Our newest internship program brings you to exotic Hong Kong. You will have the opportunity to explore two classes of your choice at the University of Hong Kong, as well as complete an internship in your sequence area of interest. The opportunity to work in an international environment and sharpen your journalistic skills while getting to know the culture and history first-hand is too good to pass up and is a great addition to any resume. Experience a new part of the world: live, work, and study in Hong Kong!
Classes and internship are in English.
Host Institution: University of Hong Kong
Laying the first foundation stone of the University of Hong Kong in 1910, the then Governor Sir Frederick Lugard began what would become truly a tradition of excellence of academics in the territory. At the time of its conception, the University of Hong Kong was able to offer courses only in the solitary Faculty of Medicine. Following the faculty's opening in 1912, the university has grown and now offers students courses in the Faculty of Social Sciences, the School of Architecture and Education, the Faculty of Business and Economics, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Dentistry, the latter being the only institution in the territory to produce dental professionals. The range of courses has not been the only area of expansion in the university, as the student body now consists of over 20,000 students, of which more than 1,800 come from abroad.
Just as varied as the student population, nearly 50% of the staff at the University of Hong Kong has been recruited from overseas. Working together to create a high degree of international and cross-cultural experience and understanding, the staff and students are sure to benefit from the university's relationships with international academic institutions. Having 100 partner institutions in 18 countries and maintaining close academic ties to over 400 other international universities, the University of Hong Kong has established itself as a leader in education and research around the world.
In 2003, this reputation for academic and international excellence was rewarded, as the University of Hong Kong was designated as a World Trade Organization Training Centre for the Asia-Pacific Region. Along with accommodating the intellectual needs of its students and staff, the university also works hard at providing the campus with all of the amenities of a modern university. Home to three banks, two bookstores, four restaurants, two pools and two sports complexes, the campus is sure to accommodate all of its visitors. With all that the University of Hong Kong has to offer, it is easy to see why it has been the most popular university among students of mainland Asia and has enrolled students and staff from around the globe.
Area
The beautiful, tropical islands of Hong Kong have had a rich, somewhat turbulent past. Occupied by the British Empire in 1841, and officially ceded by China in 1842, Hong Kong remained under British rule until somewhat recently. In 1997, China declared Hong Kong a Special Administrative Region of China, formally ending the 155 year rule by Britain. Entering a period of limited independence, Hong Kong was now able to develop its own economy, separate from the socialist economy of China, as well as celebrate their own culture. Since the declaration of the Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong has enjoyed relative autonomy. However, the tropical island continues to dispute the Chinese rule and argues for their complete independence.
As a student in Hong Kong, you will be taking part in the rich history of the island, as the University of Hong Kong is the country's oldest university and many of its buildings are protected by the government to preserve their historical values. As both Chinese and English are considered official languages, students will be able to converse with the other students as well as the locals of the island. With over 200 islands in the territory, all bathed in the tropical sun typical of the area, Hong Kong is quite a beautiful place to study. While spring will bring rains which are characteristic of the monsoon season, the fall plays host to a wonderfully warm and sunny climate.
Eligibility
Students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA who have completed the first course in their sequence are eligible for admission to a study abroad internship program. Students with slightly lower GPA may be considered if their journalism GPA is above 3.0. All students must be in good academic standing.
Course Credit
Internships are primarily magazine and newspaper oriented. You will earn 12 credit hours, nine Journalism Elective credits and three hours Upperlevel Non-Journalism credits.
The internship earns you six hours of Journalism Elective credit. In addition, you will choose two courses from the host university's handbook to earn you another six hours of credit. Make three of those additional six hours journalism elective credit and experience how journalism is taught abroad.
Costs
MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost a bit more than credits taken on-campus at MU, but include new experiences, cultures, languages, and often times housing, flight costs, and other program related costs. It's highly recommended that you outline a budget for yourself of what you would spend during a semester here at MU and compare it to study abroad costs.
Because this is an exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees (12 credits) as if you were here on campus for the semester. In addition, you will also pay a $500 MU Study Abroad fee to cover MU orientation, ISIC card, administration, and assistance. Additional expenses to consider for this program include international airfare, personal transportation, insurance, on-site housing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Please note that there are scholarships and other financial options available to you to help make study abroad part of your college experience!
Financial Aid
The financial aid you normally receive for your classes at MU is usually applicable. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs of studying abroad. Please meet with the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) for more complete information: 573-882-7506.
The School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester. Applications are available on our Web site. You can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our Web site for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Housing
You will be living in university international student housing. You will live with other exchange students from all over the world. There are nearby cafeterias, many local restaurants, or you can choose to cook your own meals. The housing is within walking distance or within a short bus ride of campus and nearby mall/stores.
How to Apply
Deadline for Fall Semester 2008: March 3, 2008
It is recommended that all applicants meet with the Journalism Study Abroad Advisor prior to applying if they have questions or concerns. Please submit the following application materials in a manila envelope to the Journalism Study Abroad Coordinator, 76 Gannett by the posted deadline. Remember to sign-up for an interview time when you drop off your application! For this program you will need:
Two letters of recommendation. We prefer one to be from an academic source and one from an employer. Please have references direct letters "To Whom It May Concern." [Recommendation Form]
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