MIT-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Exchange Program: Summer 2012
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are hosting a research exchange for summer 2012 that provides students from MIT and HKUST the opportunity to conduct faculty-mentored research projects at the other university. The MIT-HKUST program is intended to enhance and broaden students' undergraduate experiences, provide opportunities to live in another culture, conduct research in a different academic/research environment, and help students prepare to assume leadership roles in a global economy. Up to five HKUST students will participate in MIT's International Research Opportunities Program (IROP) program. Up to five MIT students will participate in research as part of a summer IROP at HKUST.
Information for MIT Students
Arrangements for MIT students at HKUST:
- HKUST will provide free on-campus housing for up to five MIT students.
- MIT will provide an air travel subsidy for US-Hong Kong air travel for the beginning and end dates of the program.
- Weekly research pay will be covered by MIT.
- MIT students will provide their own meals.
- MIT students will be personally responsible for purchasing HKUST's required health/medical insurance for the time period of the exchange.
- Research conducted by MIT students at HKUST shall be subject to the HKUST policies and procedures in intellectual property.
- MIT students must apply for and satisfy the immigration requirements for their journey to and from Hong Kong.
To apply for the HKUST program, MIT students must submit the following materials to UROP staff by March 9th:
- A personal statement describing their research interests. Students should browse the HKUST UROP Listings System (http://urop.ust.hk/cgi-bin/uropos/index.php) to identify areas of research activities.
- Two letters of recommendation from MIT faculty members.
- An official transcript.
HKUST will review the students nominated by MIT and approve, in its discretion, up to five students to conduct research at HKUST during the summer of 2012. MIT students will collaborate with their HKUST mentor to define and develop their project. At the conclusion of the summer, students will submit a written technical report to their mentor.
Summer Program: MIT students will have access to all privileges, activities, and facilities enjoyed by HKUST students on the campus. MIT students will also be free to enroll in (or audit) HKUST courses.
Information for HKUST Students
HKUST will nominate up to five undergraduate to participate in International Research Opportunities Program (IROP).
The nominated HKUST students must each submit the following materials to MIT:
- A personal statement detailing the student's research interests.
- A preferred MIT research area and/or desired MIT faculty mentor. See the Research Profiles section of this site to identify faculty research.
- Two letters of recommendation from HKUST faculty members.
- An official transcript. The transcript and recommendation letters should be sent electronically (fax or email) to the Office of Undergraduate Advising and Academic Programming (UAAP) at MIT [fax: (617) 258-8816 or email: urop@mit.edu].
The UAAP will identify mentors whose research best matches the students' stated interests. Students will be notified of their placement and mentor by early May, 2012. HKUST students will collaborate with their MIT mentor to define and develop the research project. At the conclusion of the summer experience, students may be expected to give a poster presentation or write a paper on their research.
Arrangements for HKUST students at MIT:
- MIT will provide free on-campus housing for up to five HKUST students.
- HKUST students will be required to purchase MIT student health insurance or show proof of health insurance valid in the United States for the duration of the program. Existing health insurance must be deemed comparable to MIT Student Health Insurance, or the MIT plan must be purchased.
- HKUST students are required to obtain a US visa immediately after acceptance into the IROP program.
Summer program: HKUST UROP students are expected to work on their research project full-time (35-40 hours a week) for the nine-week period. Students will have the same access and privileges enjoyed by MIT students on the campus.
Additional Information
- MIT students interested in research at HKUST should contact: UROP Staff in the MIT Office of Undergraduate Advising and Academic Programming (Tel: 617- 253-7306 Fax: 617-258-8816 Email: urop@mit.edu)
- HKUST students interested in participating in the Summer MIT-HKUST Summer Undergraduate Research Exchange Program should contact: HKUST staff in the UROP office (Email: urop@ust.hk, web: http://urop.ust.hk/index.html).
