Overview
This is a two-phase leadership development program designed to enhance the leadership and decision-making skills of Macao students, while fostering a spirit of social care and helpfulness. The program culminates in a trekking and service-learning expedition in the Himalayas.
Objectives
- Enhance students' leadership and decision-making abilities.
- Cultivate a spirit of social care and helpfulness.
- Help students understand their own capabilities and learn to contribute to a team.
Timeline & Structure
Phase 1: Pre-departure Training
- Dates: April 24 – June 21, 2015
- Location: Macao and Hong Kong
- Content: Briefing sessions, outdoor leadership training, physical fitness assessment and training, basic outdoor self-care, hiking safety, camping, field fundamentals, and service-learning theory/practice.
- Quota: 20 students.
Phase 2: Nepal Trekking & Service Learning
- Dates: July 31 – August 23, 2015 (24 days total)
- Location: Annapurna Circuit, Himalayas, Nepal.
- Content: Briefings, outdoor leadership training, basic outdoor self-care, high-altitude hiking safety, field fundamentals, learning about highland ethnic cultures. Approximately 2 weeks of mountain trekking and 3 days of service learning.
- Quota: 15 students selected based on comprehensive performance in Phase 1.
Eligibility
- Holders of a Macao Resident Identity Card.
- Full-time students pursuing a higher diploma or bachelor's degree in Macao or overseas (excluding final-year graduates from bachelor's programs of 4 years or more).
Application & Selection
Application Deadline: March 9, 2015
Required Documents (uploaded online, max 1024KB each):
- Macao Resident Identity Card (both sides)
- Student ID copy (both sides)
- Academic transcripts for 2014/2015 and all college years (or high school transcripts for freshmen)
- Statement of purpose and expectations for the program
- Health certificate signed and stamped by a registered Macao doctor
- Letter of recommendation (optional)
- Proof of mountaineering training (optional)
Selection Process
Phase 1: A selection committee will evaluate applicants through:
- Resume analysis (top performers proceed to interview)
- Interview
Phase 2: 15 participants will be chosen from Phase 1 completers based on overall performance.
Fees & Financials
- Participation Fee for Phase 2: MOP 6,000.00
- Covered by the Macao SAR Government: All training costs, round-trip airfare between Macao and Kathmandu, accommodation, meals, local transport, and travel insurance during the program.
Participant Obligations
- Attend the pre-departure meeting and the final sharing session.
- Pre-departure Meeting: July 16, 2015
- Final Sharing Session: August 25, 2015
- Submit a reflective report of no less than 1,000 words after the program.
Important Notes
- Students are responsible for obtaining and paying for their Nepalese visa.
- Phase 2 involves high-altitude trekking with associated health risks (e.g., altitude sickness). Students must assess their own health.
- Macao students studying outside Macao may be exempted from Phase 1 by submitting proof of mountaineering training for committee review.
- The selection committee may request additional documents.
The Higher Education Services Office reserves the right to modify and interpret the program regulations.
