Program Information
Our academic program, hosted by City University of Hong Kong (CityU), is designed to allow students to complete 12–18 credit hours of coursework in economics, political science, history, religion, film, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), or business. In addition, our partnership with CityU delivers access to more than 80 Bachelor’s degrees as well as 50 postgraduate programs. Field study, guided research, portfolios, and intensive internships are key components of the modular Syracuse University program.
Program Options
The SU academic program features three distinct options: You may choose SU Center courses (Option I), combine SU Center and City University courses for greater selection (Option II) or immerse entirely in City University courses with local Hong Kong students (Option III).
Whichever you select, you’ll enjoy the support of administrative staff at the SU Center while participating in activities designed to augment the classroom experience. These activities include special lectures and trips to important cultural sites.
Option I
Enroll in SU Center courses
The Syracuse University Option I program consists of three distinct modules taught by SU Abroad faculty.
Module A
A two-week, 2-credit field study seminar, China: Past, Present, and Future. Conducted in Guilin/Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, it provides students with an introduction to Chinese traditions and explores how those traditions are threatened or enhanced by a rapidly developing economy. An additional credit may be taken as independent study by completing a research paper during the semester on a topic related to the seminar.
Module B
Consists of 10 weeks of intensive classroom instruction. You will choose two to four courses from a selection of 3-credit offerings in business, film, economics, political science, history. All students with no previous knowledge of Chinese must enroll in either CHI 101 - Chinese I (Mandarin) for 4 credits or FLL 100.3 - Beginning Cantonese Conversation for 1 credit.
Module C
The next 5 weeks are devoted to a 3-credit interdisciplinary course, South-east Asia in the World Political Economy, with field study in Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, or Singapore; or guided research on marketing or financial enterprise in Asia or an independent study project about the region; or an intensive 3-credit internship. At the end of Module C, students reconvene to share and analyze work related learning experiences vis-à-vis issues examined during the semester.
This section that allows students in Option I to pursue professional development opportunities—either through an internship/team project with a company/organization or through structured research with guidance from an on-site professor.
Internships and Team Projects
Hong Kong internships provide a practical understanding of how business and government function, while allowing students to establish contacts and gain impressive résumé-building experience. This intensive program (most interns work at least 40 hours a week) is for qualified students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrated computer skills, and relevant course work and/or prior work experience in the requested internship field. Some internships require Chinese language skills. Placements include international and nongovernmental organizations, businesses, banking firms, the communications industry, and many more. A list of current placements can be found on our website. All internships are for 3 credits, and work and academic requirements are posted on the website.
NOTE: All internship placements are finalized in Hong Kong following an interview. To be considered, fill out the Internship Request Form included with the application materials. Make sure you also read the Hong Kong internship resume guidelines to help you prepare your application. Because the program is competitive, placements cannot be guaranteed. However, relevant research and portfolio projects in economics, management, marketing, political science, and other fields are available, and these may include contact with companies, interviews, and travel within the region (see Guided Research and Portfolio Projects on this page).
Representative Internship Placements [PDF]
Students meet periodically with faculty advisers during the internship period. The internship grade is based on an evaluation by the site supervisor, a submitted journal, and a paper analyzing the internship experience.
Guided Research and Portfolio Projects
Many students develop specific interests during Modules A and B that they wish to explore in more depth. With the help of SU Hong Kong professors and professionals, students are able to take advantage of excellent on-site resources to conduct both library and primary research (through interviews, surveys, etc.). A listing of more than 80 past and newly designed topics and projects are posted on our website. Students earn 3 credits for their projects in business administration, economics, finance, film, history, and marketing.
>> View all courses for SU Hong Kong
Option II
Enroll in SU Center courses and City University courses
Students enroll in the field studies seminar in China and combine coursework at the SU Hong Kong Center with enrollment in City University of Hong Kong classes. This option is available during the fall semester only and does not include an internship component.
Option III
Direct placement at City University
Students take all their coursework at City University of Hong Kong alongside Chinese students. In the fall, SU program students may participate in the field study seminar in China. In the spring, the field study seminar is not available, but students may enroll in an intensive internship by electing to extend their semester for five weeks (mid-May through late June).
