THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

Department of Physics

Overseas Program for Undergraduate Student
(OPUS)



What is it?
   

This is a chance for our students to go overseas to take courses and conduct summer research projects in several leading universities.  For 2011-12, up to 4 students may go to University of California, Berkeley campus, and up to 2 students each may go to Peking University 北京大學 and Fudan University 復旦大學.

 

How is this program different from other exchange programs?

This is a special program designed for CUHK Physics students.  Our program combines a traditional exchange program with summer research experience.  A student participating in this program will register and take courses in the host institute  for one semester, normally in the Spring Semester (January – May), during which time he/she is expected to find a summer research project.  Those who stay at the host institute for summer research will be offered some financial aids by the Department of Physics, CUHK. Participants will have to arrange and pay for all travel and other expenses.  

Who are eligible to apply?

If you are an undergraduate student majoring in PHYSICS in the year after you return from exchange and meet the minimum eligibility requirement of the University-wide Exchange Program, you are eligible to apply.  You should also have a good academic record and good command of English or Mandarin.  We look for motivated students who have a solid physics background, who are mature, independent, creative, and get along well with people from different cultural background.

Schedule
Mid September Announcement of program
November 10, 2010 Deadline of application
Early January, 2011 Interview with short-listed applicants
Mid January Successful applicants will be informed and confirmed


Application:  One-stop application through the OAL central system: www.cuhk.edu.hk/oal.

Participants' responsibilities
 
  1. After returning to Hong Kong, each student has to give both an oral and a written report on his/her research project.
  2. A successful applicant has to apply for an entry VISA by himself/herself.

FAQ

Q: Can a participant still do a final-year project?

A: This is up to your potential final-year project supervisor.  It is your responsibility to tell your potential supervisor that you plan to go overseas for a semester plus a summer.  You may have to make a choice between going overseas and a final-year project.

Q: What are the expenses?

A: Students will pay CUHK tuition fee, and room and board expenses at the host institute.  Students will also need to buy medical insurance and pay for travel expenses.   Please consult Office of Academic Links.

Q: What other financial aids can I find?

A: Please consult Office of Academic Links, Student Affairs, and your College office regarding possible financial aids.

Q: Will the credits obtained at the host institutes be transferable?

A: This depends on the specific courses you choose to take.  We have identified several core and elective Physics courses that are transferable. 

Q: Will I need to extend my study if I join this exchange program?

A: This again depends on the courses you take.  Most core Physics courses in Spring Semester at CUHK can be taken at the host institutes, and so we do not expect that you need to extend your study.


Briefing session
A briefing session will be held on September 21, 2010 (Tue.) at 4:00pm in SC311.
Inquiry: Chu Ming-chung 2609-6364 mcchu@phy.cuhk.edu.hk

Webpages

Program webpage at CUHK: www.phy.cuhk.edu.hk/opus

Science Faculty Exchange Program: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/sci/ssep/

Office of Academic Links at CUHK: www.cuhk.edu.hk/oal

Fudan University Physics Department: http://www.physics.fudan.edu.cn/

Peking University Physics Department: http://www.phy.pku.edu.cn/o4.html

U.C. Berkeley Physics Department: http://www.physics.berkeley.edu/