Amasa Bishop Summer Study Abroad Fellowship

The 2024 application window is closed, stay tuned for information about the 2025 information session and budget workshop.

Read this article about Amasa Bishop to shed light on who he was.

Application Material Downloads (links available Feb 2025):

Bishop Information and Application Directions
Bishop Application Checklist
Bishop Summary/Overview Form
Summary/Overview Page Example
Bishop Application
Bishop Reference Form

Additional Guides and Resources

Bishop Information Session 2024 Presentation
Bishop Budget Workshop Presentation
Bishop Proposal Example
Guide to Writable PDFs

About the Fellowship

The Amasa Bishop Fellowship funds students to study abroad during the summer months in an organized study abroad program for two up to ten weeks. Programs should be run by reputable universities, non-profit or private-sector organizations. No independent, self-designed study or research is eligible nor does this fellowship fund internships.

Previous winners have spent two weeks studying the language and culture in the changing technological landscape of Japan, six weeks immersed in French life, and four weeks exploring the natural wonders and underlying geology of Tibet and Nepal. More examples of the types of study supported by the Bishop fellowship are available in the FASA Library and can be reviewed during regular office hours.

The Amasa Bishop Fellowship was established by the Bishop family in honor of Dr. Amasa Bishop, who graduated from Caltech with a B.S. in physics in 1943. Dr. Bishop served as Chief of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission's Controlled Thermonuclear Branch and went on to become the Atomic Energy Commission's European Scientific representative. This fellowship honors Dr. Bishop's understanding of the need for scientists and engineers to gain exposure to international issues and cultures.

Overview

Winners must be prepared to make last minute changes in case of program cancellations, changing travel restrictions, or rising pandemic concerns. The fellowship may be cancelled by FASA or the study program due to pandemic issues.

This fellowship will fund study in an approved program for 2 to 10 weeks. Applicants should propose a budget not to exceed $7,000. The budget must include airfare, fees, housing, and all other costs. If proposing a trip for 5 weeks or longer, this is intended to be the major focus of the applicant's summer. It is possible to combine two study programs, e.g. two weeks of language study followed by four weeks of a subject program. However, the programs must be in the same city or location and must be a concurrent program or offered directly after the first program; no extended break between the end of the first and start of the second program.

For more information on the fellowship, application process and proposal directions, please download the Information and Directions PDF at the top of this page.

Applicant Requirements

Current Freshmen, Sophomores, or Juniors with a 2.8 and above GPA may apply and must be enrolled at Caltech for the winter and spring term of the current academic year. Applicants must be 18 or older by application deadline.
Applicants must be in good standing – no disciplinary problems or ongoing issues. Applicants may not be on leave from Caltech for the current year or fall following the summer abroad.
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students may apply. Note applicants cannot study in a country in which they hold citizenship or are a permanent resident.
Only individuals may apply (no pairs).
All students applying must be fully vaccinated with a WHO approved vaccine. No religious or medical exceptions. (Note: Awarded fellows will be required to receive a booster at least one month before departure if they have previously not received one yet.)

Students apply for funding for a summer study abroad program of their own choosing.