If a traditional study abroad experience taking academic coursework is not what you are interested in, research abroad may be a viable option. This type of experience is particularly critical for students who plan to pursue academic or research careers, since so much research is international in nature. An international research experience may provide an edge in the competitive world of research when looking for a full time research position or applying to a graduate program.

Opportunities through Texas A&M

Students can use most of their existing financial aid to attend these programs if receiving full-time credit. Award amounts can be increased to meet additional financial costs associated with conducting research abroad such as travel and living expenses.

• Office of Undergraduate Research - Website details research opportunities for undergraduates, both nationally and internationally. Site also provides links for professional research organizations, journals and funding sources. 
• International Research Experience for Undergraduates (IREU) to Taiwan - This opportunity is for undergraduate U.S. citizens and permanent residents in Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology and related fields to conduct research for the summer in a Taiwanese laboratory.  For more information, please contact the Study Abroad office.
• Reciprocal Educational Exchange Program - Biochemistry undergraduates can conduct research at St. Hugh’s College in Oxford (UK).
• Independent Research – Many departments offer degree plan options that would allow you to build a research component into your undergraduate or graduate degree plan around a subject in which you have an interest.  Talk to faculty in your department about how to access these types of opportunities since many faculty have international colleagues and ongoing research projects.  If you express your interest, they might be willing to mentor you in this type of program or consider you for future opportunities that become available as they pursue research grants and projects. 
• International School for Field Studies – This is an accredited institution that conducts research programs globally, as an affiliated agreement with TAMU so you can use your Texas A&M financial aid.
• Vice President of Research - Texas A&M's Vice President of Research lists research opportunities both nationally and internationally.

Other Opportunities

• The National Science Foundation supports numerous Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in universities across the US.  Some of the REUs have an international component or take place in a foreign country.
• The National Science Foundation supports numerous Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in universities across the US.  Some of the REUs have an international component or take place in a foreign country.
• Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE), Germany - Offers undergraduates the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects during the summer at some of the top research institutions and universities in Germany. Students are paired with German PhD students and work on research projects in areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and Engineering. Detailed project descriptions and application materials are available online at http://www.daad.de/RISE and applications are due February 1, 2006. To view a complete list of RISE host institutions in Germany and internship subject areas, download the PDF at http://www.daad.org/file_depot/0-10000000/10000-20000/16426/folder/44164/RISE_internship_info2006.pdf.
• International Research Programs – Many countries provide research scholarships and fellowships to encourage foreign students to come to their premier research centers to participate in scholarly exchange.  Like the Jr. Fulbright awards in the U.S., these are generally large, prestigious scholarships.  The education section of each Embassy or consulate will have more information.

Available Funding

There is some funding available centrally for those who want to design their own research or traditional study programs abroad.  Please visit http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/financial_resources.asp for more details.  In addition, there are national and international scholarships available for students to research abroad (see “national and international research programs” above), and many faculty have research grants that support both graduate and undergraduate research activities in the US and abroad.  You can find out more about the potential for the latter option by expressing your interest in working with faculty in your department in ongoing international research projects.  The NSF also provides funding for research.  Please visit http://vpr.tamu.edu/  for details.

Students enrolled at Texas A&M University or pursuing research through a Texas A&M affiliate such as the International School for Field Studies, are eligible to use their existing financial aid packages on these programs.  However, because of increased travel costs and other expenses not common to remaining on campus in College Station, the Scholarships & Financial Aid Office can assist students in adjusting their financial aid packages upward to handle these extra expenses.