International Research

Welcome to Recommended Programs International Research. There are several pathways to engaging in research projects around the world. You can find more information about some of the common pathways CSU students pursue below. Visit our Start Here webpage to learn more about the education abroad process, advising options, scholarships and financial aid.

Explore International Research Programs

DAAD RISE

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds research in many STEM fields across Germany. The Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) program places undergraduate students from around the world to work on a research project at a Germany university or research institution to give them a glimpse of advanced research work while gaining desirable professional experience in their field. Students learn about German life and culture while working alongside colleagues in their research setting. DAAD RISE is a highly competitive program open to applicants from several countries.

CSU Sponsored Research Abroad Program

Through the Global International Internships Program, CSU partners with a placement organization to place students into a for-credit research internship position in their field of study. Students can select specific, detailed research placements to apply for during the application process. Students will then be asked to upload a resume, statement of purpose, and onboarding forms. After submitting these forms, students will meet with a career coach to review their selected research postings, or discuss customizing an opportunity. Students can gain valuable work experience while fine-tuning their communication skills in an intercultural work environment.

Affiliate Partner Research Programs

CSU works with several third party partner organizations called Affiliates. Some of our Affiliate partners offer their own research-oriented programs in which CSU students are eligible to participate. Affiliate programs involve a dual application process wherein students apply through the CSU Education Abroad office and, simultaneously, through the Affiliate partner directly. Affiliate research programs vary greatly in terms of length, location and cost. You can find more information about some of the Affiliate partners who offer research-oriented programs below!

Create Your Own Adventure

Many CSU students find research opportunities through personal, professional and academic networks. Students may also find research opportunities through organizations with which CSU does not have a formalized partnership. While these opportunities involve more risk and responsibility for the student, the CSU Education Abroad team will work with you to properly vet an organization or opportunity and make sure you are asking the right questions and getting the information you need. If you are interested in pursuing research abroad through networking or through an organization not partnered with CSU, please reach out to Christopher Snodgress ([email protected]) directly to further discuss your plans and the process for registering with CSU.

What is an International Research Program?

International Research programs present unique opportunities to combine the many benefits of education abroad with real-world, hands-on experience in research settings. Participants are placed in short-term, for-credit positions abroad over the summer or during a semester. International Research programs take place in cities around the world and present an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, connect to the life of a city and get a true sense of daily life in another country. International Research programs can be a good fit for a variety of budgets and schedules.

NOTE: All students are advised to consult with their academic advisor and/or department to discuss how a research program will fit into their specific graduation plan and any department-specific requirements or courses related to an International Research experience. Academic credit for research programs is contingent upon departmental approval.

Why Pursue an International Research Program?

Personal and Professional Development

The #1 goal for any internship or research experience should be to gain experience in a career field you are interested in pursuing and to develop the skillset necessary to succeed in that field. Through an International Internships & Research program, you will have the opportunity to explore potential career settings and develop professional proficiencies all while expanding your horizons and growing personally through immersion in a new culture. This unique combination of personal and professional growth can make an International internship or research experience a life-changing experience that does far more than boost your resume. International Internships & Research programs can help develop:

  • Confidence – Challenging yourself through an International Internship will build belief in yourself and your abilities as you prepare for the next steps in your pursuits. Knowing you successfully navigated an internship in another country will give you confidence as you enter into new settings in the future.
  • Intercultural Competency – Living and working in a different culture will challenge your assumptions and can unlock new ways of thinking about yourself, about others and about the work you do. Effectively communicating and working within an increasingly internationalized context is an invaluable asset to any professional and an International Internship will equip you to bring new perspectives into everything you do.
  • Adaptability – Effectively translating your skills and abilities into new settings is key to a successful career. International Internships provide an opportunity to develop your ability to adapt to new surroundings, new cultures, and new ways of operating so you can bring your best into any environment.

Professional Networking

Establishing and cultivating professional relationships is an integral part of developing as a professional and advancing in your career. Networking creates new pathways to learn from experts in the field and can open doors to new opportunities in the future. Through an International internship or research experience, you will work everyday alongside professionals in a career field you are interested in pursuing, forming relationships that will greatly expand your professional network and ensure you are connected to work being done in your field around the world.

Guaranteed Placement

Students participating in CSU Sponsored Research programs will work with our trusted partner to find a placement that meets their individual goals. All students accepted into the program are guaranteed to receive a placement. Students will meet one-on-one with an advisor from our partner organization to talk through their academic and professional goals, career fields of interest, personal ambitions and skills they are seeking to develop through the experience. Our partners will then use this information to find a placement that fits the particular needs of each student by accessing their vast network of connections throughout each host location. The placement process truly begins with the student and is built on a personalized approach to ensure each student can meet their goals.

On-Site Support

Through DAAD RISE, CSU Sponsored Research programs, and Affiliate Partner programs, CSU works with trusted organizations to offer International Research opportunities with robust systems of support. Our partners have staff on-site in every country in which they place students in research projects. Many International Research experiences will begin with an on-site orientation which is an opportunity to get to know other student interns or researchers and become familiar with the staff there to support you throughout your program. While you always have the support of our office and access to CSU’s various systems of support, the on-site presence of our partners provides more immediate resources and added assurance during your time abroad.

The CSU Office of International Programs (OIP) continuously monitors and evaluates travel alerts in all countries where CSU students intern abroad.  All program participants are covered by International Medical and Evacuation Insurance.  For more information on safety and Education Abroad, please visit our Health & Safety page.

How to Pursue an International Research Program

Each of our International Research programs is unique. For more specific information about the International Research programs offered through CSU, click on any of the programs above to access the full program details. There, you can find information regarding:

  • Eligibility
  • Location
  • Dates
  • Program Costs
  • Academic Credit
  • Housing and Life in Country
  • Application Process

Questions?

For questions regarding International Research programs at CSU, please contact Christopher Snodgress in the Office of International Programs.