"Immersion into International Interdisciplinary Innovation" (i5) is a 10-week combined study abroad/internship summer program that teaches a best-practice-based process of bringing new technologies to market in China. Through the i5 program, MBA students will immerse themselves in the challenges of technology commercialization in China, from concept through market delivery. They will absorb and apply practical knowledge for successfully introducing new technologies in the fast-growing Asian market. Students work with actual Chinese companies, interacting with company owners and leaders who are looking for fresh insights and solutions. They become versed in the commercialization process itself, as well as the interdisciplinary skills needed to put that learning into practice.
This program is offered in conjunction with Baylor University, Thunderbird School of Global Management, the University of Shanghai for Sciences and Technology (USST) and Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). During the initial four weeks of the program, MBA students from Kogod, Baylor University and Thunderbird travel to China to spend time on-site with their assigned Chinese company to better understand their technological innovation and establish the objectives, scope, and approach for their commercialization project.
Then, undergraduate business, engineering and science students from American University, Baylor University, USST and HKBU join the program for the remaining six weeks and are assembled into teams led by the MBA students. During these six weeks, all students attend courses in innovation and commercialization as well as work with their teams to identify, pursue and finance opportunities in the high tech sector for their specific Chinese firm. Cultural and sightseeing excursions are also part of the program, providing students with a truly immersive experience in doing business in China.
Sample program itinerary (2009)
May 27: MBA students depart for Shanghai
May 28 - June 7: Orientation and Initial Meetings with Internship Companies
June 8 - 30: Internships
July 1: Students depart for Shanghai
July 3 - 7: Yangtze River / 3 Gorges Tours
July 7 - 16: Units 1 - 3 in Hong Kong
July 17 - 30: Units 4 - 8 in Shanghai
July 31 - August 3: Final Report and Presentation Preparations
August 4: Final Presentations and Closing Ceremony
August 9: Fly back to USA
Credit Hours
1.5 - 6 credit hours are available for this program, depending on the student. Standard AU Summer session tuition applies.
Cost
There is a program fee which will be confirmed, along with program details, by early 2010. The fee for Summer 2009 was $4,000, including housing and flight. AU Summer session tuition is not included in the program fee.
Prerequisites
This program is open to Kogod MBA students who have completed all core courses (except the capstone course) and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Application
Application instructions for the Summer 2010 program will be available in early 2010.
Questions
Contact Kari Lininger at (202) 885-1940 or email ksbabroad@american.edu.
