EuroScholars Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be fluent in the host country language?
No. English will be the common language for the research work.
What is the Language and/or Culture course that I will take?
This depends on which ES institution and semester you participate. At most universities you will take a language course in the prominent language of the area. At times there are 2-4 weeks of an intensive instruction at the beginning of the semester. At other universities you may take a language course throughout the semester. Some universities may offer a course in English on an aspect of the culture. There is some information about options available through the University pages of the EuroScholars website. Upon acceptance to a research project you will receive information on the L & C options for you at that institution.
What are the eligibility requirements?
A 3.4 cumulative GPA and primarily Junior or Senior status. You must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a Canadian or U.S. university at the time of application.
Can I apply for the summer?
No. ES program is only available as a semester option generally running August through December or late January/February to June. A minimum of 14 weeks is required to commit to the research program.
How far in advance do I need to apply?
There is rolling admission so all applications are reviewed when complete. To apply for many outside scholarships (DAAD, Marshall, others) 8-12 months lead time would be recommended. Generally 4-6 months is sufficient for adequate planning and preparations. The final deadlines are April 1st for Fall and October 1st for Spring. Some projects may have multiple student interest so early application is advised.
I have already graduated. Can I still apply?
This program is designed for undergraduate students but recent college graduates will be considered. You must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at the time of application but may participate in the semester of research upon graduation. This may also be dependent on the specific ES institution and research project. Please contact the North American ES Coordinator with more specific questions.
I am a graduate student. Can I still apply?
Generally this is not possible but can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can I participate for a full academic year?
Yes. If the project has a position available for a full year the EuroScholars program will allow you to stay for two semesters. However, it is best to make this decision in consultation with your academic advisor and study abroad office at your home institution. There may be restrictions to the amount of research credits which can transfer toward degree requirements at home or term limits to study abroad financial aid/scholarships.
How do I apply?
Go to the www.euroscholars.eu website and click on “Apply Now”. This will take you to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad EuroScholars on-line application. (see question below for more about GLA and EuroScholars collaboration). You will be guided through the on-line application process. You will be required to submit: cover letter, resume, application, personal statement, official transcript, two academic references and a home university approval form. There is a $30.00 non-refundable application fee unless the home university is affiliated with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad (see question number 12 regarding affiliation).
How competitive is the program?
To date, qualified students who have applied within required timelines have been accepted to the program. It is important to identify at least two project preferences but to have some flexibility. When 1st and 2nd choice does not materialize due to various reasons (already filled, no room for a ES on the team that semester, the Research Project Supervisor is on sabbatical, etc.) we would circulate to other ES universities to see if there is a project of interest. This process can take several weeks so early application is always advised. As more students are applying to ES we do find some projects will have more than one applicant so early application is advised.
How does the project supervisor decide who to accept?
They will review the written application packet. It is very important that the application is very professional and provides a good representation of the student’s motivations, academic and research interests and articulates how this experience will impact their professional and academic aspirations. If the Research Project Supervisor feels the student is qualified and will be a good addition to the research team they will then interview the applicant via telephone, email and/or Skype.
Is my home university affiliated with the EuroScholars program?
There are advantages for students applying to the EuroScholars program if your university is affiliated. The $30.00 application fee will be waived for affiliated university students. There is also the possibility of “direct bill” arrangements where payments are made through your home university. These procedures vary widely and are depending on the home universities agreement with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. When you begin the on-line application there will be information on the affiliation status with your Home University. You should also verify affiliation status with the Study Abroad office at your Home University or call the ES North American coordinator at 800-980-0033 ext. 132. Formal affiliation is often not required for participation.
Can I use my financial aid?
Most students utilize any federal and state financial aid they currently receive to apply to EuroScholars program costs. Home university scholarships may also be eligible. Students should speak with their study abroad and financial aid offices on campus to verify home university policies and procedures.
Are there scholarships available?
The ES program offers several EuroScholars Awards of 500 Euros. Other scholarship resources are listed on the EuroScholars website http://www.euroscholars.eu/financialaid.htm. Also check with your home university study abroad office, office of Undergraduate research, Honors department and academic department.
When should I start looking for funding?
Students should start looking for funding options, once they have decided to look for their study/research abroad options. To apply for many outside scholarships (DAAD, Marshall, others) 8-12 months lead time would be recommended.
