PABSELA 2008 | SCRT08 > SCRT08 > FAQs
How are SCRT08 participants selected?
The ideal candidates are young investigators who wish to apply their skills to the study of stem cell biology. All participants are expected to return home to teach others, and so, must have the ability, time and desire to train and encourage others, and to adapt what they have learned to the local culture and infrastructure in order to become leaders in the stem cell field.
I am a PhD student. Can I attend the course?
PhD students with experience in molecular biology and tissue culture are welcome to apply. The Academic Committee will select the strongest candidates with outstanding academic/scientific records and a commitment to becoming leaders in stem cell biology.
What mechanisms for funding exist?
Funding for the SCRT08 course -including tuition, lodging, food and incidentals- is generally provided by a sponsoring agency. Sponsoring agency covering tuition may be a PABSELA contributor and applicant must request financial assistance in the application form. Support from an additional sponsor must be obtained for lodging, airfare, visa, and incidentals. This sponsor will arrange tuition payment to the SCRT08 course and must arrange for your airfare and visa. The payment for lodging should be paid directly to the hotel. Funds for incidentals and meals are usually disbursed directly from the sponsor to the participant.
Are there scholarships available for the tuition?
There will be a number of scholarships and travel grants for outstanding applicants who demonstrate financial need and are unable to reach alternative sources of support.
I have funding to attend the course, but I don't have a sponsor who is able to pay my tuition fees. Is this acceptable?
The PABSELA Academic Committee gives first preference to participants with sponsors who are able to fund their tuition costs. The PABSELA organizers strongly recommend that applicants seek alternative forms of support, other than PABSELA scholarships or travel grants.
What happens if I am not selected for the SCRT course this year?
blalbalApplicants who do not get into the SCRT08 this year and are strongly committed to developing a career in stem cell biology are encouraged to apply the next year. We plan to offer the SCRT course in Buenos Aires two more years: 2008, 2009.
Is the SCRT08 course offered more than once a year?
No.
What is a typical day like in the SCRT08 course?
A normal day consists of morning lectures, informal scientific discussions, and laboratory activities beginning after lunch. The day starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs until the lab activity of the day is completed with morning and afternoon breaks and an hour for lunch. Some lab activities demand 8 or more hours at the bench so participants are expected to work until evening.
May I attend just parts of the course, as opposed to all two weeks?
No. All participants are required to attend the entire two-week course. Only participants completing all two weeks are awarded Harvard Medical International Certificates of completion. If you are interested in a specific subject but cannot stay the two weeks you will probably find the Seminars as a good opportunity to interact with PABSELA Faculty.
Does my English have to be really strong?
Although the program does not require tests scores as an indicator of language ability, PABSELA organizers strongly recommend that the applicant possess language skills at a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) level of 550 or better. Good oral, written, and comprehension skills are absolutely required for optimal benefit of the course content and participation.
How do I obtain an Argentine visa to attend the course?
Please refer to the Argentinean Consular Section in your country. For information about Argentinean Consulates in your country please visit http://www.mrecic.gov.ar (information only available in Spanish) and go to "Temas Consulares".
How can I get from the airport to the hotel?
There are several options to go to and from the International Airport "Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza)". The airport is located 35 kilometers (21 miles) from the center of the city of Buenos Aires.
Note: as soon as you claim your baggage and exit the customs area of the airport, you will notice that many people (mainly men) will approach you and offer car services to the city. It is strongly recommended that you DO NOT take any of these people's cars, since they might not be authorized to carry passengers and are known to take advantage of tourists. If you do not have a reservation prior to your arrival, you can make it as soon as you arrive at the transportation booths located outside the customs area.
From Ezeiza Airport To The City
Minibus: $35 (~US$11) The Manuel Tienda León Bus Company provides transportation to the center of the city and has reservation booths in the arrival hall.
The minibuses depart every hour, are inexpensive and make several stops along the way. Confirm with the operator if your destination is close to their stop.
Remise (car service): $100 (~US$33). See our City Transportation section for information on remises. We recommend that you use this option if you already have a reservation and the driver is waiting for you.
Taxi: $60/$90 (~US$20-30). Taxis have reservation booths inside the airport. Confirm the price before making the reservation (www.taxiezeiza.com). DO NOT take a taxi from a person who verbally offers the service inside the airport hall; they usually take advantage of tourists, see our Note above.
Public Transportation: $1.50 (~US$0.50). If you are not carrying large or heavy luggage and want to spend very little money in transportation, this is your best bet. It takes about 1.5 hour to get to downtown Buenos Aires. The fare is paid on the bus with coins ONLY, so make sure to have at least $2 in coins. Go to the information booth inside the arrivals hall and ask for the exact location of the bus stop for bus number 86. When getting on the bus you must tell the driver your destination (e.g. Centro or Plaza de Mayo) and put the coins in the ticket machine; wait a few seconds for the machine to print a receipt and to give your change back. Keep the receipt handy because it may be requested during the trip. We suggest that you sit in the front seats, near the driver, so you can ask him where to get off.
May I bring a family member with me, and can that person stay with me in the hotel?
Fundación Crimson is not responsible for family members during the SCRT08 course. Participants are responsible for funding family members and are encouraged to check with their respective sponsors regarding the sponsor's rules.
Must I stay at a Fundación Crimson-designated hotel or may I stay elsewhere?
Applicants who are accepted for the course will receive a list of recommended hotels to stay in Buenos Aires during PABSELA SCRT08 course. However, students may choose a different place to stay.
What type of transportation is available for getting around in Buenos Aires?
PABSELA team will provide free transportation for students from hotel to Fundación Instituto Leloir everyday. Students that want to use alternative ways to get around may use the following options:
Driving. Unless you are a confident, assertive driver and know where you are going, it's best to leave the driving to others in Argentina and take public transportation.
Subway. Enter at a Subte and buy a map of the system at any station along with your magnetic card, called tarjeta, and use this excellent way of getting around the city.
Taxi. They are cheaper than renting a car and you won't have a parking problem. We encourage you to take \\"radio taxis\\" as it is the safest way to travel in Buenos Aires. Black taxis with yellow roofs are available 24 hours a day.
Bus. Routes are posted at the bus stops and the busses have their destination and route number on the front. Exact change is not needed, and pay with coins as you go in. Keep your ticket stub until you get off the bus. Be prepared for crowding.
What activities are planned for evenings and weekends?
During the SCRT08 course, there will be a one-day trip to a nearby Estancia (Argentinean-style ranch) in the Buenos Aires province on Sunday 10 MAY. The evening, as a rule, when not working at the lab, is a time for rest and relaxation.