International Research Opportunities

InterFuture: Cross-cultural Undergraduate Research

IF (intercultural studies for the future) scholars are undergraduates selected for an intensive experience in intercultural study. Nominated by the University through the Undergraduate Research Program, they design and carry out independent research on issues important to the future of the world community. Students normally apply to the IF program in the fall or spring semester of the sophomore year. Over an eight-month preparatory period, the IF Scholar prepares the project with the help of a faculty advisor on campus and a series of three national IF conferences. Abroad for three to seven months, the student becomes as immersed as possible in one or two host cultures--studying in each country under a local expert and living with local families and students--in, if possible, both a North Atlantic and a Third World nation. IF Scholars present their findings as research papers to their major department and in oral presentations on campus and/or in the community. The research may culminate in a senior thesis for the Honors Degree with Distinction or Degree With Distinction. Interested students contact Susan Serra at the UR office.

Imperial College London Summer Exchange Program

Experienced UD undergraduate researchers in science and engineering may apply in their junior or senior year for a 9-week summer research assistantship at Imperial College of the University of London, England. Under this exchange program, successful applicants receive a stipend of about $2,000 which is enough to pay for summer living expenses, including housing at the college. In addition, each student will be provided with $500 toward the cost of a round trip air fare. Students generally work in the same research areas as at Delaware. At the same time, Imperial College research students spend nine weeks at the University of Delaware. Applicants often have g.p.i. of 3.5 or higher, but a demonstrated research ability and strong letter of recommendation from the research advisor are more important criteria for selection. Interested UD students contact Meg Meiman at the UR office. Applications are due by November 1.

University of Delaware Study Abroad

Research assistance is sometimes conducted in foreign countries by individual arrangements with faculty. A student may also assist a faculty researcher while participating in the UDís foreign-study programs. Students whose own research projects require work abroad receive assistance from the UR office.