University of California Education Abroad Program

Science & Engineering Internship, Agency for Science, Technology & Research

The Singapore Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A-STAR) provides a summer opportunity for cutting-edge scientific research under the supervision of international scientists. Students engage in fulltime internships at one of 14 biomedical science, physical science and engineering research institutes.

Research areas include bioengineering, biology (molecular, cellular, developmental), chemistry, chemical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, materials, and physics. A-STAR’s commitment to innovation encourages scientific collaboration across disciplines to identify answers for pressing scientific questions and to design solutions for current global challenges.

Students attend classes with host country students.

Course Opportunities

Fields available include bioengineering, biology (molecular, cellular, developmental), chemistry, chemical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, materials, physics. Pre-med students are welcome to apply. Biomedical placements are very limited.

Students will be assigned to one of the A-STAR Research Institutes to perform assigned duties full-time, five days a week, attend lab meetings, keep a journal and/or lab notebook, and complete a written summary of what was learned at the end of the internship.

A unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in international research.

Units

10 UC quarter units of special study internship credit.

Language of Instruction

English

Language Study

None

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

This is a full-time research internship program.

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Summer :

There are two options to choose from: late May to late July, or late June to mid-August.

Housing

Students will live at housing of their choice within the greater Singapore area. Students are responsible for finding their own housing and will need to be mature and independent in their lifestyle.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. The A-STAR Program will provide assistance in research assignments.

Host Institutions

For over twenty years, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has promoted national science and technology planning and development in Singapore. Over 2,300 A-STAR scientists and researchers work at laboratories located throughout Singapore. Each A-STAR research unit has a particular focus geared towards producing meaningful outcomes and promoting collaboration between research and industry.

Located to the north, outside downtown Singapore at twin research hubs termed Biopolis and Fusionopolis, A-STAR provides a conducive environment in which to live, work, play and learn.

Agency for Science, Technology, and Research

Estimated Cost

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.

Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.

Here’s what is included in the estimate:

Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
Round-trip transportation from California
UC fees
Accident and medical insurance
On-site orientation
Room and board
Books and other incidental expenses
Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost

Summer Session 1
Summer Session 2

$8,500
$8,300

*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

None

GPA:

3.50 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Other Eligibility Requirements:

Students must be a US citizen, majoring in biology, pre-med, chemistry, physics, computer science, or engineering.

Minimum Criteria:

All applicants must also have:

Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
A willingness to abide by program regulations
An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: