Exchange Diaries  

Aniket Shah | Mechanical Engineering

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE, Singapore

Research Area: APPLICATION OF DEEP LEARNING IN IMPROVING AND OPTIMIZING THE METHODS OF LEARNING

Duration: 3 Months

Q1: How did you get your FT?
A: There are basically two methods by which you can apply, first is through different programs and second is individual mailing to professors. I applied through the second method. I started mailing around the beginning of November, I send around 300 emails, received a few acceptances and finally, I got accepted in NUS.

Q2: Your recommendations about how to write a cover letter?
A: It should be very specific to yourself. Include what projects you have done in your past (briefly), what is your background, why do you want this, how will it add to your resume and how it will benefit the professor or university you're applying to. As the professors receive a lot of generic emails, hence it is essential to be specific and precise.

Q3: How was your experience in Singapore and what is the best place to visit there?
A: Singapore is very beautiful. Amazing skylines, breathtaking views and infinitely many places to explore. This was my first visit to Singapore and I loved it thoroughly. The best place to visit, I feel, is surely Universal Studios Singapore. It is Asia’s largest theme park full of fun and thrilling rides, including the amazing roller coasters. The people in Singapore are all very eager to help you, just make sure don’t break any kind of laws there. (you really don’t want to end up paying fine in an expensive country :D)

Q4: How was your typical day look like?
A: My professor was not very strict with the work hours. I usually reached somewhere around 10:30 -11 AM and worked till 5 PM. As long as I presented the results of my work to the professor, he was fine even if I left earlier in the evening. The rest of the time was spent on beautiful sightseeing and CWC 2019.

Q5: How you managed your finances?
A: The professor provided me a monthly stipend which was sufficient to manage my expenses in Singapore. I would add here, Singapore is very expensive so make sure you have decent funding at least.

Q6: Role of CG to get an FT.
A: Most of the internship programs have a CG cutoff 8.5. Programs are strict in terms of CGPA as they have a database from which they have to shortlist some students. In the case of individual mailing, it solely depends on the professor if he considers your CGPA or not. However, 8+ CGPA is very helpful, try to keep it above 8 ALWAYS.

Q7: Any suggestions to fellow Kgpians.
A: Universities like NUS provide a big platform for people interested in research. The student-professor relation there is very healthy and is the same for many top universities across the globe. A foreign internship adds a lot to your resume, especially if you are looking to pursue Masters. Traveling and exploring a country as beautiful as Singapore is something you wouldn’t want to miss out. I would strongly suggest my fellow people who are looking for a foreign internship to definitely try and have a shot at NUS. It will be a memorable 2-3 months of experience.