Research abroad can open doors to unique research sites, international collaboration, and awareness of how a discipline is studied in another country. You can participate in research abroad in a variety of ways including UF-Sponsored study abroad programs that include a research component, non-UF programs through other universities or study abroad providers, or independently with the help of a UF faculty mentor. Many programs offer funding making them an affordable option. Below you’ll find a list of just some of the programs available to conduct research abroad.
Non-UF Programs
- Amgen Scholars (Asia)– Undergraduate participants benefit from undertaking a research project under top faculty, being part of a cohort-based experience of seminars and networking events, and taking part in a symposium in their respective region where they meet their peers, learn about biotechnology, and hear from leading scientists. Funded.
- Arcadia University STEM Summer Research Program – Study abroad program offering a range of STEM research opportunities in five countries. Non-funded.
- DIS Research in Copenhagen – Study abroad program offering positions as research assistants. Non-funded.
- DIS Research in Stockholm– Study abroad program offering positions as research assistants. Non-funded.
- EuroScholars– A unique research abroad program designed for advanced and talented undergraduate students from US and Canadian institutions looking for an international research experience. Non-funded.
- International REU Sites (Research Experience for Undergraduates, Funded)
- Kaust Visiting Student Research Program. A STEM research based internship program for juniors or above from all majors in Saudi Arabia. Funded.
- Kyoto University Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences
- RISE Germany– Summer Internship program for biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, or earth science related majors. Stipend provided.
- Think Swiss Research Program– Scholarships for research in Switzerland.
- Tokyo Tech Summer Program– Offers research placements in STEM fields. Non-funded.
- University of Glasgow Summer Research Program, Non-funded.
- University of Tokyo Summer Program– Offers undergraduates in the social sciences and sciences a 6 week research based program. Funding available.
Making the Most of Research Abroad
- Research before you go. Each country has its own cultural values. It’s crucial to have some understanding of your research in the local context before you go including being familiar with local customs, culture and religious norms. Is the typical process of signing an informed consent document culturally acceptable for your study? How should recruitment be done? Are there other cultural barriers you might encounter once you arrive?
- Learn the Language. Even if the research language is English, if the country you are going to speaks another language, try to learn some basics or brush up your skills before you go.
- Network. While you’re abroad, nurture the relationships with your mentors and fellow students. The broader your network, the more opportunities you may have in the future.
- Know expectations. Be sure you’re clear on what’s expected of you in the position. There may be differences in conducting research or workplace values in other countries, so try to learn about some of those differences before you go.
- During and after your research, think about the skills and knowledge you’ve gained. Keep a journal and write about your experiences. It will help later in preparing for job or graduate school interviews and revising your resume.
Earning Credit
Some international research programs have credit-bearing research courses built into the program (and so they are part of the program fee). For programs where transfer credit is not offered or if you are doing independent research with a UF faculty member, it may be possible to register for UF credits through an academic department. Contact the undergraduate coordinator of your department to see if this is possible. You can also contact beyond120@advising.ufl.edu for more information if department credit is not available.
If you are earning credit for research abroad, you must get approval through the International Center. You can speak to the study abroad advisor for the region your research will be located in for more information.
Research Approval and Regulation
If you are conducting independent research using human subjects, remember, just because you are conducting research abroad does not mean you don’t need appropriate approvals. In addition to needing IRB approval you will also need approval from review or ethics boards in the country you are going to. We strongly suggest avoiding research abroad with human subjects and you should always work closely with the UF IRB office and a faculty member experienced in conducting this type of research abroad if you choose to. There may be additional rules and regulations to comply with, such as those pertaining to the exportation of identifiable data.
