ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships

Application
The application must be sent in PDF format to was.science@eda.admin.ch between February 1, 2013, and April 30, 2013. It must include: A first page with: o your first name and last name o your university in the U.S. o your possible host university in Switzerland o the (approximate) length of stay o your field of research Your cover letter (explaining why you should be awarded the ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship and why you would make an excellent student ambassador) Your rsum A copy of your transcripts (it can be a copy of transcripts issued to the student) Letter of acceptance Letter of recommendation

Letters of acceptance and letters of recommendation and transcripts can be sent separately by professors or the university by e-mail or by mail (see address below).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to apply for the program? You are eligible to apply if you are enrolled at an accredited U.S. university whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Can the scholarship also be applied to projects at public research institutions? Yes, the scholarship supports research at universities and public research institutions. How do I find a lab in Switzerland? Finding a professor in Switzerland is part of the selection process. The following two websites might help you to find the lab of your choice: www.swissuniversity.ch and www.kfh.ch www.eda.admin.ch/etc/medialib/downloads/edactr/usa/embwas/WASSTE.Par.0049.File.tmp/Booklet_Hi gher_Education_and_Reseach_in_Switzerland_Campus_2011.pdf Is there a particular time of the year for going to Switzerland or can it be anytime? You are free to schedule your research anytime during the year. Most people go during the summer because it better fits their university program. If you plan on using the scholarship only as of April 2014 or later, then you should apply in 2014. This program is only for sophomores and up. What are my options as a freshman? Besides the research scholarships, we also offer travel grants to summer schools in Switzerland for which freshmen may also be eligible. For further information, visit http://www.thinkswiss.org/academicopportunities/summer-school Are applications evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis? No, they arent. The evaluation begins only after the deadline (April 30, 2013) Should I e-mail the application documents to you or should I mail them to the postal address? You should send all the documents to us by e-mail in PDF format.

Partners

www.thinkswiss.org

Information
ThinkSwiss Summer Schools Besides the research scholarships, we also offer travel grants to U.S. participants in programs at various summer schools in Switzerland: http://www.thinkswiss.org/academic-opportunities/summer-school We arent in charge of the summer school application process, so you have to contact the organizers directly. Please note that you cant participate in a ThinkSwiss summer school program and receive a ThinkSwiss scholarship at the same time. Visas For information on visas, please visit our website and contact the Swiss representation responsible for your consular district (where you live or study): www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/ref_visinf/visusa.html www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/ref_visinf/visusa.html That is the only office qualified to issue your visa. At the Embassy of Switzerland, it is not possible to accelerate the process. Housing Students are responsible for their own housing. We suggest asking the international or housing office of the host university for recommendations and please dont hesitate to ask us for recommendations such as relevant websites you should visit. Transportation It is highly recommended that you use public transportation in Switzerland since there is a very convenient public transportation system that takes you almost everywhere. Switzerland is well known for its excellent public transportation system: you should definitely experiment with it! If you plan to travel around in Switzerland, it generally makes sense to buy a half-fare travel card. Please find more information at www.sbb.ch/en/home.html www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/railpasses/half-fare-travelcard.html Payment of the Scholarship The ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship provides a prorated amount according to the length of your stay: a monthly scholarship of CHF 1,050 (approx. USD 1,000) for a period of 2 to 3 months (CHF 3,150 maximum), which covers only a portion of the average students living expenses. The scholarship money will be transferred to your U.S. bank account shortly before your departure date. Insurance Please note that the scholarship does not provide health, accident or liability insurance. Applicants must make sure that they have insurance coverage for their stay in Switzerland. Admission to the Host University Please note that the scholarship does not offer a specific status and that the awardees must comply with the host universitys policies regarding admission. General Information about Studying in Switzerland www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/wasemb/scitec/wassth.html www.eda.admin.ch/etc/medialib/downloads/edactr/usa/embwas/WASSTE.Par.0049.File.tmp/Booklet_Hi gher_Education_and_Reseach_in_Switzerland_Campus_2011.pdf Point of Contact: Embassy of Switzerland, Office of Science, Technology and Higher Education (OSTHE), 2900 Cathedral Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 E-mail: was.science@eda.admin.ch, Tel.: (202) 745-7958 Website: www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/wasemb/scitec/wassth.html

Thank you for your interest in ThinkSwiss!

Partners

www.thinkswiss.org