Join the FCI Field Study in Singapore | April 27 – May 7, 2026!
Explore one of the world’s most innovative cities through an immersive international field study with the Future Cities Institute (FCI).
This spring, students will travel to Singapore to learn how the city tackles complex urban challenges—climate risk, density, infrastructure, and governance—through forward-thinking policy, planning, and design.
Only 5 spots available for non-UW students. Apply early.
Why Singapore?
Singapore is a living laboratory for urban innovation. Operating under intense constraints—limited land and resources, climate exposure, and rapid growth—the city has developed integrated, long-term approaches to infrastructure and governance.
This field study focuses on learning from Singapore. Students will explore how coordinated decision-making across government, industry, and civil society has shaped resilient, future-ready urban systems—and what lessons may (or may not) apply to Canadian cities.
What You’ll Experience
FCIT 610 is an intensive, applied international course that combines site visits, expert talks, and real-world case studies.
Students will explore:
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Integrated transportation and mobility systems
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Housing and land-use planning
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Water, waste, and climate adaptation strategies
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Public health and digital city technologies
You’ll meet with city leaders and infrastructure practitioners, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into how policies become built outcomes.
What You’ll Take Away
This course emphasizes critical comparison and practical insight. Students will assess the transferability of Singapore’s approaches to Canadian cities, considering differences in governance, climate, and socio-economic context.
Delivered in an intensive block format, the course is ideal for students seeking hands-on, globally focused learning that connects theory to practice.
Safety Abroad
It is the responsibility of every traveler to ensure they have the best travel insurance for themselves and to understand the terms of the policy. The travel insurance should include health, life and disability coverage that will help travelers avoid the cost of hospitalization or medical treatment outside Canada. Additionally, please review the Government of Canada travel health recommendations prior to travel.
Non-UW students must complete a traveler waiver and submit the completed form to the Safety Abroad Office at safetyabroad@uwaterloo.ca, with a CC to the Administrator of Graduate Studies at env-mfc@uwaterloo.ca.
Please reach out to Safety Abroad if you have any questions or concerns.
Who Can Apply?
UW Graduate students and working professionals
Cost:
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MFC students: $500 to Shopify in addition to tuition
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Non-MFC UW students: $1000 to Shopify in addition to tuition
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External learners: $2500 to Shopify
In addition, participants are responsible for their own accommodations, flights, and meals.
Immigration Requirements
Traveling to Singapore? Here’s what you need to know:
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No visa required for Canadian passport holders (minimum 6-month passport validity).
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You must submit the SG Arrival Card within three (3) days (including the day of arrival) before entering Singapore. Learn more here: submit the SG Arrival Card
More Information
For questions or more details about the field trip itinerary, contact Christina Tjandra at ctjandra@uwaterloo.ca
For questions or more details about registration (UW students), contact env-mfc@uwaterloo.ca
For questions or more details about payment and registration (UW and non-UW students), contact Tyler Batchelor at tyler.batchelor@uwaterloo.ca
*Hotel recommendation: Hotel Mi Bencoolen
*Some meals will be covered as part of the trip schedule.