme days in Vancouver and Singapore will run from 9 AM to 5 PM, packed with engaging sessions and field excursions. Be prepared to navigate urban spaces, move around a lot, and adapt to the different climates of both cities.
Currently, summer programmes offered by NUS Cities are non-credit bearing. Students are responsible for their own expenses, including airfare, accommodation, visa applications (if required), and daily living costs. Those eligible for financial aid may refer to the GRO website for more information on available funding options.
To qualify for the programme, students must meet NUS' general eligibility requirements. Please refer to the GRO website for details. While this programme is non-credit bearing, students are expected to be fully committed throughout its duration.
Programme Specific Requirements
- Students from all faculties, departments, and majors are welcome to apply.
- Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Minor in Cities programme.
- This programme is best suited for students with an interest in urban planning, sustainability and infrastructure, public policy and governance, international relations, and global affairs.
- Limited to 12 students – shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Students must attend all online sessions in May and be available full time and in-person for the duration of the programme dates in Singapore and Vancouver.
Application for this programme will be via EduRec system and starts on 1 March 2025! Application ends 5 April 2025!
Requirements for interested applicants:
- Please answer the following question: "What do you know about water and urbanism?" and "What do you expect to learn by joining this summer programme?" (500 words max)