International REU programs expose undergraduate students to different cultural environments, while providing a meaningful research experience. The largest impact is observed in students coming from schools where research activities are limited and where the local environment is culturally homogenous. Travelling abroad and becoming immersed in a foreign laboratory takes the student outside their comfort zone turning them into scientific world citizens. This radical change in their environment requires thoughtful preparation of students and sometimes their families. Students are coached for an experience abroad by participating on a spring pre-departure meeting where they learn about the international site; meet the French coordinators as well as other students travelling to the same site. This meeting also includes travelling tips, cultural sensitization description of expectations and potential challenges. Our REU program focuses on three sites in France with substantial experience in hosting American students.

Experiencing research immersion in a foreign laboratory: I-REU program in France

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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