Grad Students Abroad: Us Internships In Singapore

Singapore is a global hub for business, finance, innovation, and education, making it an attractive destination for internships. The country offers a range of paid and unpaid internships in various fields, including banking, financing, biomedical sciences, and electronics. International students, including US grad students, can intern in Singapore, but they must obtain the necessary visas and passes. These include the Work Holiday Pass, Training Employment Pass, and Training Work Permit, each with its own requirements and restrictions.

Visa requirements for US students

US students can intern in Singapore as long as they have a visa that provides working rights. The type of visa required depends on the duration of the internship and the student's university.

Work Holiday Pass

The Work Holiday Pass (WHP) allows US students to intern in Singapore for up to 6 months. To be eligible, the student must be a graduate of a university recognised by the US government and have been a resident and full-time student of the university. The WHP has a quota of 2,000 applicants at any one time and costs US$23.00 per application. Applications can be submitted online, in-person, or by mail, and processing takes 3 to 8 business days.

Training Employment Pass

The Training Employment Pass (TEP) visa is required for all foreign students who wish to intern in Singapore. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a university or have recently graduated, have a good academic record, and meet the language requirements.

Entry Requirements

In addition to a visa, US students must meet the entry requirements stipulated by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). This includes having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay and submitting the SG Arrival Card with an Electronic Health Declaration no more than 3 days before arrival. Students should also provide a copy of their air ticket and hotel reservations, as well as a recent passport-sized photo.

Language and cultural differences

Singapore is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures, and this is reflected in the country's language diversity. The nation has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. This multilingual policy underscores the broad spectrum of cultures and languages present in the country.

English is regarded as the primary language in Singapore and is used in most formal work and business settings. However, it is important to note that the other official languages are also widely spoken and hold cultural significance. For example, Malay is the national language and is recognised as a vital part of communication within the Singaporean government. Mandarin, on the other hand, serves as the standard language for business, education, and government communication, reflecting the significant Chinese population in the country.

As an intern in Singapore, it is beneficial to be aware of these language differences and try to learn some basic phrases in the local languages. This can help foster respect and show an appreciation for the cultural diversity of the country. Additionally, understanding the nuances of the Singaporean work culture can aid in adjusting to the new environment. Punctuality, respect for authority, and a strong work ethic are highly valued in Singapore. Dressing appropriately for the office, usually with conservative attire, is also important.

Moreover, interns should be mindful of the religious diversity in Singapore, with 14% of the population being Muslim. Respecting cultural norms regarding interactions with the opposite sex and being considerate about consuming non-halal products in front of co-workers are important aspects of professional conduct in Singapore. Embracing these cultural differences and demonstrating respect can contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.

Eligibility criteria for internships

International students, including US graduate students, are allowed to intern in Singapore as long as they have a visa that permits working rights. The Work Holiday Pass (WHP) is one such visa that allows qualified foreign students to intern in Singapore for up to six months. To be eligible for the WHP, the applicant must be a graduate of a university in the US (or Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the UK) and have been a resident and full-time student of that university.

Another option for US graduate students seeking an internship in Singapore is the Training Employment Pass (TEP) visa, which is required for all foreign students interning in the country. To be eligible for an internship in Singapore, one must typically be enrolled in a university or be a recent graduate with a good academic record. Some internships may also have a language requirement, and the ability to speak basic Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil is recommended for navigating the local work culture.

In addition to visa requirements, internship eligibility criteria can vary depending on the specific programme or company. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) has its own set of eligibility criteria for internships, which include being at least 20 years old, enrolled in a university programme leading to a formal graduate or postgraduate qualification, and having completed three years of full-time study. Applicants for the WHO internship programme must also be available for a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of three months, with the potential for extension up to six months with special approval. Furthermore, applicants cannot be related to a WHO staff member and must not have previously participated in the WHO internship programme.

Other internship programmes may have different requirements, such as the MEA Internship in India, which is open to Indian citizens with a minimum educational qualification of a graduate degree from a recognized university. Students in the final year of their graduation may also be eligible if an internship is a mandatory part of their curriculum. Age requirements may also be specified, with the MEA Internship specifying that candidates must not exceed 25 years of age as of 31 December of the internship year.

