The Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP) is a highlight for most TUM Asia final- year undergraduates. Students spend three to five months at the home campus in Munich, Germany, taking in many new experiences while completing their Bachelor Thesis. Noor Shazwani Bte Md Mohsin, Shazwani for short, recently spent five months in Germany for OIP. From living with classmates, to traveling around Europe experiencing a new culture, we catch up with Shazwani for a summary of her cultural exchange during her OIP.
Hi Shazwani, can you give the readers a summary of your experience in Germany?
Shazwani: The OIP allowed me to experience a completely different culture. Coming from a country with no distinctive seasons made this trip more unique as I was able to experience the changes in autumn and winter. Germany has an abundance of historical sites and some magnificent architecture. The cultural journey has been eye-opening for me. Skills that we learnt in Singapore can also be applied during our lab courses in Germany. Additionally, we were able to complete our practicals using an extensive range of state-of-the-art facilities.
Can you tell us more about the topic that you have chosen for your Bachelor Thesis?
Shazwani: I am using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) which then helps identify the identity of a substance as different molecules have different magnetic properties. NMR uses the magnetic properties of the atoms or molecules and my thesis will be based on this technique. This technique can be applied to advanced medical imaging such as MRI, and it can also replace the classic titration method in areas that require an analysis of samples.
Now that you have lived in Germany for a few months, what is one advice you would pass on to your juniors?
Shazwani: I will recommend that students look for accommodation earlier as many students from different countries travel to Munich for their studies. The affordable places are often unavailable for rent if you apply late. We had to apply for a flat rental a few months ahead of our semester.
As you move on to your career after completing your studies, what will be one special takeaway from your OIP experience?
Shazwani: OIP taught me to step up and be independent, daring to learn new things whenever you can and experience as much as possible because sometimes, the opportunity only comes once. This trip will always be special because of the experiences I had. Therefore, I will encourage others to grab it as soon as you are presented with that golden chance.
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Shazwani is reading the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with the Technical University of Munich. She studied in the Singapore branch campus (TUM Asia) and spent five months in Munich, Germany to complete her lab courses and thesis at the home campus of the university.
To read the full interview with Shazwani, it was first published in our DIGEST newsletter (Jan 2017).
TUM Asia administrates the TUM Bachelor degrees together with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). GCE ‘A’ Levels, Polytechnic Diploma and international qualification holders may apply for the TUM Bachelor degrees.
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Interested students may apply for the TUM Bachelor of Science programmes from January to March every year.
Applications are accepted at our partner university’s admission site: https://admission.singaporetech.edu.sg
