Study in Japan Virtual Fair 2023
Interested in studying in Japan? 'Study in Japan Virtual Fair 2023', organized by JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization), provides details on various courses, scholarships and universities available for international students. It also gives an overview of the Japanese education system, visa requirements and living expenses. Japan is known for its rich cultural heritage, advanced technology and high-quality education, making it an ideal destination for students seeking a unique and enriching academic experience. Students from HKU who are interested in studying in Japan are welcome CLICK HERE to explore the opportunities available!
Generative AI in Education
Generative AI in Education Opportunities, Challenges and Future Directions in Asia and the Pacific An APRU-Microsoft Collaboration Project Background Generative AI tools — such as ChatGPT and DALL.E2 — based on large language models (LLMs) are now both widely available and capable of rapid production of various types of new content including text and images that can be difficult to distinguish from human-produced content. Such tools are quickly being embedded into widely-used digital platforms that underpin internet browsing, search engines, content production (e.g., word processing and presentation software) and virtual digital assistants. The use of such AI systems in education has quickly risen to global attention, as they offer an intriguing combination of opportunities to support and enhance learning, whilst at the same time raising major concerns around academic integrity, privacy, bias and ethics of use. These issues, together with the speed of their on-going refinement and development point to genuine uncertainty about the longer-term extent of impact of generative AI on teaching, learning and research, and the possibility of causing considerable disruption to the higher education sector. Universities are currently grappling with these implications, and medium- and longer-term strategies will require a better shared understanding of these tools: how they work and how to balance risks and benefits. Project Vision In response to these challenges and opportunities and to address the knowledge gap around AI and higher education, APRU with support from Microsoft are embarking on a multi-phase collaboration. The project will provide a venue for exploration, discussion and sharing best practices for the use of AI in higher education. The collaboration will also attempt to reimagine learning assisted by AI and to ideate potential solutions and tools that can support the APRU universities and their key stakeholders as they navigate and shape the future of higher education in the era of generative AI. Aims & Objectives The aim of the APRU–Microsoft collaboration is to establish a network of APRU stakeholders who are interested in being proactive about AI and higher education to: create a “baseline snapshot” of how AI is used across our institutions and draw out best practices and case studies, supported by quantitative data, institutional assessments, etc.; gain deeper understanding of the a) opportunities and challenges generative AI may have on higher education and b) identify specific needs and potential knowledge gaps with a specific focus on equity and inclusion; identify potential approaches, solutions or tools to address needs and knowledge gaps. The current Call for Contributions of case studies relates to the first of these aims above. Why Participate Active engagement with this project will provide members the opportunity to engage in collective, reflective thinking and analysis of the core challenges universities are confronted with due to generative AI. This call out and resulting project activities will act as catalysts for deeper thinking towards the ideation of potential solutions and tools identifying potential approaches for addressing immediate challenges and fundamental transformations universities have been facing in the era of generative AI. Case studies, workshops as well as data and insights collated and synthesized as part of this project will be made accessible to members engaging in this project. The resulting white paper will be widely shared amongst members, partners and policy makers. Academic Lead The academic lead for the project is Professor Simon Bates, University of British Columbia (UBC). Call for Contributions If you are interested in participating in the project, please send an email to goabroad@hku.hk to obtain the specifics and Case Study Contribution Template.
Frontiers Planet Prize 2024: Call for Submission
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is pleased to support the 2nd edition of the Frontiers Planet Prize, an international competition that aims to address the planetary crisis by mobilizing scientists across the world and their breakthrough research, with the greatest potential to stabilize the planet’s ecosystem. Launched by the Frontiers Research Foundation, the Frontiers Planet Prize recognizes and awards a National Champion for each participating country, and three prizes of CHF 1 million each to 3 International Champions, selected by an independent Jury of 100. The prize focuses on addressing any one of the 9 planetary boundaries, as detailed by Professor Johan Rockström, director at the Potsdam Institute of Climate Change, and Owen Gaffney in their book and documentary, Breaking Boundaries. The prize will recognize the best research published in established scientific journals within the past two years (date of acceptance: November 1, 2021 – October 31, 2023), with robust peer review and transparent publication procedures, that fulfil the criteria of the prize. The CHF 1 million prize will be awarded to each International Champion to advance the breakthrough research of the winning research group at an award ceremony taking place in June 2024 in Montreux Switzerland. For any inquiries, please contact Gilbert De Gregorio, Head of Partnerships at the Foundation (gilbert.degregorio@frontiersplanetprize.org). You are also invited to join an upcoming webinar to learn more about the prize, its mission and mechanics.
