Network Programmes

APRU Undergraduate Summer Program

The APRU Undergraduate Summer Program (USP) is an initiative aimed at enhancing student involvement and mobility among member universities. It is a short-term and integrated study-abroad program based on themes which are unique to the host economy and serves to enhance the education experience of students from APRU member universities

NUS hosted the 4th and 5th APRU USP in 2009 and 2010, with the themes “Rising to the Challenge – Global Leadership in the 21st Century” and “Rising to New Challenges – Impactful Leadership in the 21st Century” respectively.  The major seminar components of the program gave students the opportunity to meet with NUS  lecturers and notable Singaporeans to discuss real world challenges faced by leaders, such as climate change and sustainable development, effective governance, inter-religious harmony, leadership and the arts, social entrepreneurship, information technology, research and development, ethical, business, and student leadership. 

Information on the 2011 program is available below.  For details on past USPs (before 2011), please visit the APRU website.

The program did not take place in 2012. 
Please look out for the 2013 program, which will be publicized when information is available.

 

6th APRU Undergraduate Summer Program

‘Developing Entrepreneurial and Innovative Talent in the 21st Century’

Venue: Zhejiang University, China
Date: 6-17 July 2011

Program Description & Objectives

Zhejiang University (ZJU) will host the 6th APRU Undergraduate Summer Program (USP) on “Developing Entrepreneurial and Innovative Talent in 21st Century” from 6-17 July 2011.

Taking full advantage of the well-developed private and entrepreneurial economy of Zhejiang province, the proposed program will provide a series of lectures in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship with a focus on the Zhejiang Model of family business.

This year’s USP will include a variety of activities such as sessions on the Chinese language and traditional Chinese culture, study visits to several famous local companies and commodity markets, as well as visits to renowned cultural venues and places of interest in and around Hangzhou. In addition, students will have the opportunity to meet with outstanding ZJU alumni-entrepreneurs and to engage in group presentations and stimulating discussions.

The last day will feature a Model United Nations Experience Day and end with a performance party involving all participants.

The program at ZJU aims to achieve the following:

Offer students the opportunity to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship; Provide practical approaches to examining critical issues and global challenges of the 21st   Century in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship; Provide students a unique opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture and gain insights into the rapid economic development of contemporary China; Provide opportunities for networking, exchanging interdisciplinary perspectives and sharing best practices on innovation and entrepreneurship; and Strengthen the mutual understanding and friendship among the students from different APRU member universities.

 

Program Schedule

The tentative program is attached here.

Program Expenses

There is a registration fee of USD250, which will cover the daily activities (lectures, visits, field trips, etc) and accommodation.

Participants will need to pay for airfare, food (except organized dinners), laundry, extra-day accommodation if applicable, and other personal expenses. It is highly recommended that participants buy insurance before their departure.

The average cost of a meal on ZJU campus is CNY 5-8 (approx. USD 0.8 to 1.2). The food cost will be relatively higher off-campus. Local bus fares cost CNY 2-3 (approx. USD 0.4).

NUS will provide successful applicants with a lump sum that will cover airfare and registration fees.

Accommodation

Accommodation near the campus at Jindu Hotel has been reserved from 5-18 July 2011 (13 nights). Two students will share one standard room with free internet access and breakfast.  Participants who would like to book a single room (one bed) will need to pay an extra fee of CNY140 per day. Please note that rooms are subject to availability.

Application Criteria

The USP is open to full time NUS 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students (excluding graduating students).  Students from any faculty/ school/ discipline and of any nationality may apply. However, students must keep in mind that they will be responsible for meeting all immigration requirements for China.

As the theme is on innovation and entrepreneurship, we are looking for students who:

Hope to better understand innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of globalization Have experience in doing part-time jobs or have aspirations towards starting their own businesses in an innovative way Are keen to learn from individual successful entrepreneurs as well as to know more about Chinese entrepreneurship  in general Are eager to explore approaches to entrepreneurial leadership in addressing new challenges faced by today’s young people Are interested in the Chinese language and culture Possess a good command of the English language

 

Application Process

Students interested in applying for the USP must submit the application form with the required supporting documents to nusapru2011@nus.edu.sg by 25 March 2011.  Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

Students will be shortlisted based on academic results, interests/ activities that they have undertaken, and quality of personal statements.  Shortlisted students will be interviewed during the week of 11-15 April 2011. Successful candidates will be notified by 21 April 2011.

About APRU

APRU is a consortium of leading research universities in the Pacific Rim. APRU’s establishment was envisioned in 1997 by presidents of California Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, and University of Southern California. It now has 42 member universities in 16 economies.

APRU aims to foster cooperation in education, research and enterprise thereby contributing to the economic, scientific and cultural advancement of the Pacific Rim. For more information on APRU visit: www.apru.org.