“To journey 10,000 miles is more valuable than reading 10,000 scrolls,” said National University of Singapore’s President Shih Choon Fong.

Shih was speaking at the fifth annual International Exchange Day, which was held at the NUS Central Forum on Sept. 6.

With 180 overseas universities from 27 countries involved in NUS’ Student Exchange Programme, the event was organized by the International Relations Office to promote the exchange programme to local students.

“In this age of globalization, textbooks are no longer enough in this increasingly borderless world,” Shih said, “going on the SEP will offer students a competitive edge in the global arena as it allows them to gain insights into the world.”

John Lippincott, president of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, reiterated this notion.

“The future of our world depends on global education, and students who have gone for these exchange programmes will learn to appreciate the complexity of the world to better understand and respect other cultures,” Lippincott said.

Professor Loh Hong Sai, acting director of International Relations Office, said he believes the office can serve as students’ “key to the world.”

“We continuously strive to do more each year to help students pursue their overseas exposures and stints. We venture far and wide to form new initiatives and partnerships and to cultivate good relationships with reputable institutions worldwide.

“Apart from our 180 participating universities, beginning this year, we are able to offer new and exciting destinations such as Lithuania and South Africa,” he said.

Loh described the event as a “road show for students who wish to take part in the Student Exchange Programme to know more about the different countries.”

“It is for students to find out details on the ‘do’s and ‘don’t’s when living in foreign countries, and it also serves to help them make up their minds on where to go,” he said.

The event highlights include information booths, cultural performances, a photo competition and a mini bazaar. Some students were also dressed in colourful ethnic costumes. Country-specific talks were held in auditoriums at the Central Library.

Seraina Arquint, a representative from the Swiss House, Singapore, said the event had a “multi-cultural atmosphere.”

“It is a good effort from NUS to involve foreign students on exchange here to help out with the event, and I particularly like the photo competition,” Arquint said.

Goh Hwee Lian, a representative from the U.S. Embassy, said it was a “lively and fun event.”

“This is a good way to reach out to students about the different opportunities that are available to them,” Goh said.

Andrea Rusing, an exchange student from Germany who was helping out at one of the information booths, agreed.

“It is a great opportunity to present foreign countries to the local students and for them to find out about more about us,” Rusing said.

On a more cautious note, Loh said students who are faced with many attractive offers should select their destinations wisely and choose places they feel will benefit themselves most.

“It is important for students to choose a country that has the potential for networking and a university that will enhance their content knowledge,” he said.

For students who are feeling apprehensive about the fees and expenses associated with exchange programmes, Shih said the International Relations Office and the various faculties are “more than happy to advise and provide (students) with various forms of assistance.”

He said the NUS awards for studying abroad and the Ministry of Education’s overseas student loan programme are available for students who need financial assistance.

“Also available, there is the overseas Student Exchange Programme loan,” Shih added.

For more information on the Student Exchange Programme, students can contact the International Relations Office at 6516 4356, or visit their website at www.nus.edu.sg/iro.