Biology Research Abroad: Vistas Open! (BRAVO!)

BRAVO! - Biology Research Abroad: Vistas Open!

(Formerly known as the 'Biomedical Research Abroad: Vistas Open!’ Program)

The Biology Research Abroad: Vistas Open! (BRAVO!) Program, administered through the Undergraduate Biology Research Program, provides University of Arizona undergraduate students who have at least six months of prior research experience the opportunity to gain a global perspective through a 10- to 12-week summer international research experience. BRAVO! is designed to enhance participants’ scientific and professional skills, and to cultivate international collaborative relationships. Unlike traditional study abroad experiences where students take academic courses, BRAVO! participants have an independent and immersive experience, living as a visiting researcher and working in the host country.

How Does BRAVO! Work?

BRAVO! supports collaboration between a UA research mentor, one of their current international scientific collaborators, and one of their undergraduate researchers, in the development and proposal of a full-time, 10- to 12-week, summer research placement which immerses the undergraduate in the international collaborator's lab and country. Proposals serve to promote progress on a specific research project and/or facilitate the exchange of best practices and techniques, and provide a unique opportunity for undergrad researchers to grow both scientifically and personally. Students receive up to $8,000 to support their BRAVO! experience to cover costs for transportation, lodging, food, and other relevant travel and research expenses.

The BRAVO! application process must be started by September 15. Finalists are notified of acceptance in December and attend BRAVO! orientation sessions and participate in individual meetings with the program director during the spring semester to prepare them for the international experience. Beyond participating in international research, BRAVO! participants share their experiences abroad with fellow participants, the UArizona community, donors, and the general public through online posts, presentations, and the UBRP Gazette e-newsletter.

BRAVO! Student Eligibility for Summer 2026:

Applicants must be UArizona undergraduates with an expected graduation date of December 2026 or later.
Applicants must have at least six months of research experience with their UArizona mentor at the time of application.
Applicants must be mature, responsible, independent, and would serve well as a representative of their mentor’s lab and of the University of Arizona.
Priority is for students with limited travel experience and/or limited ability to travel internationally without support (e.g. students who are financially challenged, first-generation, have never been outside the U.S., etc.)

BRAVO! Application Process for Students:

You must first discuss your interest in BRAVO! with your UA faculty research mentor, and work together to identify a suitable international mentor with whom you intend to conduct your BRAVO! experience. Complete and submit a Stage One BRAVO! Application by September 15, 2025.
The BRAVO! Director will follow up with each applicant and provide them with Stage Two application materials, which will require a proposal of the research to be done, a budget/justification, and letters of endorsement from their UA and international mentors. The Stage Two BRAVO! Application is due on November 1, 2025. Students are expected to work closely with their international and UA mentors on the development of their BRAVO! proposal.
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Interviews will then be conducted by the BRAVO! Selection Committee and finalists will be notified by December 15, 2025. If selected, the students will then work with the BRAVO! Director in the Spring to prepare for their upcoming summer experience abroad.