Bemis Fieldwork Grant

This grant is designed for students who have an independent research project that would be enriched significantly by additional time in Europe immediately after the conclusion of a semester or year-long study abroad program. The scholarship provides funding with which students can pay the costs associated with their extended time abroad. These costs could include but are not limited to: lodging, food, transportation, and museum or monument admission fees.

Eligibility

In the semester immediately preceding the proposed research, the student must have been enrolled in a Washington University study abroad program, or a non-Washington University program approved by petition. The proposed research must take place outside of the city where the student's program is based. It may be in a different country in Europe, a different city within the same country, or multiple sites within Europe. Proposals for research intended to support an honors thesis or senior project are preferred.

Application

The application consists of an application form, a detailed 2-4 page research proposal, an official WU transcript, and a letter of support from a faculty member. The faculty letter may come from a professor at Washington University or the university with which the student is affiliated abroad and should address both the student's preparation for and the viability of the proposed project.

There are two application deadlines: March 1 for students participating in a Spring semester program and October 1 for students participating in a Fall semester program. If these dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the first working day after the application due date.

Given the potential challenges of applying from abroad, applications and all supporting documents can be submitted in person, by mail, by fax, or by email.

Follow-up

Bemis recipients are expected to submit a 2-3 page report on the project. The report should focus on what the student gained as a result of the additional opportunities abroad and should be submitted to International and Area Studies within the first 2 weeks of the first semester back on camps.

Students will also be strongly encouraged to submit a proposal that incorporates their research abroad to the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

The Award

The standard award is a US dollar equivalent of 500 euros. If a student feels that this amount will not cover projected costs, a budget can be submitted that justifies the additional funding request. It is anticipated that 1-2 will be awarded per term.

For more information, please contact Dr. Amy Suelzer, Director, Overseas Program for International and Area Studies at 314-935-8372.

General Information

The Bemis Summer Research Scholarship is offered to a student at Washington University to undertake an original project in Europe during the summer prior to his or her final undergraduate year. It is named after Mrs. W. A. Bemis, a 1928 graduate of Washington University and a former secondary school teacher in Clayton.

The Project

Projects can be in any field provided that travel to Europe is a necessary condition for their successful completion. Frequently, projects have been connected to thesis work (e.g. a paper requiring library research in Europe, or examining art or architecture). Topics that have no specific European content are not suitable, nor are proposals that consist of language study, a structured summer study abroad program, or travel without a specific focus.

Preference is given to those students who have not previously been in Europe and who have financial need.

The Award

The award has a maximum value of $2,500.

The Application

The application consists of an application form, a proposal (3-5 pages), at least one letter of reference from a faculty member commenting on both the quality of the student and the feasibility and relevance of the proposal, and an official transcript. The proposal will be judged on the basis of originality and evidence that preparatory investigation has been done so that the project is both practicable and likely to be successful. Applications are due by January 31 to the Office of International and Area Studies in McMillan Hall, room 139, Campus Box 1088. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the first working day after the application due date.

The Follow-up Project

Bemis Summer Research Scholars are expected to report on the project upon return. The report should be submitted to International and Area Studies within the first 2 weeks of the Fall semester and may take the form of a travel journal, a summary of findings, a paper, or any one of many other formats. Students will also be strongly encouraged to submit a proposal that incorporates their research abroad to the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

For more information, please contact Dr. Amy Suelzer, Director, Overseas Program for International and Area Studies at 314-935-8372.