International Research Opportunities (IROP)
Overseas research opportunities provide many of the same benefits to students offered by conventional study abroad experiences. Such opportunities provide the forum for students to connect with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, individuals who share similar intellectual goals. In addition, international research experiences enable students to develop and refine leadership and decision-making skills, increase understanding of ethical issues, and help enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills.
For the past several years, the Office for Undergraduate Advising and Academic Programming (UAAP) has provided UROP funding support to students interested in conducting summer research projects in international settings. These projects, called “IROPs,” generally represent a broad spectrum of research areas and interests, from particle physics studies at the CERN facilities in Geneva, Switzerland, to field studies of water filtration processes in rural Guatemala. In summer 2008, IROP research took place in several international settings: Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Mauritius, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Vietnam.
IROP projects mirror the traditional campus-based UROP model in that qualifying projects would have the approval, mentorship, and guidance of an MIT faculty member. Projects will take place over the summer.
The UAAP is committed to supporting student involvement in IROP projects through funding, programming, and advising support. Students interested in conducting research overseas are encouraged to contact UAAP staff to discuss funding opportunities and related topics. To be approved for IROP, students must ensure the following:
- Supervision from an MIT faculty member.
- Submission of an online UROP application, including a clear research proposal. When completing your application, be sure to fill out the Travel section of your project detail to indicate that you plan to conduct research overseas. The proposal should include details on: travel plans, the location where research will take place, how you plan to maintain communication and submit progress reports to your faculty supervisor, etc.
- Completion of travel paperwork, as described in the International Research Opportunities (IROP) & Overseas Travel section.
All MIT undergraduates with plans to conduct IROP research overseas, or are interested in learning more about overseas research opportunities, are encouraged to contact UROP staff in the Office of Undergraduate Advising and Academic Programming in 7-104.
|
