Frequently Asked Questions
What does the typical summer institute experience look like?
The first several days will be spent in Budapest, Hungary for a cultural and academic orientation to Central Europe and the science and engineering fields in Europe. Then, the participants will travel to their host country and spend the next seven weeks conducting scientific research at a research laboratory or institution, under the guidance of a mentor.
Can I do independent research abroad in countries other than Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, or the Slovak Republic?
No, placements may only be arranged in one of these countries.
Should I arrange for a host institution or will I be placed?
We encourage you to arrange your own affiliation in your host country. If you already have done so, please state this in your application. However, if you have not done so, you are encouraged to name your preferred host institution/mentor and IIE will make every effort to place you at this institution. If you do not have a proposed host institution then IIE will find a suitable placement on your behalf if you are offered an award. Keep in mind that geographic distribution of awardees throughout the region will be a consideration.
How can I find a host institution and/or program?
Talk to your adviser, dean, or other faculty at your home institution. Search online as well.
Can non-U.S. citizens apply?
Non-citizens may apply if they are permanent U.S. residents.
I have graduated. Am I still eligible?
No, only current U.S. graduate students are eligible to apply.
Should I propose a research budget?
No, the awards are fixed sums.
May I take dependents (spouse, child/children) with me on the grant?
Dependents will not be supported through this program.
I do not speak the language of the country in which I wish to do my project. What do I do?
If your project does not require knowledge of the host country's language then we recommend that you obtain survival/hospitality level skills in the language before beginning the grant to aid you in the settling in process. However, if your project does require knowledge of the host country's language, then you should have appropriate language skills to successfully complete the project that you propose.
How many fellowships will be offered for the Summer 2008 program?
Fourteen CESRI grants will be awarded for 2008.
I read a CESRI brochure that states "Electrical Engineering" as an eligible field, but the website says "Engineering". Which should I follow?
The website. In the 2006 competition, Electrical Engineering was the only Engineering field accepted for application (excluding all other sub-fields of Engineering). For subsequent competitions, we have amended the eligible fields and will now accept candidates in all sub-fields of Engineering (eg. Chemical, Mechanical, Biomedical).
I read a brochure that states "Physics" as an eligible field, but the website does not. Which should I follow?
The website. In the 2006 competition, applications were accepted for the field of Physics. However, the NSF decided that Physics will not be a component of the CESRI Program, as they sponsor other programs which support Physics. For subsequent competitions, we have amended the eligible fields for CESRI and can no longer accept applications in Physics. You can visit www.nsf.gov to seek out possible programs which support Physics.
