2012 Summer Research Scholarships in Beijing, China
Sponsored by the Joint Research Institute in Science and Engineering.
Program dates: June 25, 2012 – August 31, 2012
Eligibility | Funding | Application materials | Deadline | Accommodation | Logistics | Visa for China | Overview and Student Feedback | FAQ
Given the great success of the summer research program in Peking University (PKU) the last two years, the UCLA/PKU Joint Research Institute (JRI) in Science and Engineering will again offer scholarships to UCLA students for the 2012 Summer Research Program at Peking University in Beijing, China. The ten week program between June 25 and August 31, 2012 is designed for UCLA students to participate in advanced research in science and engineering while gaining valuable international experience during the summer period. Each student is required to work in a research lab fulltime with PKU faculty and graduate students on research projects jointly designed by their advisors at PKU and UCLA. They also have the opportunity to take 4-hour Chinese classes every week and to participate in various sightseeing tours in and around Beijing during the weekends.
Eligibility
UCLA undergraduate and graduate students in the sciences, engineering, and medicine are eligible to apply. Undergraduate applicants should be in their 3rd of 4th year at the time of applying, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Graduate students should have a minimum GPA of 3.3. For the 2012 program, JRI anticipates to support up to 12 students.
No prior Chinese language background required.
Funding
Students selected for this program will be reimbursed a roundtrip airfare to Beijing (from Los Angeles or San Francisco) and provided living expenses up to 7000RMB to cover meals and PKU dormitory costs. UCLA will provide a supplementary scholarship of $2,000 for each undergraduate student and $3,000 for each graduate student.
Research scholarship funds are to be applied towards estimated costs for roundtrip airfare, visa, meals, PKU campus housing, and program excursions.
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For undergraduate students, the scholarship will include $2,000 USD provided by UCLA and 100 RMB daily living allowance (up to 7,000 RMB maximum) and reimbursement for roundtrip airfare;
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For graduate students, the scholarship will be $3,000 USD provided by UCLA and 100 RMB daily living allowance (up to 7,000 RMB maximum) and reimbursement for roundtrip airfare.
The stipend in $USD will be disbursed in late June. The daily living allowance and airfare reimbursement will be disbursed after arrival in China. Airfare reimbursement will be for roundtrip flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Beijing. Selected students must arrange for airfare, visa, and other miscellaneous travel costs in advance of the program and wait for later reimbursement.
Application materials
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Letter of recommendation from one of JRI's UCLA faculty
(if your UCLA advisor is not on this list, please ask him/her to contact JRI co-director Prof. Jason Cong at cong@cs.ucla.edu to join JRI);
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The name of a PKU faculty member with whom the student would like to work over the summer;
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Resume;
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Personal statement indicating research interests and commitment to spend at least ten weeks at PKU during summer 2012.
Deadline
The deadline to apply has passed, but was February 5, 2012.
If you have any question regarding the program, please contact:
Larissa Harrison
UCLA-PKU Joint Research Institute Program Coordinator at UCLA
lharrison@international.ucla.edu
Your information will then be reviewed by a JRI faculty committee and you will be notified of the committee's decision by February 20.
Accommodation
Students will stay in the dormitory for international students at Peking University. Dorms consist of standard double rooms with private bathroom and a common room. Amenities include TV, air conditioning, and internet.
Logistics
There will be a pre-departure information session for all prospective students, including Chinese languages courses to be arranged.
Visa for China
Students will be required to procure an F visa for entrance into China for the purpose of studying. Please make sure that your passport has at least six months of remaining validity. JRI will provide an admissions letter and proof of accommodation, which are required for F visa. Once you have booked your flight, you will need to visit the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles to submit the visa application material
Overview and Student Feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is designed for UCLA students to participate in advanced research in science and engineering while gaining valuable international experience during the summer period. Each student is required to work in a research lab fulltime with PKU faculty and graduate students on research projects jointly designed by their advisors at PKU and UCLA. They also have the opportunity to take 4-hour Chinese classes every week and to participate in various sightseeing tours in and around Beijing during the weekends.
Q: Who is the program open to?
A: UCLA undergraduate and graduate students in the sciences, engineering, and medicine are eligible to apply. Undergraduate applicants should be entering their 3rd or 4th year with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Graduate students should have a minimum GPA of 3.3. For a list of available departments and research options at PKU, visit the PKU faculty page on the JRI website: www.pku-jri.ucla.edu/people/pku.asp
Q: Do I have to speak Chinese?
A: No. Chinese language background is not a requirement. Accepted students will have Chinese lessons in the Spring quarter based on proficiency, absolute beginner - advanced.
Q: How can I prepare now for getting into the 2012 Summer Exchange?
A: Familiarize yourself with JRI’s faculty members, both at UCLA and PKU.
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Identify research being done by PKU faculty that interests you and fits with your studies.
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You can familiarize yourself with JRI’s UCLA faculty members in your department and express your interest. If your advisor or recommender is not a JRI member, consider asking them to join.
Q: When can I apply for Summer 2012?
A: Applications will be accepted starting in January with a deadline in February.
Q: How many spaces are there?
A: There are 12 spaces.
Q: What might I need for my application?
A:
Q: Who should I contact for more information?
A: Please contact Larissa Harrison, UCLA-PKU Joint Research Institute Program Coordinator at UCLA by email at lharrison@international.ucla.edu