Research Opportunities For International Students: What You Need To Know

International students interested in research opportunities in the United States can explore various programs and universities that offer research experiences. The country is home to many of the world's top universities, and international students can contribute to the diversity and productivity of scientific research. Several factors, such as visa requirements and academic qualifications, play a crucial role in determining eligibility for research positions. To enhance their employability, international students can consider community colleges, religious schools, or online learning as alternative pathways to gaining research experience and a competitive edge in the job market.

International research opportunities

International students have a wide range of research opportunities available to them. These include exchange programs, internships, and scholarships. Undertaking research as an international student can have a positive impact on academic, educational, and professional outcomes, and can also enhance employability.

Exchange Programs

The University of Chicago offers a range of international research opportunities for its students. These include the ISTemship Summer Program in Vienna, Austria, which offers research opportunities in biology, computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, neuroscience, and interdisciplinary areas. The University of Chicago also offers the Ku Leuven Internship in Leuven, Belgium, which allows undergraduate and masters students to conduct scientific research.

Internships

There are numerous internships available for international students. École Polytechnique in France offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to undertake a 3 to 6-month internship in its laboratories. EuroScholars offers research internships at nine research universities in Europe for advanced undergraduates from US and Canadian universities. The Fulbright US Student Program offers graduating college students and alumni the opportunity to pursue international research in countries around the world.

Scholarships

Scholarships are also available for international students wishing to undertake research. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Undergraduate Scholarship Program in Germany invites highly qualified undergraduate students to apply for scholarships funding study, senior thesis research, and internships. The ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship Program in Switzerland supports US undergraduate and graduate students in conducting research at a public Swiss university or research institute for 2 to 3 months.

International students should also consider the social, cultural, and economic aspects of studying abroad, as well as the potential challenges of living with roommates from other countries. It is important to be fully prepared and set up before embarking on an international research opportunity.

Internships abroad

Undertaking an internship abroad as an international student can be a rewarding experience that will help you develop valuable skills and enhance your resume. It is an excellent opportunity to gain practical, hands-on work experience in your field of interest while immersing yourself in a new culture and expanding your global network.

When considering an internship abroad, it is important to determine your goals and what you hope to gain from the experience. You should also research the countries that specialize in your desired industry and check if there are any language barriers that may hinder your productivity. Popular countries for internships abroad include Australia, England, Italy, South Africa, and Japan.

There are various programs that offer internships abroad, such as CIEE and AIFS Abroad. These organizations provide international internship opportunities in multiple locations and fields, including business and marketing. CIEE, for example, offers internships in 35+ cities worldwide, ranging from six to 16 weeks in duration, and can be combined with academic coursework. AIFS Abroad customizes each internship to the individual, ensuring a unique experience that aligns with your academic degree and professional goals.

The cost of interning abroad varies depending on whether you apply directly or through a program placement provider, the location, and whether the internship is paid or unpaid. Many internships abroad are unpaid, but financial aid and scholarships are often available to support students in covering the costs. Additionally, some programs offer housing in student apartments or near public transport lines to enhance your immersion in the local culture.

The best time to intern abroad is while you're a student, as your work is less likely to interfere with your studies. Summer internships, for instance, allow you to focus on gaining valuable projects and training without the pressure of homework or exams.

Overall, interning abroad as an international student is a fantastic way to develop personally and professionally, gain global work experience, and build a network of international contacts. It will provide you with a competitive edge in the job market and equip you with the skills and insights needed to navigate an interconnected world.

Benefits of studying in the US

The United States is one of the world's most popular destinations for international students. In the 2023–24 academic year, over a million international students chose the US as their destination for higher education. Here are some of the benefits of studying in the US:

Academic Options

The United States has a wide range of academic institutions to choose from, increasing the chances of international students getting a quality education in their desired field of study. US universities offer hundreds of programmes in a variety of different subjects, allowing students to tailor their degrees to their interests and career aspirations.

Career Prospects

Studying in the US can boost your employment prospects after graduation. US colleges and universities offer robust support to help international students succeed, including career services, international student services, and alumni networks. International students in the US also have access to several work programs, such as the OPT program, which allows students on F-1 visas to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation or up to 36 months for STEM degrees.

Cultural Diversity

US universities are known for their diverse student populations, with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and countries. This gives international students the chance to interact with different viewpoints and cultures, broadening their perspectives and fostering cultural awareness.