University of Tübingen: TÜ-VIP (Tübingen - Virtual Intercultural Program) October 2023
Imagine meeting once a week with students from around the world to talk about things that truly matter to you, in real-time! The TÜ-VIP program (Tübingen - Virtual Intercultural Program) (https://uni-tuebingen.de/de/180552) is a 10-week online program offering courses on Sustainability, Politics, Intercultural Communication, German and other language courses, as well as classes on Identity, Culture, and Human Rights. There is also an online buddy program so you can get to know Tübingen and what life is like here. Courses can be taken in addition to your studies at home while opening doors for networking and future careers. TÜ-VIP courses prepare you perfectly for a later stay abroad, possibly at Tübingen University. TÜ-VIP is also open for those returning home after studying here! The TÜ-VIP t is open to students from all over the world, free of charge, and strengthens their employability and global awareness. Also, students can take TÜ-VIP courses alongside their studies as a semester course. Application deadline: September 15, 2023 Dates of classes: October 9 - December 15, 2023 Program fee: Free of charge. ECTS: up to 4 per course. Important info: Students will be able to transfer all ECTS/credit points gained in any TÜ-VIP course to their exchange semester at the University of Tübingen in 2024 or 2024/25. Click here to view all TÜ-VIP October 2023 courses! Click here to apply!
ZEIT Germany - A guide to the academic landscape in Germany
The German academic landscape has changed radically in recent years. Today, universities, research institutes, and industry have a lot to offer: free tuition, scholarships and research funding and a booming job market. However, there are also challenges. The language is as hard to learn as the culture’s oddities. But jumping the hurdles is worth it. DIE ZEIT, Germany’s leading weekly newspaper, has published the unique English spoken magazine ZEIT GERMANY – Study & Research for international students and young scientists as a guiding journal that provides detailed information and testimonial reports about moving to the country for studying and researching, giving at the same time a colorful impression of the German landscape of science, culture, nature and its social diversity. For the individual distribution to the readers, DIE ZEIT is supported by the networks of international offices, e.g. The German Academic Exchange Service, the Goethe-Institutions or the German Federal Foreign Office. The magazine is free of charge. ZEIT GERMANY (2022/2023) - Study & Reserach by ZEIT Magazine - Issuu You may refer to the website to explore more study abroad options.
HKU Mentorship 2023 is now open for applications!
The university-wide Mentorship Programme is designed to build inspirational exchanges, and co-create a mutually enriching friendship between Mentors and Mentees. This programme was established in 1997. Every year, over 500 pairs of mentors and mentees are matched in Hong Kong and globally. 1. Who are the Mentors? Mentors are HKU alumni and friends. From different professional fields and areas of expertise, they are ready to share depth and breadth of experiences. 2. What are the benefits? Through this one-year programme, based in Hong Kong, student Mentees will be matched with a Mentor who becomes a teacher and friend; a listener and advocate; an advisor and coach. Mentors and mentees are matched based on mentees’ aspirations and mentors’ experiences. Start this transformative mentorship journey and make your university life different. Follow our social media (IG, LinkedIn, FB and YouTube) and learn more about the stories of our Mentors and Mentees. 3. How to engage? We encourage mentors and mentees to maintain communications and exchange of ideas via face-to-face meetings, phone calls, emails and text messages as appropriate. A series of events will also be organised by the Mentorship Office throughout the year. Our last 25th Anniversary reunion in June 2023… 4. How to become a Mentee? All full-year incoming exchange students on undergraduate level are eligible to apply. 5. How is the timeline? Deadline for applications: 19 September 2023 (Tue), 23:59 Submit your Online Application NOW (the earlier you apply, the more information & tips you will get to prepare for the interview!) Interview: 25 -29 September 2023 Choose an Interview Session that fits your schedule. Group interviews will be conducted in person. Shortlisted students will get the confirmation email with more details. Matching Result and Induction Session: 14 November 2023 Inauguration: 22 November 2023 IMPORTANT NOTES: This is for applications to 2023-2024 Local HKU Mentorship (based in Hong Kong) Those who were previously matched with a mentor in Hong Kong CANNOT APPLY AGAIN Students will be on exchange within the programme year will not be considered. In this case, you may consider applying to the Mentorship Programme (Overseas) for a mentor in the host country. We look forward to starting the journey with you this year!
