Frequently Asked Questions

When do I apply?
We are now accepting applications for the UGA PIRE class of 2009. Click here for the application.
How do I apply?
You may download an application form here as a word document. Please fill out the form while leaving all headings intact and e-mail it to pire@uga.edu. Alternatively, you can print it out and mail it to the following address: PIRE Office, Department of Genetics, Davison Life Sciences Building, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7223. In addition to the application itself, please submit two recommendation forms (included on the application) filled out by people who can speak to your academic abilities and your readiness to undertake a study abroad experience. Finally, send an official copy of your transcript to us at the PIRE office.
What are the general requirements for admission?
In order to be eligible for this program you must be a U.S. citizen (or permanent resident) who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate institution and in good academic standing.
I have no background in Chinese; am I still eligible to apply?
Definitely! The courses are specifically designed to give students an intensive introduction to elementary Mandarin Chinese, so we do not expect you to have any previous language experience.
I speak Chinese pretty well; do I still have to take the Chinese courses?
Having a background in Chinese doesn't affect whether you have to take the classes (you do). Dr. Myhre is an expert in incorporating students with different levels of preparation into a class. If you already speak Chinese, she will incorporate you as more of a teaching assistant, as well as provide more individualized instruction in writing and reading. While you are at UGA, you might also take other courses in Chinese that might be more appropriate.
I have no background in Genetics; am I still eligible to apply?
Yes. We expect that all students will have taken an introductory biology course and perhaps even courses in evolutionary biology and ecology. However, you are not required to have any genetics training to be eligible. In fact, while the program is designed with science students in mind, any and all students with a good introductory biology course and a dedication to learning the language and conducting scientific research in an international laboratory environment are welcome to apply.
How intensive are these courses?
Intense. Learning a new language is just like going to the gym -- you have to apply yourself on a daily basis to see results. The language classes meet daily and there are quizzes every day. You should expect to work several hours a day on homework and review to keep up with the pace of the course. We encourage students to work together to help one another learn.
I am planning to graduate this spring; am I still eligible?
It depends. You will have to be able to enroll in the spring and summer classes at UGA. It is often possible to enroll as a special student even after graduation.
Are the spring semester courses at the University of Georgia mandatory?
Yes. In order to be eligible for the summer field study in China, you must successfully complete the 3 courses at the University of Georgia during the spring semester prior to the field study. These courses include a Genetics course on the topic of invasive species as well as 2 Chinese language courses designed to give you the language skills necessary to succeed in a research environment in China. These classes should be eligible for academic credit at your home institution. In addition, you can also sign up for other courses at the University of Georgia. A large part of the design of the summer program is dependent on having a cohesive group of students and faculty who know and trust each other.
Can I take equivalent courses at my home institution in Chinese and genetics? Can I take the courses through some kind of webcast that would allow me to stay enrolled at my home institution?
No. More than just giving students science and language training, the PIRE program is designed to build a community of students who are able to travel together effectively abroad. All of the courses you will take in the Spring are specifically designed for participants in this program, and would cover topics not normally discussed by other genetics or Chinese classes. Furthermore, due to the inherent difficulty of conducting a lab-based course over long distances and the daily dedication required for intensive language study, it is not possible to access these classes other than to fully participate as a resident at the University of Georgia.
Can I receive course credit at my home institution for classes taken as part of this program?
The University of Georgia will provide you with a transcript for all your coursework taken through this program. It is ultimately up to your home institution to decide whether or not this credit will transfer or if it will contribute to your degree. All our courses are taught by faculty at the University of Georgia, which is a fully-accredited institution. We do encourage all students to consult with their academic advisors at their home institutions.
How much will all this really cost me?
Unlike most study abroad programs, we do not charge a program fee; our National Science Foundation grant foots the bill for almost all major expenses during the summer trip to China. All travel is included, although we ask that you cover minor expenses like subway and bus tokens. The program will usually cover both breakfast and dinner and any group meals, but you will usually have to pay for your own lunch and any snacks (this can range from $1 - $10 a day depending on your needs). We also cannot pay for things like visa and passport fees, your health/travel insurance, phone charges or souvenirs. All students will have to pay tuition and mandatory fees involved with enrolling at the University of Georgia during the spring and summer semesters. You will have to make any arrangements for seeing if your current financial aid can be applied here at UGA.
I am not a Georgia resident, will I have to pay out-of-state tuition?
The University of Georgia has determined that all courses specifically taken as part of this program will charge in-state tuition. If you are an out-of-state student, you will pay in-state rates for all the summer courses, as well as for the 3 spring semester courses (12 credits) taken at UGA. There are also mandatory fees that UGA charges for enrolled students and most out-of-state students pay an additional $250 out-of-state student fee. In-state tuition at UGA is $203 per credit-hour. Out-of-state students who wish to take additional courses at UGA while they are here will be charged the out-of-state tuition of $882 per credit hour.
If am not a Georgia resident, are there other possibilities for dealing with tuition?
Yes. Nearly 200 colleges and universities, including the University of Georgia, are members of the National Student Exchange program. Students must be enrolled at one of NSE’s Member Universities in order to apply for exchange; and exchanges are only available at other member institutions. Students apply for participation on their home campus and either pay their normal tuition to their home campus or pay at the host campus as if they were a resident.
What are living conditions like in China?
During much of your time in China you will be living and studying at Nanjing University. NJU is one of China’s most prestigious universities and will serve as your “home base” during the field study. Here, you will stay in dormitories on campus with Western-style accommodations and most modern conveniences. Throughout the program you will travel to various biological communities all over China. Accommodations at these locations will be understandably more rugged, and although there are some living situations that could differ substantially from those at home, the PIRE program will ensure that your safety and comfort is always a top priority.
How much freedom do students have in terms of the lab placement following the field study?
After completing the 8 week field study portion of the study abroad program in China, students will have the option of being placed in the lab of one of our partner institutions in Nanjing for a 3 week internship. Students will be able to express a preference in where he/she is placed.