The Global Projects Program offers WPI students the opportunity to complete a project at one of WPI’s off-campus project sites. Some centers are residential, with students traveling to and living on site for an entire term, while others offer the opportunity to complete an off-campus project in Worcester, Boston, or other nearby communities. Project work conducted at these sites provides teams of students with extraordinary opportunities to learn by addressing real-world problems provided by industry, non-profit, non-governmental or government agencies.
The application process for these programs begins in the fall with the Global Fair. At the Fair, IQP, MQP, HUA and exchange program directors will be available to talk with students. Typically, students apply in Term A of the year preceding the year in which they would like to participate. Further information is available at the Global Experience Office in the Project Center or at https://www.wpi.edu/student-experience/resources/off-campus-projects.
The Global Experience Office strives to create project opportunities for all WPI students, but many project sites are in high demand and students are not guaranteed a placement at their most desired site. Accepted students must complete a series of pre-departure orientations and submit required paperwork to be eligible to travel.
All students accepted to an off-campus IQP Center will be registered for the preparation courses (ID 2050 and PQP) in the term immediately preceding their planned term of travel. Some preparation begins as early as two terms prior to departure. Students must be making satisfactory progress in their academic coursework in order to participate. Students must also follow all policies and procedures for off-campus projects which are overseen by the Global Experience Office: https://www.wpi.edu/student-experience/resources/off-campus-projects/policies.
Prior to leaving campus for a project program site, each student is required to complete a project registration form.