Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships open to international students

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers current XJTLU undergraduate students the chance to undertake research, in collaboration with academic supervisors, during the summer holidays.

This year XJTLU has announced that the programme is also open to international undergraduates from the top 150 universities.

Professor David O’Connor, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, said: “XJTLU is now at the stage where it has a great deal to offer international students. As a research-led university, it's attracting talented academic staff from around the world and its facilities are world-class. Because it's also the largest university operating in the English language in China, it's an easy way to become acquainted with this endlessly fascinating country.

“The aim of the international SURF scheme is not to supplant the existing scheme but to complement it. We hope that it will provide opportunities for international and local students to work side-by-side and exchange ideas. This should be a mutually beneficial and life-enriching experience.”

International SURF applications will be assessed and selected from the 36 projects that are currently on offer to non-XJTLU international students.

As part of the programme, XJTLU will provide international participants:

• Transportation between international airports in Shanghai and XJTLU
• Free accommodation for the duration of their projects
• Discounted Chinese language classes
• Full student support (visa / orientation / pastoral) provided by XJTLU’s International Student Recruitment and Support office
• Training, guidance and support in research by high calibre academic staff and access to XJTLU's internationally competitive research facilities.

Once students have completed the research project, they will have the option to present their work at the annual SURF poster event in September (pictured below, where they can win awards voted for by XJTLU academics and fellow students.

Yao Wu, Centre Administrator of the Academic Enhancement Centre at XJTLU, which coordinates the SURF scheme, said: “Completing a SURF project allows students to gain practical research skills, build confidence, develop expertise and come up with ideas for their final year projects or further studies.

“Through SURF, departments can offer a select group of undergraduate students the opportunity to work on real research projects during the summer. This provides students with the opportunity to develop practical research skills related to the knowledge they have acquired in class.”