Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China C09

At A Glance

Term – C 2009

Project opportunities – IQP

Housing – Shared furnished apartments

Director – Professor Peet

Preparation – 1/2 unit preparation activity

Application deadline – September 27, 2007 (before 1:00 pm)

LOCATION

The Project Center in Hong Kong provides a gateway to the most dynamic and important region on the planet. The wealth of the world is moving to Asia, and Hong Kong plays a crucial role in the development of China—currently the most significant economy in Asia. This city radiates energy as it rapidly modernizes and takes the lead in economic development, hi-rise building, efficient transportation, artistic expression, educational reform and environmental conservation. Students will live in furnished apartments with small kitchens, with 2-3 students in each apartment, in a typical Chinese residential neighborhood, somewhat different from typical tourist areas of Hong Kong.

PROJECTS

In Hong Kong WPI works with a number of educational, social service and environmental organizations and institutions. Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) have sponsored projects, while other sponsors include Friends of the Earth, Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Caritas Francis Hsu College, and Caritas Charles Vath College. New sponsors are sought on a regular basis. In addition, WPI has a Memorandum of Understanding with HKPU, giving WPI students access to library and other facilities on the conveniently located campus in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, as well as enabling some HKPU students to work with WPI students on their projects, especially in the first half of January. Examples of past projects include an evaluation of an English language educational software program developed to help Chinese students improve their writing skills, evaluating how to increase recycling of beverage containers and vehicle tires, understanding the impact of educational reforms that are occurring in Hong Kong, evaluating how to best improve library usage and information literacy among secondary school students and evaluating how to improve social rights programming among social service agencies in Hong Kong.

In general, IQPs will deal with urban planning, a greener environment, sustainable resource use, education reform and innovation, economic and social issues, and other topics as appropriate.

Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses*	$1,800 $ 400 $ 950 $ 500 $3,650	Round trip travel to site Local transportation in Hong Kong Dining out/eating in Weekend tourist activities & incidentsl Estimated Total Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Expenses Included on your WPI Bill	$1,850	Housing and program expenses
Estimated Total Expenses	$5,500	Tuition and WPI On-Campus Housing NOT INCLUDED

*Subject to change due to fluctuations in exchange rate

Note:

In calculating the extra expense to participate in an off-campus project experience, compare this figure to expenses incurred while living on campus (groceries or meal plan, entertainment expenses, transportation, etc.)

Travel Dates:

Arrive on site January 1, 2009
Depart site on February 28, 2009