Apply now for the UCLA 2016 Summer Research Program in Beijing, China

UCLA students in sciences, engineering, and health sciences are eligible for a ten-week program to participate in advanced research in science or engineering while gaining valuable international experience during the summer quarter at Peking University.

“I was able to tread through the world of science and Chinese culture. Beijing also became like another home, where I learned from excellent mentors and enjoyed many meals with friends.” - Diane V., 2015 cohort

Program description 

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. On weekends and evenings, students also have the opportunity to take Chinese classes and go sightseeing in and around Beijing.

Program Dates

June 20 – August 26, 2016

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
Sightseeing and cultural excursions on weekends (on own)

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 $4 - 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 students in the sciences, engineering, and health sciences.
Undergraduate applicants
o 2nd, 3rd or 4th year at the time of applying
o minimum 3.0 GPA
Graduate applicants
o minimum 3.3 GPA
• Applicants must have demonstrated experience performing research in a laboratory at UCLA.
• When reviewing graduate student applications, preference will be given to applicants who have applied for NSF East Asia Pacific Summer Institute funding (deadline to apply for NSF funding is 11/12/2015)
• Commitment to spending ten weeks at Peking University during summer 2016
• There is no Chinese language requirement.

Application Process

Online application process:
• Visit: http://ucla.in/1Gh7FwF
• Upload CV or resume
• Reference Letter: You will be asked to submit the name and email of a UCLA faculty member. Once entered, the will be prompted to submit a letter of reference. It is preferred that the UCLA faculty member you chose is an advisor who can speak to your research experience.
• Identify name of a PKU faculty member in whose lab you would be interested to work. If your area of research is not listed we can assist in finding a match. If you would like guidance on the selection, please email: hakim@international.ucla.edu.
• Upload a personal statement, including 1) your research interests and goals and 2) why this experience in China is important to you.

Selection Process

• Selected applicants will interview with a JRI committee.
• Applicants will be notified in February.

Preparations

• JRI holds two information sessions at UCLA: mid-March and early June.
• Chinese 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 $4 - 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. Students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for this scholarship.

Funding Resources

• NSF East Asia Pacific Summer Institute funding (graduate student only). Deadline to apply for NSF funding is November 12, 2015
• UCLA International Education Office
• 100,000 Strong Scholarship

Deadline

11:59 pm Friday, February 5, 2016

For more information, please contact: