This ten-week program is designed for UCLA students to participate in advanced research in science or engineering while gaining valuable international experience during the summer period. Each participant joins a research lab full-time with Peking University (PKU) faculty and graduate student mentors to work on projects jointly designed with their UCLA adviser.  Students also have the opportunity to take Chinese classes and go sightseeing in and around Beijing.

2015 Program

Dates: June 22 – August 28

Program Expectations

Research

·       Project arranged prior to arrival at PKU

·      Full-time research at PKU

·       2 progress reports

·       1 final report

·       Closing presentation

o   PowerPoint

o   Scientific poster

Chinese language learning

·       Chinese class in Spring quarter at UCLA

·       Chinese class in Summer at PKU

Opportunities for sightseeing and cultural excursions on weekends

Details

Students apply to the summer program with an idea of the research they would like to do at Peking University, and the faculty members with whom they would like to work.  Once selected, JRI finalizes lab placement for each student.  Students spend Spring quarter preparing by taking the arranged Chinese class and communicating with their PKU lab on a research project and expectations.  Participants arrive by the start date, attend orientation together, and stay in safe, comfortable pre-arranged accommodations.

Cost

Estimated total expense is $5,000 for the 10-week program.​ Expenses include airfare, lodging, food, local transportation, and small incidentals (such as text books or gym membership). All costs, except housing, are at individual discretion. See Financial Support section below.

Eligibility

UCLA undergraduate and graduate students in the sciences, engineering, and medicine

Undergraduate applicants

·       3rd or 4th year at the time of applying

·       minimum 3.0 GPA

Graduate applicants

·       minimum 3.3 GPA

Applicants must have demonstrated experience performing research in a laboratory at UCLA.

No Chinese language  required.

Preparations

·       JRI holds two information sessions at UCLA: mid-March and early June.

·       Visa:

o   Non-Chinese students need an ‘F’ visa for entrance into China for the purpose of studying.

o   Once students purchase plane tickets, they arrange their own passports and visas, including costs, through the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles: visa application material. 

o   JRI provides an admissions letter and proof of accommodation, required for ‘F’ visa.

** Passport must have 6 months remaining validity at time of applying for visa.

Flights

·       Students are responsible for purchasing plane tickets.

Housing

·       JRI coordinates lodging on or near PKU campus.

·       Students are expected to live together in pre-arranged housing, which may be a dorm or local hotel.

Financial Support

Estimated total expense is $5,000 for the 10-week program.

• $3,500  awards available for a limited number of students, based on academic merit. Financial need may also be considered.

• ​PKU has $500 stipends to cover local expenses for scholarship students. 

Application Process

·       online application and interview

o http://apply.international.ucla.edu/User/ViewForm.aspx?appID=807

With:

o   CV or resume

o   Reference letter from a UCLA faculty member, preferably an advisor who can speak to your research experience. 

o   Name of a PKU faculty member in whose lab you would be interested to work.

o   Personal statement, including

1.       your research interests and goals

2.       why this experience in China is important to you

3.       commitment to spending ten weeks at Peking University during summer 2015

·       Selected applicants will interview with a JRI committee.

Additional funding resources

·       UCLA International Education Office, http://ieo.ucla.edu/scholarships

·       100,000 Strong Scholarship, http://ieo.ucla.edu/scholarships/china

Deadline

11:59pm Monday February 23, 2015

For more information, please contact:

Larissa Harrison

lharrison@international.ucla.edu