Student Lifestyle

US universities are also known for their exciting student lifestyle, including sports teams, clubs, fraternities, and sororities. Campus life offers a unique opportunity to meet new people, try new things, and make lifelong friendships. Additionally, the US has many exciting cities and places to explore, with 14 of the QS Best Student Cities globally.

Language Skills

For international students learning English, studying in the US is an excellent way to improve their language skills. By interacting with native speakers daily and submitting academic work in English, students can gain a competitive advantage in the job market, especially when applying to international organizations.

Funding and scholarships

Funding your education as an international student can be challenging, but there are many scholarships and funding opportunities available to help you pursue your research goals. These scholarships are offered by various organisations, including governments, universities, and private institutions, and can provide full or partial funding for your studies. Here are some examples of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students seeking to conduct research:

Country-specific Scholarships:

• USA: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious scholarship that supports international students pursuing Master's or PhD degrees in the United States. It provides funding for tuition, textbooks, airfare, living expenses, and health insurance. The National Science Foundation (NSF) also offers fellowships, travel grants, and research opportunities for international researchers. Additionally, the USA offers specific scholarships like the Boren Award for International Study, the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program, and the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation for public service careers.
• UK: The UK government offers a range of scholarships, including the GREAT Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for international students across various subjects and levels, including postgraduate research degrees. The University of Cambridge, through the Cambridge Trusts, offers approximately 80 Cambridge International Scholarships to overseas students pursuing PhD research. The University of Warwick also awards Chancellor’s International Scholarships to outstanding international PhD applicants.
• Australia: The University of Adelaide offers the Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) to attract high-quality international postgraduate students to its research programs. The University of Melbourne provides the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) to domestic and international research students, which may include a living allowance, relocation allowance, and health cover. The University of Sydney International Scholarships are available for postgraduate research degrees or Master's by Research programs and cover tuition fees and living expenses.
• Switzerland: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships enable graduates from all fields to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research at Swiss universities or recognised institutions. The scholarships provide a monthly allowance, cover tuition fees, and include health insurance and a lodging allowance.
• Finland: The CIMO Doctoral Fellowships are open to doctoral-level students and researchers from all countries and academic fields. This program offers a monthly allowance for 3 to 12 months while studying at a Finnish university.
• New Zealand: The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) provide scholarships for international students undertaking PhD studies in any discipline at a New Zealand university.

Subject-specific Scholarships:

Subject-specific scholarships are often offered by individual university departments for students pursuing specific courses or subjects. For example, the University of Sydney International Scholarships are available for postgraduate research degrees or Master's by Research programs. Additionally, the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship in the US focuses on oceanic and atmospheric science, while the USDA/1994 Tribal Scholars Program offers scholarships for students seeking careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences.

Equal Access Scholarships:

These scholarships are typically in the form of tuition fee reductions or waivers and are offered to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.

Disability Scholarships:

These scholarships are specifically designed to support international students with disabilities, long-term mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or other special needs.

Government Funding:

Foreign governments often fund international research scholarships to establish their countries as global research hubs. Additionally, organisations like USAID, the US government agency working to end global poverty, provides funding opportunities for universities and research scholars.

Remember to explore funding opportunities specific to your country of interest and your field of study. Each scholarship or funding program will have its own eligibility criteria and application process, so be sure to review the requirements carefully before applying.

Student visas and insurance

As an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa to study in a foreign country. The type of visa you will need depends on the country you are travelling to and the one you are coming from. For example, in the USA, international students typically need to obtain an F1 visa. Other visas that allow international students to study in the USA include M and J visas.

In addition to obtaining a visa, international students are often required to purchase health insurance. The type of insurance plan that is needed will depend on the specific requirements of the country and educational institution that you are attending. Some schools choose to implement a mandatory group health insurance plan for all of their international students, meaning you will be automatically enrolled without the option to choose your own coverage. These plans tend to be more expensive, with the costs automatically factored into your tuition fees. However, they usually provide very comprehensive coverage. Some institutions that offer group health insurance plans allow their students to waive out, as long as they can prove that they have purchased comparable alternative coverage.

There are also insurance providers that offer plans specifically designed for international students. These providers include International Student Insurance (ISI) and ISO International Student Organization. Their plans are typically affordable and comprehensive, meeting the requirements of schools and countries. For example, ISO offers dedicated health insurance plans for F1 visa international students, J1 visa scholars and students, F1-OPT holders, and F2/J2 dependents.

It is important to carefully review the requirements and options for student visas and insurance in the country and institution that you plan to study in. This will help ensure that you have the necessary documentation and coverage in place before beginning your studies abroad.

Frequently asked questions