"Immersion Into International Interdisciplinary Innovation" (i5) is a six-week combined study abroad/consulting Summer program that teaches a best-practice-based process for bringing new technology to market in China. 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.
Students of business as well as those in engineering and science disciplines may participate in this program, where they 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.
The i5 program brings MBA and undergraduate students from all schools within American University, Thunderbird and Baylor University together with Chinese students from the University of Shanghai for Sciences and Technology (USST) and Hong Kong Baptist University.
Undergraduate students from American University, Baylor, USST and HKBU are assembled into teams, which are assigned graduate student team leaders from Baylor, Kogod or Thunderbird. Students attend classes on 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 firms.
Sample Program Itinerary (2009)
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 2010 was $4,000, including housing. AU Summer session tuition and the flight to China are not included in the program fee.
Prerequisites
This program is open to Kogod and non-Kogod students who have completed at least 45 credits of coursework at AU and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Application
Application instructions for the Summer 2010 program will be available by early 2010.
Questions
Contact Kari Lininger at (202) 885-1940 or email ksbabroad@american.edu.
