Service Learning Trip

Exploring Social Innovation (ESI) - U.S.A.

Program Schedule
4 - 14 Aug 2019
Whole Day
San Francisco & Silicon Valley, California, USA
Enquiry
UN Sustainable Development Goals
HKUST CONNECT SDG GOALS

The Exploring Social Innovation (ESI) Program, offered by VIA, brings together 20-25 university students and young professionals from across Asia. In this 2-week program, discover new possibilities for your future, learn innovative ways to make the world the better place, and meet a diverse and passionate group of changemakers from across Asia. You will experience hands-on workshops, visits to innovative companies and exchange ideas with local leaders and global friends.

ESI program goalsESI activities

 

Grasp this chance to explore and innovate the world from a social perspective, and get hands-on training for design & leadership development and refine skills to be the next generation of change makers! For more details, please visit the website of ESI Program.

Participants sharing ideas on the community
Participants sharing ideas on the community
Playing games to know each other
Playing games to know each other
Visiting innovative organization
Visiting innovative organization
Visiting Standard University
Visiting Standard University
Program Fee & Subsidies

US$2,900 (estimated), which covers:  

  • Accommodation
  • Most scheduled activities and transportation for program activities
  • Arrival lunch
  • Graduation dinner
  • VIA staff services
    (The program fee does NOT cover airfare, daily meals, optional activities, personal shopping and expenses, and travel insurance. All participants are REQUIRED to purchase travel insurance before participating in the program.)
Subsidies

Students may apply 'Connect Overseas Learning Experience Sponsorship Scheme' to receive subsidy to cover part of the program fee. Additional consideration will be given to those with financial need. More details.

Scholarship is also available at VIA.

Application Procedures
  • Follow the instructions and complete the registration form.
  • Shortlisted candidates from the paper selection process will be invited for an interview in late April and mid May.

Application Deadlines

Round 1: 26 April 2020 (Sun)
Round 2: 17 May 2020 (Sun)

Deadline

Round 1: 26 April 2020 (Sun)
Round 2: 17 May 2020 (Sun)

 

Students' Sharing

ESI is an amazing journey! It gives me the chance to be aware of, and actively think about solutions for social issues in the world. Besides of ‘Exploring Social Innovation’, for me it is also exploring myself. After the valuable 10 days, I believe in the unlimited capabilities for each individual, and the possibility to really make an impact for the social good. This is a beginning of something great, and this could be something life-changing.

Kristy Tan

ESI Participant July 2015, Event Manager of Pan-Asian Collegiate Entrepreneurs (PACE);
HKUST Business School student

 


 

The ESI program equips me with skills and the mindset needed to be a social innovator. This short-and-sweet program, certainly has helped my to sharpen my business acumen. It led me to be one of the finalist of HKUST 25 Projects, conducting a Positivity Jar Challenge for women throughout Hong Kong, Business Strategy Director of PACE and many exciting opportunities! Always embrace ambiguity, learn from failure and be optimistic!

Trisha C. Natanael

ESI Participant August 2015, Business Strategy Director of Pan-Asian Collegiate Entrepreneurs (PACE);
HKUST Chemical Engineering & Entrepreneurship (Minor) Student