The Bemis Summer Research Scholarship (celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012!) 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. Current study abroad students are eligible to apply if the research site is not the same as the study abroad site. 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.

The Award
The award has a maximum value of $3,000.

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 March 1 to the International and Area Studies office, Academy Building, room 209C, or 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 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 Amy Suelzer, Assistant Director of International and Area Studies, at 935-8372 or acsuelze@wustl.edu