Quick Facts

• Applications for this program will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and students who meet the criteria will be accepted once their application is complete.  Up to 5 students can participate on this program for Summer 2018. 
• Three cities: Hong Kong, Taipei, Guangzhou
• Work in small teams with students from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), National Taipei University (NTPU) and ASU.
• Through a combination of lectures and field trips, students will learn about sustainability challenges in Hong Kong, Taipei and Guangzhou
• Topics: Hong Kong – Urban density; Guangzhou – low carbon city design in China; Taipei – climate impacts and urban systems.
• Lectures for the course will be by distinguished faculty from the three universities and experts including executive-level government officials and NGO and business leaders.
• Global Citizenship Program (GCP) promotes global collaboration in Sustainable Development education, to enrich students academically and culturally, and to prepare them for the future challenges and opportunities in this field.

Location Details

Hong Kong
With a dense metro are of 7 million people, Hong Kong is known as the place where East meets West, reflecting the mix established by more than a century of British colonial control on traditional Chinese culture.  As a result Hong Kong has a highly modernized way of life that rates in the top ten countries in terms of broadband penetration, yet traditions such as Ba gua mirrors are commonly found to ward off evil spirits.  Hong Kong offers a case study in the interrelationships among urban development pressures, environmental challenges and quality of life issues. 
 
Guangzhou
Known as the Pearl River Delta Mega city, Guangzhou is China’s 3^rd largest city with an estimated metro area of 44 million people.  A strategic port city with a cosmopolitan flair, Guangzhou is China’s busiest transport and trade hub.  The Pearl River Delta has become the world's workshop and is a major manufacturing base for consumer products. The Pearl River Delta Economic Zone accounts for approximately one third of China's trade value. Pollution of both the air and river delta pose serious problems yet there are plans to create a new low carbon city in the region.
 
 
Taipei
With a metro area of 7 million people, this bustling city serves as the financial, administrative and cultural capital of the Island nation of Taiwan. Known for its night markets and ornate temples, Taipei is a delightful mix of urban sprawl interspersed with forested hillsides and river paths. Sporting a rich history with Japanese and Chinese influences, Taipei is at once an Asian hub and an indispensible international city.
 

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa* in order to participate in this program. Please note that this program will require more than one visa.  Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

• ASU undergraduate and graduate students with a 2.75 G.P.A. in their program with a demonstrated academic and/or professional interest in understanding and solving sustainability challenges
• Priority will be given to students who have taken 12 or more hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework in sustainability. 

Credit & Grade Conversion Scale

Program Housing

Housing will be provided by the program at all study tour locations.  In addition, there will be an outdoor leadership camp which may require camping.

 

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in China, students will encounter a lack of support for people with visible and non-visible disabilities and they may encounter a lack of understanding and therefore support. Improvements have been made in public transportation, hotels and airport travel, but students with mobility disabilities may still encounter challenges with accessibility (especially in rural areas). In Taiwan, improvements have been made in public transportation, hotels and airport travel, but students with mobility disabilities may still encounter challenges with accessibility, especially in rural areas.

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. For example, in Taiwan, LGBTQIA individuals may still face discrimination, particularly in areas outside of metropolitan areas.

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services. For example, in China and Taiwan, students do experience overt and covert racial discrimination, from staring and hair-touching to harboring prejudicial beliefs and derogatory comments. Despite these, most students report that they feel the statements are made without menace and are the product of myth and ignorance.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.
 

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or the Academic Year Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

Photos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• STA Travel Airfare Deposit Program*
• Global Sustainability Studies on Facebook*
• Walton Global Sustainability Studies*
• Global Sustainability Studies Blog*
   

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.