The Winter Institute
Experience social work through a global lens
The Winter Institute offers Crown Family School master’s students an opportunity to study abroad in collaboration with Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Peking University. This two-week intensive program, held in Hong Kong and Vietnam, explores how different societies address poverty, inequality, and social welfare challenges.
Through lectures, seminars, and site visits to community organizations and government agencies, students gain firsthand insight into the social, economic, and policy contexts that shape human well-being worldwide. Participants engage directly with international peers and faculty, building comparative perspectives that deepen their understanding of social work practice and its global impact.
Explore the details below to learn more about this unique global learning experience.
Below please find top questions about Winter Institute
The Winter Institute is a two-week, intensive study program held in Hong Kong and Vietnam, with collaboration among the University of Chicago, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Peking University. It brings together students from these institutions to explore and compare issues of poverty, inequality, and social welfare in different countries, specifically Hong Kong, mainland China, the US, and Vietnam.
December 7–20, 2025, during finals week and the first week of Winter Break.
Open to second and third-year Social Work master’s students and Social Sector Leadership students in good academic standing.
Deadline: October 10, 2025
You’ll gain an understanding of poverty and inequality across different countries, skills to analyze social policies and practices comparatively, firsthand exposure through field visits, cross-cultural collaboration, and broadened perspectives.
Submit your application through MyCrown by the posted deadline.
What costs are included for participants?
The Global Program at Crown Family School covers:
- hotel accommodations (double occupancy) in Hong Kong and Hanoi
- meals: daily breakfast and two to three group meals
- all group local transportation
- airfare from Hong Kong to Hanoi
- all fees for scheduled visits and program activities in both cities.
What costs are not included for participants?
Students are responsible for the following expenses:
- airfare to Hong Kong and from Hanoi
- meals: most lunches and dinners
- visa fees for Vietnam and Hong Kong (if applicable)
- transportation outside of scheduled program activities
- miscellaneous personal expenses.
Participants can expect a mix of lectures, seminars, field visits, and collaborative projects.
Students will learn about the causes and responses to social problems like poverty, migration, affordable housing, and child and family welfare. The program is designed to provide both local insights (from Hong Kong and Vietnam) and a broader comparative perspective, preparing students to understand and analyze social welfare issues across various contexts.