The EPICS Program engages students in an extensive design project working with an international team of interdisciplinary students. Students will learn human-centered design and social innovation through the development of a real-world solution to difficult community challenges. The program will culminate in an intensive experience of design collaboration, rapid prototyping, field testing, presenting to international audiences, and cultural immersion in Vietnam.

Quick Facts

• Learn and practice human-centered design

• Cultural and immersion experiences in Da Nang, Vietnam

• Ideal for engineering, design, business, sustainability, future of innovation, and other interested majors

• Partnership with Da Nang University of Technology (DUT)

• Winter Break 2020 Dates: December 16– December 23, 2020

Application Requirements

To apply for this program, click the "Apply Now" button above. This will generate an online application with the requirements listed below. Please also refer to the "Academics" tab for specific eligibility information. Note: Non-ASU students should consult these instructions before applying.

• Electronically sign our standard signature documents:
  • Acknowledgement of Application
  • Medical Authorization & Release
  • Study Abroad Office Payment & Withdrawal Policies
  • Study Abroad Office Student Agreement

• Submit emergency contact details

Location Details

Visa Information

It is each student’s responsibility to independently determine if a visa is necessary for travel to any foreign countries visited on this program. US citizens will need a visa for this program. Limited information may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office, your faculty director, and/or partner organizations/institutions. Where visas are required, 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 Payment and Withdrawal Policies. 

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.

Eligibility Requirements

• Preference will be given to students who enroll in both the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 FSE 404 course and participate in the EPICS Vietnam project

• If space is available additional students may apply

• 2.0 GPA

Courses

Students will register during the fall registration period for the following course: 

• FSE 404: EPICS Gold: EPICS in Action (1 credit)

Course Description:
This course will introduce undergraduate students to the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program and provide an opportunity for students to identify and engage in design-based service learning projects in the community. Students will learn how to approach challenging community problems and help shape solutions through the EPICS process and with faculty and industry-mentor coaching. Learning will combine projects, lessons, and stakeholder engagement.

This class employs a seminar-learning model that will mix both attendance in a specified number of learning opportunities offered throughout the semester with group meetings outside of class times. 

EPICS groups are formed from students potentially representing all engineering, computer science and construction disciplines as well as other ASU majors, including sustainability, business, liberal arts, sciences and others. Groups of 4-5 students in this class will work together to assess the feasibility and sustainability of their proposed plans for long-term projects that solve problems and benefit clients and often, the larger community. Project work centers on the engineering, technology, computing, sustainability, business and other needs of a not-for-profit community partner; interdisciplinary group interaction is an integral element for the project success.

In addition to the 50 minute class held each week it is expected that students will average another 3-4 hours per week outside the classroom meeting and working on their projects and preparing for class assignments.

Fall classes will meet on Mondays 3:05 PM - 3:55 PM

Course Format

The course will be taught with in-person meetings during the Session C Fall 2020 semester. The global intensive experience will occur in the winter break period in December. Meeting dates are times are as follows on the Tempe Campus: weekly Monday afternoons from 3:05pm to 3:55pm.

Faculty Directors

Joshua Loughman
Lecturer, Academic and Student Affairs 
Fulton Schools of Engineering
E-mail: Joshua.Loughman@asu.edu
Website: Epics.engineering.asu.edu










Jared Schoepf
Lecturer, Academic and Student Affairs
Fulton Schools of Engineering
E-mail: Jared.Schoepf@asu.edu

Program Housing

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. Many public and private buildings in Vietnam are not accessible and/or lack elevators, road traffic is chaotic and unpredictable, and sidewalks are not always clear or even and rain can make access more challenging.

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 Vietnam, most public places and public transportation are not accessible to persons with disabilities. Sidewalks, curb ramps, restrooms, road crossings, and tourist areas are not equipped to assist such individuals.

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 the Disability Resource Center 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. 

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.

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 Fee for Winter Break 2020 is TBD.

Program Fee includes: Housing in shared rooms, breakfast and some meals included, design project experiences and cultural excursions, in-country transportation, ASU faculty support, and international health insurance. Not included: Tuition for 1 credit course, airfare, passport & visa fees, some meals, personal expenses, and miscellaneous items.  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.

Faculty Directed program participants are also responsible for paying a non-refundable $50 Application Fee, in addition to the Program Fee listed above. All other costs associated with participation in the program are the responsibility of the individual student. Be sure to reference the program cost sheet for information on program fees and any additional estimated expenses.

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. View the program Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
2. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
3. Consider your Financial Aid options.
4. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
5. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
6. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information. 

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• ASU Tuition Waiver*

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