Program Overview

Introduction to the Global Projects Program

The Global Projects Program is a transformative component of The WPI Plan, immersing student teams into local communities to make a tangible, long-term impact in the world. This program is an internationally recognized part of WPI's project-based learning model, ensuring all students have access to global project experiences.

Program Overview

• The Global Projects Program is designed to provide students with real-world, hands-on experiences in new cultures, tackling unstructured problems meaningful to local sponsors in real communities.
• The program includes diverse project centers strategically positioned in locations ranging from large international cities to small mountainside villages.
• Students can participate in language immersion and exchange programs, as well as humanities and arts projects, alongside interdisciplinary and major capstone projects.

Global Project Centers

• WPI has over 50 global project centers on six continents.
• These centers host undergraduate students for off-campus project experiences, including the Humanities & Arts Requirement (HUA), Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), and Major Qualifying Project (MQP).
• Locations include Worcester, Boston, and international sites such as Albania, Armenia, London, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hawaii, among others.

Program Impact

• The Global Projects Program has a profound impact on students, fostering personal and professional growth through real-world problem-solving experiences.
• A survey of over 2,200 WPI alumni revealed that their project experiences through the Global Projects Program had a lasting impact on their lives and careers.
• The program is recognized for its innovation in international education, with WPI receiving the 2023 IIE Heiskell Award for its commitment to making global project experiences accessible to all students.

Projects and Research

• Students engage in a variety of projects, from environmental conservation to societal issues, using research methods and collaborating with local communities and organizations.
• The program allows students to develop impactful IQPs that deepen their understanding of native ecosystems, cultures, and technologies.
• Examples of projects include addressing litter problems, working on water resource challenges, and participating in language immersion programs.

Recognition and Awards

• WPI is ranked among the top U.S. schools for study abroad, with the fifth highest rate of undergraduate student participation in study abroad programs among leading U.S. doctoral universities.
• The university's project-based learning curriculum and the Global Projects Program have been featured in various publications, highlighting innovations in first-year programs and international higher education.

About WPI and The Global School

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is committed to providing a distinctive education through its project-based learning model.
• The Global School at WPI oversees the Global Projects Program, ensuring that students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on, project-based learning experiences off campus, both domestically and internationally.