Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions is a joint effort of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.
Summer Field Internship
Summer Research Bootcamp
Applications are Closed for Summer 2022
All applications for Summer 2022 were due on March 14, 2022
- Research Bootcamp Overview
- General Qualifications
- Instructions for Applying
- FAQ
Research Bootcamp Overview
During the Summer Research Bootcamp students will spend three weeks working together with SCCEI staff to conduct new research related to economic development and specifically human capital challenges facing China. Students will be assigned to a small project team tackling a research question related to one of SCCEI’s many projects in China. Along the way participants will gain a unique opportunity to learn about field research methodologies, how to conduct economic analyses using primary data, how to write an academic paper for publication, and participate in lectures and discussions with top experts on China.
At the end of the internship, students will give a group presentation sharing their project results. Reports from past interns have been used in academic papers, new project proposals, and outreach materials about our work. Students may also have the option of creating web pages featuring the results from the team's research.
Program Dates: June 20 - July 8, 2022
Location: Stanford University
Program Cost: $3,500
General Qualifications
Each year SCCEI runs a rigorous summer program for an elite mixed group of university undergrads and top high school students from around the country. Due to the highly competitive nature of the selection process, we ask that you review the below qualifications to confirm your eligibility.
Undergraduate applicants must:
- Be a currently enrolled Stanford student. We cannot accept applications from graduating seniors or students taking a leave of absence.
- Be a sophomore or above—exceptional freshmen will be considered
- Have strong English writing skills
- Be self-motivated and inquisitive
- Have a demonstrated interest and coursework in social science and / or global issues
High school applicants must:
- Have a GPA of 3.75 or more on the unweighted 4.0 GPA scale
- Be a sophomore or above
- Have strong English writing skills
- Be self-motivated and inquisitive
Mandarin Chinese language skills are not required, but are preferred for all applicants.
We receive a large number of applications each year. Please do not call or email to check on your application status. We will notify every applicant whether or not they have been accepted for the program.
Instructions for Applying
We have two application paths: One for Stanford students and one for external students.
External students can email their application to the SCCEI Communications Manager, Heather Rahimi at hrahimi@stanford.edu, with "SCCEI Summer Research Bootcamp" in the subject line, along with the below listed materials. All required materials should be saved and submitted as .PDF files and should be titled according to the indicated file names below:
- One page cover letter stating why you want to participate in the SCCEI Research Bootcamp, and what you can bring to the team (File name: LastName_CoverLetter.pdf)
- Current resume (File name: LastName_Resume.pdf)
- No more than a one-page (300 word) answer to the question (File name: LastName_ShortEssay.pdf):
“IWhat do you think is the biggest challenge facing China today, and why?”
FAQ
Is a stipend provided?
Stanford University students may receive funding through the Freeman Spogli Institute (FSI). Unfortunately, we cannot provide participants from other institutions with a stipend.
Will I receive academic credit?
The SCCEI Summer Research Bootcamp does not offer academic credit.
What does the application and selection process entail?
The application will ask you for a resume, cover letter and short essay. Applications must be received by March 14, 2022. You will be notified within a few weeks if you have been accepted.
Can I check on my application status?
You will receive a confirmation email when we have received and processed your application materials. Processing applications takes time, so please note that it may be several business days before you receive the confirmation email. We carefully review each and every application. Please do not call or email to check on your application status during this review period. We will notify every applicant whether or not they have been accepted for the bootcamp.
The application deadline has passed. May I still submit an application?
No, we do not accept late applications.
Is the bootcamp open to non-Stanford students?
Yes, the bootcamp is open to high school students.
I cannot commit to 3 weeks full time. May I still apply?
We can only accept participants who can commit for the full duration of the program.