Wharton International Research Experience (WIRE)

Program Description
Summer 2009

What is the Wharton International Research Experience?

The Wharton Undergraduate Division will offer up to five grants to support undergraduate research abroad on a topic that promotes both economic and social value.  Projects will be carried out under the supervision of some of Wharton’s preeminent faculty members.  Students’ projects will culminate in oral presentations and written research papers that will be posted on ScholarlyCommons@Penn.

In addition to receiving a stipend of $3,000, participants will be reimbursed for approved travel and lodging expenses up to $3,000.  While engaged in the research program, participants are expected to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week over a two-month period (and not accept alternative employment exceeding 20 hours per week or take more than one concurrent summer course).  Also note that while foreign travel related to the international topic is required, the program does not dictate the duration.

How do students apply?

All Wharton undergraduates in good standing who have at least a 3.4/4.0 cumulative GPA are eligible. The program is particularly aimed at rising juniors and seniors.  Application materials (Application & Instructions, Advisor Approval Form, and Expectations Statement) are due by 12:00 noon, Friday, March 6, 2009.

As long as the proposed project falls within program guidelines – an international project involving the promotion of economic and social value – there is considerable latitude regarding the specific focus of and methods for the research project.  It may be a theoretical or applied project and may utilize quantitative or qualitative research methods.  Applicants must have a faculty member signed on to provide advice on their project. Priority will be given to those working with a Wharton faculty member.  Information is available to assist students in identifying a faculty advisor with expertise in the area of the students’ interests:

• Wharton Faculty bio pages, here listed by Department:
  http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/faculty/acad_depts/

• Wharton faculty members listed with abbreviated descriptions of their research interests
  (Wharton Research by Department and Wharton Research Alphabetically)

A successful proposal should generally include a compelling, well-designed research project including methodology, strong academic achievement by the applicant, and an outstanding essay regarding program participation.

Decisions regarding acceptance into the program will be announced in early April 2009 via email.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about the program, first review the WIRE FAQs sheet. If you have additional questions, you may contact Dr. Martin A. Asher, Director of Research and Scholars Programs, (asherm@wharton.upenn.edu, 215-898-0285) or Bethany Schell, Administrative Coordinator (bschell@wharton.upenn.edu, 215-898-7612), both in the Wharton Undergraduate Division, JMHH G95.