Background

The Global Challenge Program is designed to develop students' awareness of responsibility and patriotism in helping build a community with a shared future for mankind, enriching their international experiences, and broadening their global vision.

In 2024, the School of Design successfully initiated the Global Challenge Program -Vulnerability Assessment of Climate Change and Practice of Climate Adaptive Development in Bulgarian Rural Areas, which will lead the students of Shanghai Jiao Tong University to the "Country of Roses" - Bulgaria, to conduct in-depth cooperation with local universities, research institutions, governments/non-governmental organizations, and other parties. The working language of the project is English, and Professor Shengquan Che of the School of Design serves as the project leader.

About the Project

Bulgaria is the bridgehead for the "Belt and Road" strategic cooperation. The project team has held three Global Challenge Programs focusing on rural revitalization in Bulgaria in 2018, 2019, and 2021, leading over 40 Chinese and Bulgarian students to conduct in-depth and comprehensive research and comprehensive evaluations on rural development in Bulgaria, and proposing development strategies and planning suggestions. The research achievements have won the second prize of the "Zhixing Cup" in Shanghai, the special prize for social practice at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and have published one monograph. The achievements have also been highly recognized by the educational counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria and the Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of Bulgaria.

Project Content

The project team will collaborate with local universities and professional institutions in Bulgaria to conduct in-depth research for approximately 10 days, aiming at assessing the vulnerability of rural climate change. This will involve visiting local governments, collecting data, analyzing current issues, and comprehensively evaluating the vulnerability of rural climate change in Bulgaria based on theoretical learning and literature review. Subsequently, strategies for rural climate adaptation development will be proposed. The specific contents include:

l  Conducting theoretical learning and literature review in the early stage to develop research plans and research protocols.

l  Completing field research, data processing, and comprehensive assessments, and compiling research and evaluation reports.

l  Developing practical and innovative solutions for rural climate adaptation development.

l  Encouraging team members to create posters, videos, or other forms of outputs and organizing a project achievement exhibition.

Cooperative Organizations

Professional Institutions:

l  The European Network for Rural Development

l  Association for the Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European Countries

Research Institutes and Universities

l  Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

l  Institute of Agricultural Economics, Sofia

l  University of National and World Economy

l  Agricultural University – Plovdiv

Recruitment Candidates

8-10 undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Recruitment Requirements

(1) Basic requirements: Good English communication skills; strong cross-cultural teamwork abilities; enthusiasm for the subject content and international practice, as well as relevant knowledge background.

(2) Related fields (including but not limited to the following): Environmental Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Urban Governance, International Relations, Computer Science, etc.

(3) Additional bonus points: Understanding of the language and culture of relevant countries; familiarity with web and social media design; proficiency in photography and video editing techniques; experience in documentary film production.

Schedule

(1) Training selection and project launch meeting: June 2024 (specific time will be notified by email).

(2) Technical training for field research: June or July 2024 (specific time will be notified by email).

(3) Summer social practice camp: late August 2024, lasting for 10 days.

Recruitment Process

June 15th: Deadline for student application.

June 16th - 19th: Collect application materials and organize interviews for shortlisted students.

Before June 20th: Confirmation of the project members (applicants will be notified by email).

Application Materials

(1) Personal resume in both Chinese and English.

(2) Academic transcript.

(3) Passport information page.

Contact for Enrollment

Assoc. Prof. Ling Wang, Email: wwlling@sjtu.edu.cn

Fees

This project is supported by SJTU. During the project operation, the international airfare, insurance, local transportation, accommodation, and food costs arising from the program related activities for the participating students will be borne by the project team. Other expenses need to be borne by the students themselves.