Special Programmes (for Outgoing Students)

INNOVATE 2013 - Beijing and Shanghai

 

What is this program about?

INNOVATE is an international academic immersion for engineering, science and business students, organised by the University of Pittsburgh, USA. To be held in the dynamic Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai in 2013, participants will examine the relationship between technology, globalisation, and leadership in the contemporary marketplace, with a focus on Asian economies. Through company site visits and meetings with key business, academic and government leaders, INNOVATE will help prepare participants to become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

When does it take place?

Friday 8 March to Sunday 17 March, 2013

Where does it take place?

Beijing and Shanghai, China

What is the academic content?

INNOVATE 2013 will comprise site visits to companies, social organisations and cultural sites in the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai. Participants will witness and learn first-hand from these visits about how the core themes of technology, globalisation and leadership are implemented within a specific industry. The emerging economies of Asia provide a strong focus in learning about how globalisation and the flow of technological development affect the practices and development of the modern marketplace. Included social activities are also a significant part of the immersion, as it allows participants to network and build new cross-cultural friendships during and after the programme.

What does it include?

The programme fee includes:

	All INNOVATE company site tours & related events Cultural tours and special events Twin-sharing accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels Airport transfers upon arrival/departure Train transport between Beijing and Shanghai Ground transportation in the cities Most meals

 

What is the student accommodation?

Participants will be housed in hotel accommodation throughout the programme.

How much does it cost?

See table below for an estimate of the cost for participation.

Item	Cost
Programme Fee	USD 1,850 (approx. SGD 2,310)
Airfare (Singapore - Beijing)	SGD 250 (on budget airline)
Airfare (Shanghai - Singapore)	SGD 480
Visa	14-day tourist visa is free for Singaporeans; SGD 50 for most other nationalities
Travel Insurance	SGD 40
Personal Expenses (e.g. entertainment, etc.)	SGD 300
Total Cost (Programme fee, airfare, insurance, personal expenses)	SGD 3,380 (visa not required) SGD 3,430 (includes visa fee)

Please note, these are estimated expenses and actual expenses may differ based on price shifts and personal spending habits!

Is financial assistance available?

Participants of INNOVATE 2013 are eligible to apply for the NASA Enhancement Bursary or Scholarship. For more information, visit this webpage.

Number of placements available?

Unlimited.

What are the eligibility requirements?

	Undergraduates who have completed at least one year of study at NUS prior to participation in this programme. Should not be in their graduating semester prior to participation in this programme. Business, Engineering or Science majors. CAP of 3.0 and above.

Is a visa required?

Depends on nationality of the NUS student. Singaporeans need not apply for a separate visa to participate as they can arrive in China on a visa-waiver tourist status for stays of up to 14 days.

Students of other nationalities are to consult the Embassy of China in Singapore to determine if a visa is required, and to apply for and entry visa if needed. Visit this website for more information.

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
150 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247969

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have proper entry documents for all countries they plan to visit as part of this programme!

How do I apply?

Application deadline is Monday, 12 November 2012, 5pm.

Check with your home faculty about the  need to apply for Leave-of-Absence to participate in this programme. Complete the IRO Programme Application Form. Attach a copy of your latest unofficial NUS transcript (downloadable via MyISIS). Submit your application via email to IRO. IRO will nominate eligible applicants to the University of Pittsburgh.

Once IRO has nominated you for the programme, you will be informed to complete an online application to the University of Pittsburgh, which will require you to prepare the following documents as well:

Resume / CV Photocopy or scan of your passport Letter of Recommendation from a NUS faculty member

Once you are selected by the University of Pittsburgh for the programme, you will be required to make the following payments:

Non-refundable deposit of USD 200 by 17 December 2012 Remaining programme fee of USD 1,650 by 15 February 2013

 

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here.