This STEER program, hosted in the Global Studies programme, is part of a unique trilateral learning initiative with Cornell University (USA) and Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador. Prior to the 10-day trip to Ecuador, students enrolled in a UROP course run by Dr George Radics in January 2026. Through the UROP, students explored Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action within the Singaporean context, and worked with Cornell and USFQ students to co-create a podcast on the policies and progress made towards the respective SDGs selected by the three universities. During recess week, students travelled to Ecuador with Dr Swaroopa Lahiri. There NUS students had the opportunity to connect with their USFQ peers, learn about their educational experiences, and explore SDG 13 in the Ecuadorian context through field visits to local community projects, a reforestation initiative, a cloud forest station, and the Interpretation Center in the Galápagos Islands. Alongside these academic engagements, students had an immersive experience in Ecuador’s rich ecosphere through hikes, hot spring visit, and snorkeling adventures. Learn more about the February 2026 Ecuador trip here.
We are currently working out the details for a February 2027 run of the program. Based on student feedback, there will be a greater integration between the USFQ and Cornell students projects, providing even more opportunities for international interaction and collaboration.
Program Details and Deadlines (Details below were from February 2026 and are listed as a reference; prices for 2027 are projected to be slightly higher)
- Cost: $6,700. After the STEER subsidy, the cost is $5,200. You may also use your Opportunities Enhancement Grant (OEG) and Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA)
- Deadline to apply is 8 December 2025 by 12:00pm. 10-minute online interviews will be conducted from 15-18 December. Offers will be made on December 19. Only 16 students will be selected.
- 1st deposit of $2500 for airfare will be due on December 26th at 11:59pm.
- Students will enroll in a UROP in semester 2, AY2025/2026 and travel to Ecuador from February 22-March 3rd.
- You may watch the Zoom info session here for more details: https://nus-sg.zoom.us/rec/play/G_di2zyryxPcx1gglWwIeg2I9FWq0dpK9eRf40gCtcVTpIT-Ja0ITVe0UDF5a40BYqswfn759Xug4zs1.w9SRFUTDpcR0bOY-?autoplay=true. The password is: A^0Rc!Sm
APPLICATION DETAILS
TBC. Details will be released in the next few weeks.