Social Impact Projects
The Asia Institute has designed team-oriented project based internships in Asia with leading organizations that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Over the course of an 8-week project, students will engage with a diversity of peers to develop their intercultural and critical-thinking competencies while addressing some of the world’s most important challenges.
Learn About UN Sustainable Development Goals
The UN Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Fall 2021 Program Timeline
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Application Deadline
July 23, 2021 -
Orientation Immersion Week
Monday, September 27 - Friday, October 1 -
Project Work, Cross-Regional Collaborations, & Cultural Activities
Monday, October 4 - Friday, November 5 -
Final Project Preparation & Presentations
Monday, November 8- Friday, November 12 -
Debriefing & Wrap-Up
Monday, November 15 - Friday, November 19
Social Impact Project Structure
The Social Impact program is structured as a series of team-based consulting projects, each working with a specific organization in Asia. Small groups of 4-7 students from different universities and backgrounds will be assigned to a project, to develop solutions related to a core problem and program deliverable that corresponds to the designated SDG(s). The consulting teams will work with actual organizations, providing access to global professional networks and provide an experience that can be highlighted on student resumes and in interviews.
During the project-based experience, students will meet weekly with the partner organization, attend sessions with a team mentor for feedback and support, and participate in a variety of cultural activities. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 16 hours/week to internship and project-related activities. Students from all majors and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Social Impact Project Placement Procedures
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1. Submit your application and secure your place as a member of The Asia Institute’s Social Impact Project Program.
Application deadline for the Fall 2021 program: July 23, 2021
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2. Confirm Enrollment.
Work with the The Asia Institute to confirm your enrollment and prepare for the internship experience.
Program Fee: $1,365
A $200 deposit is required to confirm participation (will be applied to program fee). -
3. Student-Organization Matching Process.
Based on your application and academic interests, you will be matched with a group of motivated students from various backgrounds to embark on your project-based internship experience. Your group will then be assigned an Asia-based client who will guide you through the internship project scope. -
4. Develop and Present Your Social Impact Project.
The first week of the program is designed as an orientation, in order to contextualize the program and expectations, discuss a framework and available tools related to the SDGs, and meet fellow team members. Teams will then work directly with the partner organization on project work, while participating in cross-cultural discussions and activities to enrich the global learning experience, in addition to mentoring meetings focused on professional development. At the end of the program, there will be a series of wrap-up sessions to conclude the experience.
Example Projects
Project Overview
During this project, students work with OurLand Conversation’s leadership team to achieve its goal of expanding natural spaces for wild flora and fauna in Thailand. Small teams will work collaboratively with local conservationist and community groups to help launch new sustainable initiatives and development plans, including attracting investment to nurture nature land plots.
Sustainable Development Goals Addressed
#6
Clean Water and Sanitation
#12
Responsible Consumption and Production
#13
Climate Action
#15
Life on Land
#17
Partnerships for the Goals
Project Overview
During this project, students work with Cambodia Rural Student Trust on its flagship Project G: Empowering Girls program to bring women’s health education and sustainable feminine hy-giene solutions to girls in rural Cambodia. Students work in small teams to design and imple-ment content delivery strategies to rural communities.
Sustainable Development Goals Addressed
#1
No Poverty
#3
Good Health and Well-Being
#4
Quality Education
#5
Gender Equality
#8
Decent work and Economic Growth
#10
Reduced Inequalities
#17
Partnerships for the Goals
Project Overview
Students will develop recommendations for Philippine-based construction companies to promote and develop sustainable practices throughout their value chains. The results of the project will be used by Habitat for Humanity International to launch and implement business mod-els that help low-income communities improve their housing conditions through better access to information, skills, materials, and financing.
Sustainable Development Goals Addressed
#3
Good Health and Well-Being
#8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
#9
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
#11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
#12
Responsible Consumption and Production
#13
Climate Action
#17
Partnerships for the Goals