Apply now for the 2020 UCLA Summer Research Program in China

UCLA students in sciences, engineering, and health sciences are eligible for a 10-week program to participate in advanced research in science or engineering while gaining valuable international experience during the summer quarter at Peking University.

"The JRI program is more than research and culture exchange. It's about finding yourself and learning where you belong (and also meeting friends that feel like family)." Hee Joon C., 2019 cohort

Program description 

This 10-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. Students travel to Peking University (PKU) where each participant joins a research lab full-time with PKU faculty and graduate student mentors to work on a jointly designed project. Throughout the week students take Chinese language and cultural classes. On weekends and evenings, students also have the opportunity to go sightseeing in and around Beijing.

Watch UCLA students share their experience participating in the JRI Summer Research Program: https://youtu.be/LABoko9nWgo

Program Dates

June 22 - August 29, 2020

Peking University, Beijing, China for 10-week Summer Research Program

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.
• Commitment to spending ten weeks at Peking University during summer 2020.
• There is no Chinese language requirement.

Application Process

Online application process:
• Visit: https://ucla.in/2OyoKQY
• 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 early March.

Preparations

• JRI holds two information sessions at UCLA: April and early June.
• Chinese visa:
o Non-Chinese students need an ‘X2’ 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 ‘X2’ 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 based on academic merit. Financial need may also be considered.

Other Funding Resources

• UCLA International Education Office

Deadline

11:59 pm Monday, February 3, 2020

For more information, please contact: