Cádiz International Research Program

Student Application Deadline: 11:00pm on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Recommendation letters must be received by 11:00pm on Monday, November 13, 2023.

About the Program

The Cádiz International Research program is a collaboration between the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Cádiz, in Cádiz, Spain. This nine-week, residential, intensive research experience is open to undergraduate and graduate students seeking hands-on research experience in preparation for advanced study and professional careers.

Under the direction of UTC and UCA faculty mentors and program administrators, student scholars complete a research project, explore the city of Cádiz and surrounding cultural sites, and build community with students from around the world. The program culminates with presentation of research findings at the UTC Undergraduate Research Conference in the fall semester. Undergraduate and graduate students across all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Students with a strong desire to pursue research-centered careers at the doctoral level are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Terms and Conditions

Students selected to participate in the Program:

1. Will not be enrolled in coursework (i.e., take courses for credit) during the summer 2024 term.
2. Must attend mandatory pre-departure orientations in May 2024.
3. Are required to complete pre-departure training modules (administered via Canvas) in May 2024.

There are no exceptions to the terms listed above. This program requires full-time commitment. Students who plan to pursue summer employment, internships, or other activities should NOT apply for this program.

Eligibility

Please read the eligibility criteria and program participant responsibilities carefully before applying.

BEFORE you apply for this program make sure you meet ALL of the following criteria.

Applicant must…

• be an active, currently enrolled UTC graduate student or undergraduate student.
• be a full-time, degree-seeking graduate student or undergraduate student in good academic and judicial standing at the time of application, and during the program.
• Currently have a 3.0 UTC GPA or higher.
• be graduating in Fall 2024 or later. 
• must be registered for at least 12 credit hours during the Fall 2024 semester.

Preference will be given to students without prior study abroad experience, first-generation college students, and students from underrepresented, underserved populations.

Undergraduate Applicants must have completed freshman year by spring 2024.

* Students who participated in the 2023 Cádiz program are not eligible to apply/participate in the 2024 program.

Award and Duration

The program runs from late May - late July. Participants will complete post-experience activities until mid-August.

Cádiz Research Scholars Receive:

• student stipend (paid as student compensation with fringe benefits and payroll taxes deducted).
• Funds to defray the costs of airfare.
• Housing and transfers.
• Funds to defray costs associated with the research activity – e.g., supplies, printing, etc.

Important Note: Personal travel, especially travel outside the program start and ends dates is NOT covered by this award.

Program Responsibilities and Expectations

What Cádiz Research Scholars Do

Major program activities and assignments are listed below. This list is not an exhaustive list. Additional activities and assignments may be added to the program schedule at the discretion of faculty mentors and program Coordinators.

Cádiz Research Scholars Will…

• Dedicate full-time effort to research with their mentors in Spain.
• Attend weekly research seminars.
• Share research progress through short presentations and writing assignments.
• Prepare documents for future careers including a CV.
• Complete pre-departure training via Canvas.
• Present research findings at the UTC Fall Research Conference (in August 2023).
• Submit post experience reporting materials via Canvas.
• Present at the 2024 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference.

Required Application Materials

BEFORE YOU APPLY...

Review the above terms and conditions, eligibility, and scholar responsibilities thoroughly before submitting an application.

Required Application Materials:

Save all application materials (items 1,2,3 below) as PDF or Microsoft Word files. You will submit your statement, CV or resume, and unofficial transcripts with the electronic application.

1. Statement of Interest. Submitted with the e-application form.
   The statement should address the 4 items listed below.
   • Background Information: Include your major, academic interests, extra/co-curricular activities, involvement in clubs and organizations, and any other non-academic information or accomplishments you wish to share.
   • Why do you want to participate in this program, and how do you see your participation “fitting in” with current and future academic and professional goals?
   • What can you contribute to this program? Describe your skills relevant to this experience. For example, you may address your time-management, communication, or organizational skills.
   • How do you plan to manage your time and balance the research with other aspects of the program?
2. A copy of your CV or Resume. Submitted with the e-application form.
3. Unofficial transcripts. Submitted with the e-application form.
4. Two recommendation Letters. Recommenders will submit the letters to the Office for URaCE. See more information about this process below.

Recommendation Letters: Applicants will submit the names and e-mail addresses for both recommenders in the e-application form. Once the application is submitted, recommenders will receive an email with instructions to submit letters directly to the Office for URaCE. Make certain you discuss the letter submission process and deadline (Nov. 13) with your advisor/mentor prior to submitting an application. Note that if you submit your application just before on the application deadline date your advisor/mentor will have only one week to submit the support letter. Please make sure to plan accordingly.

Graduate Students: The thesis or dissertation advisor must be one of the recommenders.

Undergraduate Students: if you are currently participating in undergraduate research, your research mentor must be one of your recommenders. Other acceptable recommenders include UTC professors, UTC administrators or staff, and other professionals who can speak to your skills, and fit for the program.

How to Apply

1. Contact your faculty recommenders, and inform them that the deadline to submit a recommendation letter is Nov. 13, 2023.
2. Prepare and gather all application materials listed above. Save the files in PDF or Microsoft Word file formats.
3. Submit an online application (You will submit the statement, CV, and transcripts with the e-application form). 

Applications must be submitted by 11:00 PM on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Applicants will receive a confirmation message once an application has been submitted. Late submissions will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review and Selection

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel composed of UTC and University of Cadiz faculty and administrators, and each will be evaluated using a standardized rubric. Awardees will be notified of the outcome via email in February 2024.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Office for URaCE.

For questions about the Cádiz Research Program, please contact Amy Campbell: [email protected] or 423-425-4478

Cádiz 2023 Participants

Cádiz 2022 Participants