Yonsei University - Free 'Online Korean Course Basic 1'
The Korean Language Institute, Yonsei University launched FREE 'Online Korean at Yonsei Basic 1' course. Visit www.learnus.org to sign up! Over 1,800 students from 65 countries are studying Korean Language with 140 instructors on campus. ★Visit www.yskli.com for more information about Yonsei KLI (Korean Language Institute).
Study in Japan Virtual Fair 2023
Interested in studying in Japan? 'Study in Japan Virtual Fair 2023', organized by JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization), provides details on various courses, scholarships and universities available for international students. It also gives an overview of the Japanese education system, visa requirements and living expenses. Japan is known for its rich cultural heritage, advanced technology and high-quality education, making it an ideal destination for students seeking a unique and enriching academic experience. Students from HKU who are interested in studying in Japan are welcome CLICK HERE to explore the opportunities available!
Generative AI in Education
Generative AI in Education Opportunities, Challenges and Future Directions in Asia and the Pacific An APRU-Microsoft Collaboration Project Background Generative AI tools — such as ChatGPT and DALL.E2 — based on large language models (LLMs) are now both widely available and capable of rapid production of various types of new content including text and images that can be difficult to distinguish from human-produced content. Such tools are quickly being embedded into widely-used digital platforms that underpin internet browsing, search engines, content production (e.g., word processing and presentation software) and virtual digital assistants. The use of such AI systems in education has quickly risen to global attention, as they offer an intriguing combination of opportunities to support and enhance learning, whilst at the same time raising major concerns around academic integrity, privacy, bias and ethics of use. These issues, together with the speed of their on-going refinement and development point to genuine uncertainty about the longer-term extent of impact of generative AI on teaching, learning and research, and the possibility of causing considerable disruption to the higher education sector. Universities are currently grappling with these implications, and medium- and longer-term strategies will require a better shared understanding of these tools: how they work and how to balance risks and benefits. Project Vision In response to these challenges and opportunities and to address the knowledge gap around AI and higher education, APRU with support from Microsoft are embarking on a multi-phase collaboration. The project will provide a venue for exploration, discussion and sharing best practices for the use of AI in higher education. The collaboration will also attempt to reimagine learning assisted by AI and to ideate potential solutions and tools that can support the APRU universities and their key stakeholders as they navigate and shape the future of higher education in the era of generative AI. Aims & Objectives The aim of the APRU–Microsoft collaboration is to establish a network of APRU stakeholders who are interested in being proactive about AI and higher education to: create a “baseline snapshot” of how AI is used across our institutions and draw out best practices and case studies, supported by quantitative data, institutional assessments, etc.; gain deeper understanding of the a) opportunities and challenges generative AI may have on higher education and b) identify specific needs and potential knowledge gaps with a specific focus on equity and inclusion; identify potential approaches, solutions or tools to address needs and knowledge gaps. The current Call for Contributions of case studies relates to the first of these aims above. Why Participate Active engagement with this project will provide members the opportunity to engage in collective, reflective thinking and analysis of the core challenges universities are confronted with due to generative AI. This call out and resulting project activities will act as catalysts for deeper thinking towards the ideation of potential solutions and tools identifying potential approaches for addressing immediate challenges and fundamental transformations universities have been facing in the era of generative AI. Case studies, workshops as well as data and insights collated and synthesized as part of this project will be made accessible to members engaging in this project. The resulting white paper will be widely shared amongst members, partners and policy makers. Academic Lead The academic lead for the project is Professor Simon Bates, University of British Columbia (UBC). Call for Contributions If you are interested in participating in the project, please send an email to goabroad@hku.hk to obtain the specifics and Case Study Contribution Template.
08
Oct
Tram Party
08 October, 2023 (Sunday)
7:00 pm – 9:20 pm
HK Island
11
Oct
Information Session: HKU Study Abroad Programmes
11 October, 2023 (Wednesday)
12:30 pm – 1:20 pm
CPD-LG.34
27
Oct
TGIF Gathering
27 October, 2023 (Friday)
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre Restaurant
01
Nov
Information Session: HKU Study Abroad Programmes
01 November, 2023 (Wednesday)
12:30 pm – 1:20 pm
CPD-LG.34