1. I mean it’s difficult to put into words because I think it has a lot to do with the culture. Like you would walk in on your first day as a PhD student and immediately… you would be overshadowed by your supervising professor. Let’s say you are really interested in say quasars. You have this hypothesis you want to spend time investigating. Let’s say your hypothesis is varying speed of light between two points of a quasar trajectory. In the west, your hypothesis would be met with scientific critique and investigation. The students always challenge their institutions but here I find that is a bit of a taboo. I find I get very frustrated by this because I’m usually met with a “No you’re wrong…>>… How so? Please explain…>>…. No you’re just wrong.” so yea.. Frustrating to say the least.

2. Like I said, although SUTD is actually more design orientated than high sciences, the point is they have the necessary connections with MIT to move you closer to a pure physics masters/ PhD. That and the fact you are actually able to do a PhD in less time at SUTD than you ever could at NUS or NTU which in turn allows you to participate in more Post-doctorate programs without that annoying PhD student status. Then again, you have to look at your priorities. If you want to study Physics unrestricted, really consider studying abroad. If you want to live and study in Singapore, then NUS and NTU are really the best bet for you.

Actually I think studying abroad is one of the best things a person can do with his/her life. It really opens you up and allows you to experience an entirely new perspective.

If you still want to contact, drop me a facebook message at julien.bongars.3 and I’ll message you my contact. He’s actually taught at both NUS and SUTD so his opinion is probably a lot better than mine 😉

Vainstar Out