International Research Attachments (i-RAP)

USA: California Institute of Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)

What is this programme about?

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) immerses participants into the various aspects of conducting real-world research. Working under the guidance of seasoned research faculty, students experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity.

SURF is modeled on the grant-seeking process:

	Students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project. Applicants write research proposals for their projects. A faculty committee reviews the proposals and recommends awards. Students carry out the work over a 10-week period in the summer, mid-June to late August.

For more details about SURF, visit the programme website at: http://www.surf.caltech.edu/

When does the programme take place?

Students will negotiate the exact start and end dates with their Caltech SURF mentor.  Projects must:

	Have a duration of 10 weeks. Start no earlier than 3rd June 2013. End no later than 27th September 2013.

Students who wish to conduct research beyond the first week of August 2013 MUST consult your faculty about seeking approval for Leave Of Absence (LOA) from your studies at NUS.

Where does the programme take place?

California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA

What is the academic content?

Students will embark on a full-time research experience in Engineering and the Sciences. At the conclusion of the program, they submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation at SURF Seminar Day, a symposium modeled on a professional technical meeting.

Other SURF activities are offered to enrich the research experience:

	Weekly seminars by Caltech faculty and technical staff. A professional development series. Grad School Series. Journal Club. Social and cultural activities coordinated by the SURF Student Advisory Council (SURFSAC). Weekly SURFSAC Suppers with small groups and faculty. Special field trips.

Academic credit MAY be available. Students interested in obtaining credit must work with their faculty for credit mapping. IRO does not apply for credit transfer on the students’ behalf.

What does the programme fee include?

There is no programme fee levied for the SURF programme. All successful applicants will receive funding from Caltech through the SURF programme.

What is the student accommodation?

Students may live in on-campus housing during the 10 weeks of SURF, and will receive a housing registration weblink after their acceptance into the programme. Non-Caltech students will be required to purchase a meal card for use at Caltech eateries. Please note that there are no campus eateries open in the evenings or on weekends.

For more information on Caltech housing, click here: http://www.housing.caltech.edu/undergrad/

How much does it cost?

Please see below for an estimate of the relevant costs.

Item	Cost
Accommodation (on-campus housing, single room) Note: Rates are for 2012. Please see Caltech Housing website for 2013 summer rates.	USD $2,600 (approx. SGD 3,250)
Food	Approx. SGD 3,000
Materials and Supplies	Approx. SGD 1,300
Airfare (SIN-LAX)	Approx. SGD $2,200
Airport Transfer (Pre-arranged shared private pick-up service)	SGD 50 (two-way)
Travel Insurance	Approx. SGD 315
Visa	USD $320 (approx. SGD 400)
Miscellaneous Expenditure (e.g. entertainment, etc.)	SGD 1,900
Total Estimated Cost	Approx. SGD 12,415

 

Please note, these are estimated expenses and actual expenses may differ based on price shifts and personal spending habits!

Is financial assistance available?

All successful applicants will receive a SURF award from Caltech OR their research mentor, worth USD $600 per week. SURF has extremely limited funding for non-Caltech students, and in most cases, mentors will have to pay the full award amount. No additional financial assistance will be available from IRO.

Number of placements available?

There is no pre-determined limit on the number of placements available to NUS students.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Students from Engineering and Science majors, who have completed at least one year of study at NUS prior to participating in this programme. Students should not be in their graduating semester prior to participating in this programme. GPA of 2.5/4.0 (equivalent to CAP of 3.2) and above. Additional requirements as stipulated by Caltech: http://www.surf.caltech.edu/applicants/application/international.html

 

Is a visa required?

Yes. Caltech will assist in providing documentation needed to apply for a visa.

Students are to consult the Embassy of the United States in Singapore to determine the visa application procedures required for their participation in the programme.

U. S. Embassy, Singapore
27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have proper entry documents for all countries they plan to visit as part of this programme!

How do I apply?

Application deadline is Friday, 15 February 2012.

Applications and Required Documents:

	Students are to complete the IRO Programme Application Form. Submit your application form, together with a copy of your latest unofficial transcript, to IRO via email: irook@nus.edu.sg Follow the application process for Caltech SURF as listed on this webpage.
		Identify a Caltech SURF project and mentor by visiting the Caltech website or this webpage. Establish a discussion with your potential SURF mentor to develop and define your research project. Prepare your research proposal and three confidential letters of recommendation from faculty members. Complete an online Caltech SURF application.

 

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related enquiries about the programme, please click here.