Frequently Asked Questions Question 1: What level of English do I need to join Stansfield? ANS: During the evaluation process your level of English will be checked during the written test and during the interview. We are looking for students with a minimum intermediate level of English. Once you have been accepted onto the programme extra English support is available. Living in Singapore exposes you to more English and the language of the school is strictly English. This will give you further opportunity to practice. Question 2: What if I get homesick, as I have never lived away from home before? ANS: Homesickness is a natural part of living away from home. At Stansfield we have longstanding experience of helping students who feel homesick. Our pastoral care and induction programme helps students to manage homesickness and encourages them to adjust to living in Singapore. Having our own international hostel also ensures that students have comfortable accommodation, good food and laundry services. You will find friends from both your own country and other countries while studying with us even while you stay in close touch with family and friends back home. Question 3: If I get a University of London Degree will it be recognised in my home country? ANS: The University of London Degrees are internationally recognised. In fact, over 30,000 students in 190 countries are currently studying for a University of London degree on the external programme. As you develop your career it may include international assignments or short term travel to other countries. Hence, a University of London Degree is a passport to career success because of its international value. Question 4: How do the marks gained by international students compare with Singaporean students? ANS: International students do just as well as Singaporean students. Many of our international students have earned distinctions and credits in the Diploma in Economics and first class honours in the degrees. In fact, one of our past international students, Ms. Li Shan first earned a distinction in the Diploma in Economics, won a scholarship to complete her degree at the London School of Economics (for which she earned a First Class) and is currently studying at Cambridge for a Masters Degree! Question 5: It usually takes months to go through the procedure for immigration, how long does it take with Stansfield? ANS: It is true that the immigration procedure to come to Singapore can be very time consuming – especially for students from China (up to eight months in some cases!). For Stansfield we have a special ‘fast track’ procedure which means that processing time is usually between 3 to 8 weeks. The ‘fast track’ facility also means that no security deposit is required and students in China don’t have to go to Beijing for an interview in the Singapore Embassy. One of the major reasons Stansfield has been granted this fast approval system relates to its excellent reputation and experience of conducting UOL Programmes. Question 6: What do I do about getting a sponsor as I don’t know anyone in Singapore? ANS: Stansfield College acts as a sponsor for all our international students. This ensures a smooth application process through our ‘fast track’ approval system. Question 7: What about my parents – they are very worried about me living in Singapore alone? ANS: Stansfield likes to keep in close touch with its students so parents can always contact us to find out how their children are progressing. Question 8: What times are the lessons and how many days a week do I have to attend? ANS: Stansfield has a very strict policy about attendance, this policy is aligned with SIR regulations but also the requirements of the courses. We have also designed our attendance policy in order to ensure that students maxmise their achievements while they are studying with us. All international students must sign in and out and classes start at 9.30am and finish at 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Even when classes aren’t scheduled students are expected to do their own private study. Question 9: Do I need to buy my own materials i.e. textbooks? ANS: No. Question 10: What is my approximate cost of living in Singapore? ANS: According to your standard of living. Question 11: Will I qualify for the Merit Scholarship? ANS: Yes upon consideration.