Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

FAQs

Please consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for answers to any queries you might have prior to preparing an application. If you have any questions that are not listed in the FAQ, please contact the Barrie Foundation at becas@fbarrie.org

Eligibility

1. I am currently in my first year of an undergraduate degree program. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply, however, preference will be given to undergraduate students between first- and last-year. If no student fits that category, it can be awarded to students in their first year of their undergraduate studies. You must upload transcripts of your studies so far.
2. I am currently in my last year of an undergraduate degree program. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply, however, preference will be given to undergraduate students between first- and last-year. If no student fits that category, it can be awarded to students in their last year of their undergraduate studies.
3. Is the Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program limited to students of specific academic fields?
Yes, only students enrolled in a degree-granting program in any of the following fields are eligible to apply:
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology / Molecular Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacy
  • Veterinary Sciences
4. I don’t see my field of study in the list of eligible fields. Is my program eligible?
If you don’t see your field of study in the list of eligible, it is most likely an indication that your field of study is not eligible.
5. I am a Spanish citizen with Galician origin enrolled in an undergraduate degree program overseas. Am I eligible to apply?
No, applicants enrolled at foreign-based universities abroad are not eligible to apply.
6. I am studying abroad this semester or for the entire academic year. Am I still eligible to apply?
If you are still enrolled as a degree-seeking student at an accredited Spanish university, you are eligible for fellowship.
7. Can I submit my application before I have received my English language test results?
Yes, you can send your application without providing your English language test results. However, you must submit proof that you have taken the test or that you have scheduled a test date.
8. My English test score is below the minimum requirement. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can send your application with a valid score report that is just under the minimum requirement. However, you will need to take a new exam to be considered for the fellowship. Please consult the Barrie Foundation website for accepted tests and minimum required scores. Please note that you must submit proof that you have scheduled a test date before the application deadline.
9. My English test score meets the minimum requirement, but I took the test more than three years ago. Is my score still valid?
We will accept test scores from exams taken within two years of the application deadline. If your scores are more than three years old, we highly recommend that you retake the exam, as preference will be given to students that meet the English language test requirement.
10. I am studying a Bachelor´s degree fully taught and evaluated in English at an accredited Spanish university. Do I have to submit an English language test, or can I use my degree to waive the language requirements?
Applicants who are studying a Bachelor’s degree that is fully taught and evaluated in English at an accredited Spanish university are exempt from submitting an English language test. Unofficial transcripts indicating language of instruction must be provided by your university to support your claim. Official letters, sent directly from the Registrar's Office, verifying that all subjects are taught in English are also acceptable.
11. I am studying a Bilingual Bachelor´s degree at an accredited Spanish university. Do I have to submit an English language test, or can I use my degree to waive the language requirements?
Applicants who are studying a Bilingual Bachelor´s degree will need to submit an English language test score as a proof of your English proficiency.
12. I am currently studying in an English-speaking country (or have in the past) as part of an International Exchange Program. Can I be exempted from the English language requirement?
No, you cannot be exempted from the English language requirement.
13. I completed English coursework at my university. Am I still required to satisfy the English language requirement?
Yes, you will need to submit an English language test score as a proof of your English proficiency. Previous English coursework, even when taken in an English-speaking country, do not satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
14. I do not have any English language certificate, but I hold dual citizenship, from both Spain and a country whose official language is English. Can I be exempted from the English language requirement?
Applicants who are nationals of an English-speaking country and educated elsewhere are still required to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

Application

1. Can I submit my application in Spanish?
The Selection Committee members come from Europe and the United States, and English is their common language. If an application is completed in any language other than English, we cannot guarantee that the content will be read and/or understood for its original meaning.
2. Do I have to complete my application all at once?
No, you may work on it in multiple sessions, though you will need to save your work after you finish each section of the application by clicking on either the “Save” or “Next” button. However, once you have submitted the application, you cannot work on it again.
3. My passport is expired. Do I need to renew my passport before the application deadline?
Applicants are not required to submit a valid passport before the application deadline. However, selected candidates will be required to have valid passports in order to participate in the Program. If you are offered an award and do not have a valid passport at the time of notification, you will need to expedite a new passport by Mid-April 2023, at the latest. Please note that passport application fees, including the cost of expediting a passport, are the responsibility of the applicant.
4. How can I figure out which host institution I may want to attend?
We encourage all applicants to visit the host institutions’ websites to obtain information on current research and available technical facilities.
5. Can I contact host institutions directly with questions about the Program?
Until an offer has been made, we request that you do not contact host institutions directly. If there is a specific situation where you need to contact a host institution during the selection process, this should be done through the Barrie Foundation. Once you accept the award offer, the host institution will contact you directly with specific information.
6. Can I apply to several host institutions?
Yes. The application form allows the applicant to suggest at least three names in order of preference.
7. Will selecting a second-choice host institution disadvantage me from my first choice?
No, your application will receive a thorough review for your first-choice host institution. If you're not competitive within that pool, you'll then be reviewed for all other host institutions.
8. What happens if I only select one host institution?
This option is only appropriate if you're certain you won't attend the Program unless you're admitted to your first choice. If you don't rank all three host institutions by preference and you're not competitive for your first choice, you might not be considered for any other host institution.
9. Do I need to submit official transcripts, or are unofficial transcripts acceptable?
All applicants are required to upload a scanned copy, front and back, of their most recent, cumulative transcript. A downloaded transcript from your university portal or system (unofficial transcript) will be acceptable for review. Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation prepared by the university or a certified translator.
10. What if my university is unable to provide me with an English transcript?
Official transcripts not issued in English must be translated by the relevant issuing body of the original document or a professional certified translator. If your university is unable to provide you with an English transcript, you may translate the document yourself. If selected to the Program, you will need to provide a professional certified translation. Please submit both the original non-English transcript and the translation. Both documents must be uploaded to the same file on the application portal. Any non-English transcripts you upload to your application without a translation will be rejected.
11. I am currently studying abroad (or have in the past) as part of an International Exchange Program. Do I need to submit the unofficial transcripts from my Spanish University as well as my study abroad institution?
Yes, you should provide both an unofficial transcript from your Spanish University and an unofficial transcript from your study abroad institution. You can submit these transcripts by merging them into one PDF; if you have difficulty with this, please contact us.
12. Who can be a referee?
They should be people who can comment on your general suitability to participate in the Program. Referees should be known to you, either in an academic or professional capacity. We recommend that you ask them to be a referee as early as possible in order to ensure that they have enough time to complete their reference.
13. Can my references be submitted in Spanish?
References must be written in English. If your referee has written their reference in another language, you can upload this so long as you also upload a translation in English of the original reference. If a reference is submitted in a language other than English and does not have an English translation contained in the same document, we will not be able to accept it.
14. Can I submit my application form after the application deadline?
No. Active but incomplete applications will not be considered once the system is closed.
15. I will not be able to provide all necessary documents in time before the deadline expires. Can my application still be considered?
It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a complete application, and we reserve the right to exclude applications that are incomplete or were completed after the deadline. Please be aware that only complete applications will be processed.

