Insights from the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP): Preparing for University and Exploring Fields of Study
Offered to SMU and university students from around the world, SMU’s Global Summer Programme (GSP) is a 4-week experiential learning programme. Through the GSP, students can earn academic credits, go on company visits, and forge global networks. SMU student Luke Tan, who has joined the programme twice, shares more on his GSP experience.
The Singapore Management University (SMU) Global Summer Programme (GSP) is a 4-week experiential learning programme offered during Term 3 to SMU students and university students from around the world. Attracting over 200 participants of some 30 nationalities, the GSP is fully held in Singapore and offers students a fantastic opportunity to forge global networks and broaden their horizons, while earning academic credits during the summer break.
Luke Tan, a Year 3 SMU School of Social Sciences student, first joined the GSP in 2022. He enrolled in the course Screening Asia: History, Society, and Politics in Films taught by Assistant Professor of Southeast Asian Studies (Education) Darlene Espena, and enjoyed the various company and field visits in the programme tremendously.
Relishing the flexibility of taking a lighter load in the subsequent academic year (having fulfilled one Credit Unit with the GSP course), Luke joined the GSP again in 2023. We speak to Luke to learn more about his GSP experience and takeaways.
Q:
Why did you join the Global Summer Programme (GSP)?
A:
I had participated in my first GSP back in 2022, before even starting the regular academic year at SMU, as I was quite nervous about returning to the classroom after completing my national service. The programme helped me ease back into “school mode”. Through the GSP, I met many seniors who shared valuable tips on how to thrive at SMU. Their advice has stayed with me ever since.
How was your second GSP experience in 2023?
By the end of my first year at SMU, I had become more confident and proactive in meeting new people. So I joined my second GSP with friends I have made at SMU, which gave us a great opportunity to bond and have fun over the summer break.
Wanting to give back to the community, I took on a bigger role in the GSP by volunteering to welcome international students, offering advice and helping them settle into life in Singapore.
Through this experience, I became friends with a group of Korean students. I brought them around Singapore and even to Johor Bahru! We still keep in touch and I had the chance to catch up with them on a recent trip to Korea.
How did participating in the GSP enhance your learning journey?
The GSP gave me more opportunities to explore my interests, which helped me in deciding what to pursue for my studies. For instance, I enrolled in a Law course titled Sustainability, Multinational Corporations and International Economic Law during my second GSP. It gave me exposure on these topics, and I enjoyed the class so much that I chose Legal Studies as my second major.
In addition, I gained a lot of real-world industry exposure from company visits to Samsung, Deloitte, and Disney during both GSPs. There were also many interesting activities that enhanced our learning; a particularly memorable one was a 3D printing workshop.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining the GSP for the first time, or like you, returning to the programme for a second time?
For newbies, join the GSP with an open mind and make the most of this incredible opportunity!
And for those considering joining the GSP a second time, welcome back! With more experience under your belt, feel free to be more proactive. You now have valuable insights and expertise that can help other students, so don’t hesitate to share what you’ve learnt with your fellow GSP participants!
The SMU Global Summer Programme is managed by the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), a member of the University’s Academic Services and Operations group. Registration for GSP 2025 will open on 6 January 2025. NSMen who had participated in the early matriculation exercise can register for the GSP and get a head start on their degree programme.
