Nakatani RIES: Research & International Experiences for U.S. Students in Japan

Interested in conducting research abroad during Summer 2018? Then the Nakatani RIES may be the experience you've been looking for! This is a 13-week, summer research internship in science & engineering that is open to freshman and sophomore students nationwide. The program seeks to cultivate an interest in science & engineering research and future graduate study among young undergraduate students. Nakatani RIES is geared towards the needs of young undergraduates who are new to scientific research and study of Japanese language and culture; no prior research or language experience is required.

The program includes:

• 2-day Pre-Departure Orientation at Rice University

• 3-week Language & Cultural Orientation in Japan: Includes 45 hours of intensive Japanese language study, Introduction to Science & Engineering Research Seminars, and Introduction to Japanese Society & Culture Seminars

• 9-week Research Internship at a Japanese university or research institution

• 3-day Mid-Program Meeting in July

• 3-day Re-Entry Program and Final Poster Presentation at Rice University

• All participants will be enrolled in a 3-credit research course for the summer program

Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for the Nakatani RIES Fellowship students must:

• Be at least 18 years old;

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;

• Be a currently-enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate student in good academic standing at a U.S. institution of higher education;

• Be majoring in a science or engineering field;

• Be in their freshman (first) or sophomore (second) year of undergraduate study at the time of application;

• Have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or above;

• Be able to express a demonstrated interest in international science & engineering research, particularly with Japan;

• Be able to express a demonstrated interested in future graduate study in a science or engineering field.

Benefits: The program provides funding for most costs including tuition and fees, international health and liability insurance, domestic airfare to/from Houston, international airfare to/from Japan, lodging, a partial meal/living cost stipend, program seminars and classes, the loan of a Japanese cell phone, and some train travel in Japan. Student Costs: Costs that students will pay individually include passport and visa fees (if applicable), immunizations (if applicable), books, meal/living costs above and beyond the partial stipend provided, daily commuting costs via subway/bus, and personal expenses including souvenirs/shopping and independent sight-seeing/travel during free time.

Application Deadline: The online application form and two letters of recommendation must be received by 11:59 PM on January 16, 2018.

For more information, visit http://nakatani-ries.rice.edu/ or email nakatani-ries@rice.edu