How are decisions made for the EuroScholars Awards?
All applicants with 3.5 GPA are automatically considered for the ES awards. No additional application is required.
In what disciplines can students conduct research?
Research projects are available in most disciplines including the natural and social sciences, engineering, economics, humanities and other. The project database can be searched by Host University and by Academic Field of Interest.
How much time will I spend doing research?
EuroScholars typically spend 30 to 40 hours weekly on the research project and expected to be fully engaged and committed to the research team.
How do I find out the Research projects?
Go to the EuroScholars website and look under Program Information for the Research Project database. You may search by either ES Host University or Academic Field of Interest. The projects may be listed under multiple academic disciplines. The project description will provide a brief overview of the project and a weblink to the research department or project. For more information please contact the North America ES Coordinator via info@euroscholars.eu.
What if I do not find a suitable project of interest in the ES project database?
There are many on-going research projects at the ES institutions which are not yet captured in the database. You may also explore the host universities websites to find other types of research work that is being done on the varied campuses. We are able to direct your application to a project that you find in your academic area even if not in the ES database.
What will my housing be like?
Housing varies by city/institution. All ES students will be accommodated in university arranged facilities with other students, both international and local. Typically you will have a single room with access to shared kitchen and bathroom either through single study bedroom residence halls or multi room flats/apartments. Meal plans are usually not available as students cook for themselves.
Do I need a visa?
Immigration and student visa requirements vary by country. Information is available on the www.euroscholars.eu website “Practicalities” pages for each ES university. Students are encouraged to research student visa requirements for the select country through the embassy/consulate website. Upon acceptance more information is provided specific to the country. Many countries require a 2-3 month lead time to obtain a student visa. Some countries also require that an FBI background check is conducted prior to application for the visa. This process can take 10-12 weeks in addition to the time required for the visa application.
What are the dates of the semester?
Specific dates are customized dependent on the research project, language and culture option and whether a student is enrolled in an elective course in addition to the research component. In some cases where EuroScholars do not take regular courses they are not bound to the specific dates of the host university semester. The fall semester generally runs from late August/early September to just prior to Christmas. The Spring semester can run mid-January to late June. Once you have been accepted to a project and know the Language and Culture options the dates are set by the student in consultation with the Project supervisor and ES Coordinator. It will also depend on the dates of the new student orientation at that campus.
What is the Methods and Literature Review course?
This is not a formal course but is independent study. It will be graded and up to 6 ECTS can be awarded. The EuroScholar will meet with their Research Project Supervisor upon arrival to develop a bibliography/reading list for the M & L review. What articles, books, prior research reports, etc. should the ES read to augment their knowledge of the research area?
What electives are available?
Again this is dependent on which institution is selected for participation. Some universities will offer courses in English in an area related to your research project. The majority of EuroScholars do not take an elective but focus most of their time on their research work.
Can I take more than one elective?
No. EuroScholars only have access to one elective if related to their field of study, is offered in English (or language where student is fluent) and the ES meets any course pre-requisites.
How do credits transfer back to my home university?
This is determined by your home university. Once accepted to a research project students will need to complete a Learning Agreement outlining their academic program. This is the document utilized to obtain home university sign off on how credits will transfer. Students will consult with their home university academic departments, study abroad office and/or registrar’s office to determine how credits will transfer. A copy of the Learning Agreement can be reviewed through: http://www.euroscholars.eu/ES_Learning_Agreement.pdf
When will I receive the transcript of the host university?
Once the transcript is ready, the original transcript will be sent to GlobaLinks who will then forward it to the student’s home university. This process can take up to 1-2 months, depending on the administrative procedures of the host university.
What is the relationship between GlobaLinks Learning Abroad and the EuroScholars program?
GlobaLinks Learning Abroad is a USA LLC company registered in the State of Colorado. It has been in existence since 1994 and has operated under the name AustraLearn until 2006 when operations expanded to include worldwide destinations. The organization is a study abroad provider who creates and facilitates educational study abroad programs for students across North America through a full service set of activities including a range of marketing efforts to increase awareness of the programs as well as a customer service organization for the students before, during and after the study abroad program. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad represents the EuroScholars program in North America through the promotion of the research opportunity to colleges and universities and by facilitating the application process on behalf of the EuroScholars consortium.
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