International Relations Office

International Research Attachments (i-RAP)

USA - Summer Research Attachment with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology


What is this programme about?

The NUS – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Summer International Research Exchange provides NUS students with the opportunity to carry out individual research projects with faculty mentors at MIT. This programme allows undergraduates to broaden their research experience with one of NUS’ prestigious partner institutions, and to develop skills in independent thinking and creative ideas. Successful applicants will collaborate with the MIT mentor to define and develop a research project, and conduct their projects over 9 weeks in the summer.

Please note that this programme is currently open only to third-year NUS undergraduates from the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science and School of Computing.


When does the programme take place?

10 June to 9 August, 2013


Where does the programme take place?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

One of the best universities in the world for engineering and technology and a leader in research, MIT celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2011. A pioneer in the concept of the “teaching laboratory”, the Institute is renowned for its approach in combining teaching with applied research.


What is the research content?

Third-year Engineering, Science and Computing students from NUS will participate in a full-time research experience under MIT’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Students can browse the available research opportunities and/or list of desired faculty members to conduct their research under, on the MIT website at: http://mit.edu/urop/research/

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 it include?

MIT will provide NUS participants with the following:

 
  • Free on-campus housing
  • Waiver of Visiting Scholar Fee
  • Waiver of tuition fee
  • Access to on-campus facilities and privileges enjoyed by regular MIT students

 

What is the student accommodation?

Students will be housed in on-campus housing provided by MIT at no cost.


How much does it cost?

Please see below for an estimate of the relevant costs.

Item
Cost
Tuition Fee
Waived
Accommodation
On-campus housing provided by MIT
Food
Approx. SGD 2,800
Materials and Supplies
Approx. SGD 1,250
Airfare
Approx. SGD 2,500
Airport Transfer
(Pre-arranged shared private pick-up service)
SGD 50 (two-way)
Health/Travel Insurance
Approx. SGD 300
Visa
USD 320
(approx. SGD 390)
Miscellaneous Expenditure
(e.g. entertainment, etc.)
SGD 1,500
Total Estimated Cost
Approx. SGD 8,800


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


Is financial assistance available?

MIT will provide free on-campus housing for participants. No additional financial assistance will be available from IRO.


Number of placements available? 5


What are the eligibility requirements?

 
  • Students from the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science and School of Computing who are currently in the third year of their undergraduate studies at NUS.
  • Students should not be in their graduating semester prior to participating in this programme.
  • CAP of 3.0 and above.
  • Please check with your home faculty with regard to additional faculty-specific requirements.

 

Is a visa required?

Yes. MIT 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 Monday, 11 February 2013. Please submit your applications to your faculty coordinators as listed below.

Application Procedure and Required Documents:

 
  • Students are to submit the following documents to their faculty coordinators:
   
  • A personal statement detailing your research interests and relevent experiences.
  • A preferred MIT research area or desired MIT faculty mentor. To identify a research project and/or MIT faculty member, please visit the following webpages:
     
   
  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members of NUS.
  • A copy of your latest unofficial NUS transcript.
 
  • Your faculty will review your application and nominate selected students to IRO.
  • IRO will contact nominated students about the status of their application by early-April 2013.

 

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related enquiries about the programme, please click here or email IRO at: irook@nus.edu.sg

For enquiries about applications and other academic matters, please contact:

Faculty of Engineering
Ms Davina Tham
Office of Undergraduate Programmes
Email: engdtwn@nus.edu.sg

Faculty of Science
Ms LUI Xiang Yun
Dean’s Office
Email: scilxy@nus.edu.sg

School of Computing
Ms ARIFAH
Dean’s Office
Email: comnam@nus.edu.sg


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