Thematic Term Away (TTA) at the National University of Singapore

National University of SignaporeThe Thematic Term Away provides a unique enhanced exchange opportunity as part of the law school's existing exchange opportunities. At this time, the National University of Singapore is the only selected exchange partner for this program (http://law.nus.edu.sg). The TTA is distinct from other law school exchange opportunities in several ways:

  1. The TTA provides third-year students with a "term away" designed to expand a student's interest in transnational law to complement or build on the Faculty's academic strengths. 
  2. Students write a self-directed research paper on their designated area of interest while away, which is supervised by their faculty advisor. 
  3. The paper does not count towards exchange credits. Students on exchange are expected to complete 17 NUS credits. The final paper may count towards a U of T semester's credits. The number of credits is determined by the faculty supervisor and the Associate Dean. 
  4. U of T Faculty participate in this exchange.
  5. Students select 2 of the 4 courses they take at NUS to fit within the designated theme.
  6. As an experiential education opportunity, students are encouraged to meet with the law school's Student Life and Inclusivity Program Manager to establish goals for their participation in the program, and engage in personal reflection at completion. 

Application and selection

  • Students apply and are approved for this exchange opportunity through the law school's international exchange application process. The law school's exchange program is managed by the Director, Student Programs, kim.snell@utoronto.ca  
  • The Student Life and Inclusivity Program Manager will contact the student(s) to discuss their specific interest in the TTA and ways in which to personalize the student's third year course work to accommodate and encourage the TTA.

The Theme

  • Students will focus their time abroad on transnational law, and may choose whether to focus on private or public transnational law. 
  • It is expected that a U of T faculty member, whose area of expertise matches these themes, will support the student's research goals and be available for academic support.
  • Students will not receive credit for this paper if written while away on exchange as it is designed to be a U of T faculty supervised piece of writing.

The Writing Opportunity

  • In the term in which the student is resident in Toronto, the student is required to write a self-directed research paper in an area that relates to their coursework while abroad. The paper will be supervised by the designated U of T faculty member and be worth a minimum of 2 (or more) credits. 
    • Students going to Singapore in the fall will write the paper on their return in the winter term on a topic that considers retroactively their work completed abroad. 
    • Alternatively, students going to Singapore in the winter term will write a paper in the fall on a topic that considers their contemplated area of study while away in the winter term.

Courses and credits

  • 16 NUS credits (= 4 courses at 4 credits each. Note: NUS an 8 credit course = 6 UT credits) Although the sessional dates are different from U of T, NUS will accommodate exams for early return at end of second term. While abroad, students will pursue 2 of their 4 courses in the area related to the approved theme (i.e., either public transnational law or private transnational law). Once the student has access to Singapore's course calendar, the designated faculty member will work with the student to select two courses that work well within the theme. The remaining (2) courses are electives - i.e., of the student's choosing.
  • The Course Descriptions for all elective subjects offered , as well as the Class Timetable and Examination Timetable will be available progressively on the Faculty of Law website at http://law.nus.edu.sg/student_matters/course_listings.html

Deadlines

The application deadline is the same as for all Faculty exchanges, however, selected students should expect a period of consultation with the Student Life and Inclusivity Program Manager prior to confirmation of the TTA and in order to finalize details with the designated faculty member.

Financial Assistance

The ISXO administers Ontario government bursaries ($2,500) to students who go on exchange (funding is subject to change.)

Semester Dates

Please ee: http://law.nus.edu.sg/student_matters/student_ex/incoming_exchanges.html

Please check the website as these dates have not been set for the upcoming academic year at this time.