Fields and sectors offering internships

As a global hub for business, finance, innovation, and education, Singapore offers a range of paid and unpaid internships in various fields and sectors. The country's strong economy and high-quality education system make it an attractive destination for international students and candidates seeking to gain valuable work experience and expand their professional networks. Here are some of the fields and sectors that offer internships in Singapore:

• Finance and Banking: Singapore is a leading global financial center, making it an ideal destination for internships in finance and banking. The city is home to numerous international banks, wealth management firms, and other financial institutions. Interns can gain valuable experience in this thriving industry.
• Electronics and Manufacturing: Singapore has a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable electronics. This makes it a prime location for internships in manufacturing, research and development (R&D), and distribution. Interns can explore opportunities with companies specializing in electronics and gain hands-on experience in this field.
• Tourism and Hospitality: With famous attractions like Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Island, Singapore's tourism industry is renowned worldwide. Interns seeking paid opportunities in the service sector can find internships in business, medical, and retail tourism. Additionally, there are part-time opportunities in the hospitality and tourism fields, allowing interns to gain experience in this dynamic industry.
• Media and Entertainment: Singapore's media and entertainment industry is flourishing, with major international players such as BBC, CNBC Asia, and Disney having a presence in the country. Paid internships in this vibrant sector offer excellent opportunities for those interested in gaining international media experience.
• Biomedical Sciences: Biomedical sciences is another noteworthy field that offers internships in Singapore. The country's advanced healthcare system and research institutions provide valuable learning opportunities for interns interested in this sector.
• Aviation: Singapore Airlines, a well-known brand in the aviation sector, offers a wide variety of internship opportunities. Departments such as marketing, operations, and finance are open to interns, providing them with valuable insights into the inner workings of a global airline.
• Information Technology: Singapore is often regarded as the Silicon Valley of Asia, with a strong focus on technology and innovation. IBM's Singapore Internship Program, for example, offers interns the chance to work with industry professionals on cutting-edge digital solutions while gaining real-world project experience.
• Engineering and Marketing: Absolute Internship, for instance, offers compensated internship programs in various fields, including engineering, marketing, and finance. Their program provides interns with professional experience, cultural exposure, and access to a vast network of businesses to help launch their careers.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of fields and sectors that offer internships in Singapore. The country's dynamic economy and multicultural environment make it an attractive destination for international students seeking valuable work experience and a chance to expand their professional horizons.

Application process and documents

As a US graduate student, you can intern in Singapore. Here is a detailed overview of the application process and the documents you will need:

Application Process

First, you need to find an internship opportunity in Singapore. Check with your university's career services office as they might be connected to companies in Singapore or have resources to help you find internships.

Once you have found a suitable internship, you will need to apply for it. Customise your resume and cover letter for the specific internship, focusing on the skills, experience, and education that match what the internship is looking for.

If you are successful in securing an internship, you will need to apply for the correct visa. The most common visa for interns is the Work Holiday Pass, which allows qualified foreign students to intern in Singapore for up to six months without a cap on working hours. To apply for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a graduate of a university in the United States
• Your university must be recognised by the US government
• You must have been a resident and a full-time student of the university

Alternatively, you can apply for a Training Employment Pass. To be eligible for this, you must hold a recognised degree or qualification or be able to secure a minimum stipend of at least $3,000 SGD. The training must be managerial, professional, or specialist.

The Ministry of Manpower generally takes two to four weeks to process applications, so apply well in advance of your intended start date.

Documents

The documents you will need to provide for your visa application are:

• A letter from a pre-approved university or college, including your name, nationality, gender, and date of birth
• A copy of your degree certificate or transcripts
• A photocopy of the particulars page of your passport, which should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay
• Proof of funds, such as bank statements over six months to a year or a letter from your bank testifying to your financial stability
• If you are financially dependent on your parents or guardians, they must declare their financial support with documentation

Frequently asked questions