IREU Eligibility and Selection

Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for 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
• Currently in the spring semester of your freshman or sophomore year
• In good academic standing and not currently under any academic or other disciplinary action at your home university
• Able to express a demonstrated interest in the field of nanotechnology as it relates to nanoscale semiconductor devices, nanophotonics, and carbon nanotubes

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. Community college students who plan to matriculate to a four-year university and major in physics or engineering are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: International students on a valid student visa to a US college or university are eligible to apply though strong preference must be given to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. If selected for the NanoJapan program you must be able to obtain a visa to enter Japan and have a valid US visa that will permit you to return to Houston in August for the end of program symposium.

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 not a citizen of one of the 62 visa exemption countries please contact the NanoJapan program at nanojapan@rice.edu prior to applying.

Selection
Applications will be reviewed by a committee at Rice University and selected on the basis of academic achievement and performance; the applicant's demonstrated interest in the field of nanotechnology as it relates to nanoscale semiconductor devices, nanophotonics, and carbon nanotubes; and the applicant's demonstrated interest in Japan.

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 nanoscale semiconductor devices, nanophotonics, and/or carbon nanotubes. Please see the NanoJapan IREU Program page for more information on past research host laboratories in Japan and the Student Profiles page for more information on the type of research projects available through the NanoJapan program. The NanoJapan program also seeks to select students with a defined interest in the pursuit of graduate studies in nanotechnology-related fields.

Preference will also be given to those students who express a demonstrated interest in the study of Japanese language and/or culture - though prior study or experience in Japan is not required. The program is geared towards the needs of students new to Japan and the study of Japanese language though we encourage students who are interested in this program to learn more about Japanese culture, history, or language through classes that may be offered at your college or university. Students at Rice University should review the Chao Center for Asian Studies website for information on Japan-related coursework and the Center for the Study of Languages for information on Japanese language classes.