Undergraduate Research Summer Study Abroad Program

This program features exciting study abroad locations, and the opportunity to engage in intensive research as part of the study abroad experience. The program is open to undergraduate students seeking hands-on, international, research experience in preparation for advanced study and professional careers. Program participants are eligible to apply for an Office of Study Abroad scholarship to offset a portion of the program costs. Students without prior research experience, first-generation college students, and students from underrepresented and underserved populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Summer 2024 Locations and Programs

1. SFS PANAMA- TROPICAL ISLAND ECOSYSTEMS: THE HUMAN IMPACT

From the SFS website- Study abroad in Panama and immerse yourself in the dynamic community of Bocas del Toro. Snorkel and hike through the diverse environments of Bocas – from coral reefs and mangroves to beaches and rainforests – and study human impacts, such as tourism, on the island’s ecosystems and communities. Meet the local residents who depend on both tourism and natural resources and learn about current approaches to sustainable development in the archipelago.

Dates: This is a 4-week program, which runs from June 2 - July 2, 2024

2. SOUTH AFRICA -Social Justice & Activism Internship

Understand the dynamics of human rights advocacy and the history of apartheid from your base in Cape Town, a hub for human rights organizations in a country emerging from legally enforced racial discrimination and economic and political exclusion. Stay with a local family; be welcomed into their lives and share experiences and learn from their views. Visit important sites of oppression and resistance illustrative of the country’s unique history, and gain a better understanding of social justice issues affecting South Africa today. You will also learn the ethics of human rights advocacy and research during a five-week internship that will give you professional experience in an international setting. SIT uses our extensive networks to facilitate the placement process. Organizations we have worked with deal with issues including gender, community mobilization, public health, migration, media and advocacy and environmental sustainability. Attend weekly assessment meetings with your academic director or internship coordinator, and keep a work journal to reflect on your experiences, challenges, and professional achievements.

Note: This option includes an internship. Please review the information on the program website to learn more about this aspect of the experience.

Dates: This is a 6-week program, which runs from June 16-August 7, 2024

3. Madagascar- Traditional Medicine & Healthcare Systems

From the SIT website- WHY STUDY TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN MADAGASCAR? In Madagascar, one of the world’s globally recognized “megadiverse” countries, traditional medicine is practiced as an available, accessible, affordable, and effective method of healthcare. With flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world, the nation’s unrivaled biodiversity plays a distinctive role in its traditional healthcare practices. From your base in the lushly exotic capital city of Antananarivo, you’ll explore traditional and allopathic healthcare, travel to rural areas to learn about ethnobotany, home and folk remedies, and healthcare access, and meet with leading academics, allopathic doctors, and Malagasy students. The Malagasy people are extremely heterogeneous due to their diverse roots in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Along the way, gain a deeper understanding of how religious and cultural beliefs affect communities’ approach to healthcare, and journey through world-renowned rainforests and mineral forests in search of rare plants and wildlife.

Dates: This is a 4-week program, which runs from June 13-July 27, 2024

Program Eligibility

Student Applicants must:

• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing at the time of application, and during the program. Applicants must be enrolled UTC undergraduates with a graduation date of December 2024 or later.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Successfully complete all application steps listed below.

Before You Apply

For Panama, visit the program website and download the syllabi. The application form includes two questions based on the program syllabus. Please be sure to review the syllabus documents carefully before starting the application.

Application Materials

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

1. Statement of Interest. Submitted with the e-application form.

The statement must address the 4 items listed below.

1. 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.
2. 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?
3. 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.
4. Explain why you selected this program location, and topic area. Also address how you will prepare to study abroad in the selected location. What do you know about this location?

2. A copy of your CV or Resume. Submitted with the e-application form.

Application Process

1. Review the program eligibility and responsibilities carefully.
2. Submit the application form.
3. Meet with Laura Livermore in UTC Study Abroad to discuss the program, application process, fees, and program responsibilities.  Once you apply, you will be contacted to schedule a meeting.
4. Meet with Dr. Lisa Piazza in the Office for URaCE to discuss research responsibilities and expectations.

Students selected to participate in the program must:

• Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Students selected to participate in the program will receive the SA application link via e-mail once steps 1-3 above have been completed.

Note: Students selected to participate in this program must complete Office for URaCE pre-internship training via Canvas in May 2024. Participants must also attend an in-person orientation meeting in late April or early May. Before you apply make sure you are available to dedicate time to this program in May.

Application deadline: 11pm Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024

Follow this LINK to apply. 

Program Participant Responsibilities

Prior to Departure (May, 2024)

• Participate in program meetings and events on campus.
• Attend in-person program orientation.
• Complete pre-experience training via Canvas.
• Attend check in meetings with Office for URaCE program coordinators.
• Complete all pre-departure training and attend meetings as assigned.
• Attend Office of Study Abroad pre-departure orientation (Study Abroad 103)
• Other items as assigned.

During the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Follow UTC policies and code of conduct.
• Follow Study Abroad policies and code of conduct.
• Successfully fulfill all responsibilities and requirements of the experience.
• Attend check in meetings with Office for URaCE program coordinators.

At the Conclusion of the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Submit post-experience materials to the Office for URaCE.
• Prepare a presentation about your experience for the virtual UTC Fall Research Conference (Fall, 2024)
• Complete Office of Study Abroad Post-Study Abroad Scholarship Requirements.

Questions? Contact Dr. Lisa Piazza ([email protected]) OR send a message to the urace mailbox ([email protected])