Selection

1. Will I receive equal consideration for my second-choice host institution along with those applicants who chose it as their first choice?
Preference will be given to those applicants who ranked the host institution as their first choice, but you'll be given equal consideration with all other applicants who chose the host institution as a second choice.
2. When will I be informed of the outcome of the screening stage?
Please see our Program timeline for further details about when you should expect to receive an update on your application. Candidates will be notified via email, so we recommend that you check your junk or spam folders.
3. I am not able to attend an interview on any of the dates or times provided. Can I be interviewed on a different date in the interview period?
You will need to contact the Barrie Foundation in this case, but please note that only in exceptional circumstances will an additional appointment be made available. Failure to attend the interview may result in your withdrawal from the competition.
4. What questions will be asked at the interview?
The interview will be an opportunity to discuss some of the information you provided in the application form. The panel will ask questions that will enable you to fully explain your personal and professional aspirations and how the Program can facilitate these goals for you.
5. How will the interview be assessed?
The interview panel will ask a series of questions and your answers will be evaluated in accordance with a number of set criteria.
6. How selective is the process of being admitted?
The admission process is extremely selective. The success rate is less than 10%.
7. Will I be notified if I am not selected after my interview?
Yes. All candidates will be notified about the outcome of their interview. You can find out more information about when you will receive interview results by checking the Program timeline available at the Barrie Foundation’s website.
8. What happens if I don’t get selected to my preferred host institution?
If you don’t get offered a position in your first choice, you can decline it. However, we encourage you to fully consider the offer.
9. Is it possible to receive offers from all three host institutions?
Yes, it is possible, however unlikely, to receive offers from several institutions.
10. I have received an email to say that I have been conditionally selected for an award, what happens now?
You will be asked to provide additional information (e.g., copy of original English language test results, etc.) by a given deadline. Should you respond in a timely way with the requested information, the conditions will be removed, and you will be awarded the fellowship.
11. What does it mean if I’m a reserve candidate?
If you have been selected as a reserve candidate, it means that you may be able to take up an award should another applicant withdraw.
12. My application has been rejected. Can I receive feedback?
Individual feedback will be provided upon request to candidates shortlisted to interview only.
13. If I apply for the Program this year and I am not offered a Fellowship can I reapply next year?
Only if you meet eligibility requirements for the active competition.

Fellowship Program

1. How is the Program like?
You will be integrated into the daily work of a specific faculty member’s research laboratory, where a faculty mentor and members of the laboratory will guide you through the planning and practice of research experiments and activities. Research hours will be determined by the specific research project assignment. Mentors will help you apply your current skills and knowledge and assist you in making connection between laboratory experience and your academic studies. In addition to laboratory experience, you will participate in journal clubs, seminars, and other events. At the end of the Program, you will be required to submit a 2-to-3-page scientific manuscript plus a 1-page personal statement about your experience at the host institution.
2. What kind of financial support will I receive if I am selected?
The fellowship provides the following financial support to summer fellows:
  • Research stipend (for fellows attending LSU Health Shreveport only)
  • Living allowance.
  • Travel allowance.
  • Visa(s).
  • Health benefit plan.
  • English language test fees, upon receipt of proof of payment.
3. Am I required to obtain the appropriate visa to participate in the Program?
Yes, it is your responsibility to timely secure your visa. Visa application processes are lengthy –the average processing time is 4-8 weeks– and fellows should plan accordingly. The Barrie Foundation and Host Institutions will provide fellows with supporting documents for visa application.
4. How will my travel be covered?
Summer fellows receive a one-time travel allowance for transportation to and from the Host Institution as well as for visa application fees (if applicable). These funds differ depending on the destination. Please check the Barrie Foundation’s website for details.
5. Where can I find information about housing and accommodation?
Host institutions provide advice on local housing options. However, you are encouraged to research local housing markets and secure your accommodations as early as possible.
6. Can I leave the host country during the fellowship period, especially if I am sure to make arrangements that would not interfere with the Program?
No. Travel outside of the host country is not permitted, even in cases where it does not conflict with the Program.
7. How flexible is the Program when it comes to the start date?
Unfortunately, there is no flexibility for logistical reasons.