We held an information session on Wednesday, November 8th at 8:00AM PST/11:00AM EST.

Here is a link to the recording, and here is a link to the slides.

1. When is the application deadline?

The deadline is November 15th, 2023. Apply here.

2. How are students selected?

Students are selected based on a variety of metrics to provide a balanced cohort between undergraduate and graduate students in engineering, sciences, and anthropology/humanities. We strive to provide international experiences to those that may not have had the opportunity in the past and we will also look for some more experienced students to peer mentor less experienced students. While there is not a GPA requirement, we will ask for unofficial transcripts for those that make the short list to view coursework and performance.

3. When will I be notified if I am selected?

We will notify you by January 15th, 2024. Applicants that make the short list may be contacted for interviews, transcripts, and resume at the end of November and beginning of December. We may also contact your references. You will receive an e-mail if you have not been selected to the program.

4. Can I apply if I am graduating the semester during or before I participate in the program?

No. You will need to be enrolled in at least the following Fall semester after the summer program. The program is only for current UC Merced or University of South Florida (USF) students.

5. What is the minimum required coursework to participate in the program?

Applicants should be sophomore or greater. Graduate students at any level may apply.

6. Should a student be from a specific field of study to apply?

Students from Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Systems, Anthropology, and Social Sciences are encouraged to apply. Mechanical and other science and engineering majors may also apply. Last year we did have a public health student from UC Merced.

7. Is U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required?

Yes, applicants should be either US citizens or permanent residents. This is a requirement of the funding agency, the National Science Foundation (NSF).

8. Will I be notified if I am not selected?

Applicants who are not selected will be notified by email by January 15th, 2023.

9. What financial support does the project provide?

The project will pay for airfare, food, travel, travel insurance, and lodging in country. The project does not provide salary or hourly wages to participants as this is not within the scope of the grant. The project does not pay for health insurance, students should be covered by university or other health insurance. Some basic coverage is included in the travel insurance.

10. Is COVID-19 vaccination required?

Yes, full COVID-19 vaccination is required for international travel. Religious and medical exemptions are not allowed by our Moroccan country partners. Other recommended vaccinations will be required (Chickenpox, Tetanus, Flu, MMR, Polio, Hep A, Hep B, typhoid, etc.). The project will not pay for required vaccinations. Contact us if you need assistance getting these through our university partners.

11. Is prior international travel experience required?

No, prior international travel experience is not required. We hope to provide international opportunities to those that have not had the opportunity. We will look for some students in the cohort that are experienced travel to be peer mentors to those with less experience.

12. How long is the program?

The program is four weeks. There will be some required preparation meetings and independent study in Spring prior to departure.

13. When will we travel to Morocco?

We hope to travel to Morocco June-August. Preliminary dates are June 23rd-July 28th, 2024. However, travel could be postponed to later in the summer due to security or health reasons. We are traveling later in the summer this year to avoid the large Muslim holiday when our partners are spending time with their families.

14. Do I need a U.S. passport by the time I apply?

Yes. Unfortunately due to the current delays in issuing U.S. passports, we will need you to have a current passport. If your passport is about to expire, please renew as soon as possible. We require that your passport will be valid through January 2024 since most countries recommend the passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to travel. This is a three year grant so if you currently don’t have a passport, apply for one now and apply to the program next year if you will still be a UC Merced or USF student.

15. Am I able to participate in the program virtually?

Our aim is to travel in person this summer 2024 and this is likely given we were permitted the last two years and restrictions have eased even further. The program will be virtual only if UC Merced or USF requires we hold the program virtually for changes in COVID-19, other health, or security reasons. We cannot provide a virtual experience for applicants if both institutions are traveling.

16. Why is the application deadline in November?

The application deadline is in November to allow us time to review and interview applicants. Also, we will need significant lead time to get approval and prepare for travel by the summer particularly given the continued challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

17. Are guests allowed or supported by the program (e.g. spouses, significant others, children, pets, etc.)?

No, only the selected applicants can travel or stay at the research center as part of the program. There is limited space, funding, and resources.

18. Who should I contact if I have any other questions?

Please review the website and FAQs carefully. If you have further questions, please e-mail cnaughton2 at ucmerced.edu or deubel at usf.edu.