This program is sponsored by Rice University. The rules to apply are those created by Rice University. Please read carefully before applying. Online applications at Rice will not open until early November.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for one of the 12 spots on the NanoJapan International Research Experience for Undergraduates (IREU) program you must be:

• Currently enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at a US institution of higher education;
• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
• Currently in the spring semester of your freshman or sophomore year;
• In good academic standing and not currently under any academic suspension or other disciplinary action at your home university;
• Able to express a demonstrated interest in the field of nanotechnology as it relates to THz dynamics of nanostructures

All eligible students with a strong interest in the field of physics-related nanotechnology research and desire to study in Japan are encouraged to apply. Women, underrepresented groups, and students from schools with limited research opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Visas

The US is one of 62 countries that Japan has granted visa exemption status to and US citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. However, if you are a U.S. permanent resident who is not a citizen of one of these 62 countries, such as the People's Republic of China or India, you may face additional requirements or restrictions regarding obtaining a visa to enter Japan. If you are a U.S. permanent resident who is not a citizen of one of the 62 visa exemption countries please contact the NanoJapan program at nanojapan@rice.edu prior to applying.

Selection Criteria

Complete applications will be reviewed by the TeraNano selection committee and telephone interviews will be held with all program finalists. When reviewing applicants the NanoJapan program seeks students who:

* Have a strong and well-defined interest in nanoscale science and research as it relates to ThZ dynamics of nanstructures, though no prior research experience is required;
* Have a strong and well-defined interest in pursuit of future graduate study in a field related to nanoscale science and research;
* Have a strong and well-defined interest in international research, particularly in Japan, and a desire to develop the skills necessary to become a globally-competent scientist or engineer;
* Have a strong and well-definted interest in Japan, though no prior Japanese language or culture study is required.

Strong preference will be given to electrical engineering or physics majors though students from other fields may be considered if they can express a demonstrated interest in physics-related research in THz dynamics in nanostructures. We strongly encourage all potential applicants to review the NanoJapan Research Host Lab websites found on the NanoJapan IREU page of our website to learn more about the type of research conducted by our host laboratories. We also encourage potential applicants to review the NanoJapan Undergraduates page to learn more about the research and cultural experiences of NanoJapan Alumni.

The NanoJapan IREU program is geared towards the needs of young undergraduates who are new to scientific research and study of Japanese language and culture. If you have prior research experience or knowledge of Japan please share this information in your essays but it is more important for you to express a well-defined interest in both the research and cultural aspects of our program.

Up to twelve students from universities nationwide will be selected to participate in the NanoJapan program. In lieu of a program fee participants will be required to enroll in them Rice University Summer School for College Students for at least 1 or up to 2 academic research credits and pay applicable tuition and application fees.