Advice for REUs to apply to as a non-US, non-EU citizen? (Marine Biology, Oceanography, Ecology general)
Posted by dearest_hedgehog@reddit | marinebiology | View on Reddit | 3 comments
I am currently doing a B.Sc. in Marine Sciences, and am looking forward to securing a decent REU to fulfil my graduate requirement, which is to be completed by Nov 2027.
I know rejection should be a normal part of scientific careers, but receiving 3 "we regret to inform" just today alone is really upsetting. Hence, I am coming here to seek advice on any stipended REUs which I can realistically aim for?
Admittedly, I don't have a US/EU passport or PR, which means I am already not eligible for most opportunities out there as a Southeast Asian from a no-name university, and the ones that do accept international students with stipends are extremely competitive for this reason.
So, any advice or suggestions for realistic steps I should take next? What sort of people/CVs will I compete against when aiming for international REUs (just to get a picture)? And any less competitive/less well-known but still decent opportunities that are realistic for my level to apply to? (But seriously, any comment and critique is welcome)
(I am already deeply involved with multiple local NGOs and spend 7 days a week volunteering on top of being a full-time student, many of these involve work across my country. But I definitely have ZERO international exposure, which is why I am desperate to bridge this gap with my REU)
ConfusedCuddlefish@reddit
I would ask the NGOs you work with if they have any recommendations, often they'll know recruitment officers or other connections with REU-like programs, and they may be able to guide you to programs and opportunities where your citizenship won't be an issue.
MichaEvon@reddit
Hi, I’ve not heard the term REU, so hopefully you explained what you’re looking for.
If it’s a placement year in another university, you’ll be lucky to be paid. Some Universities in my country would charge you for the privilege.
There might be Erasmus schemes open to students coming into the EU so maybe check that out.
gladesguy@reddit
"Research Experience for Undergraduates." Typically it's a U.S. National Science Foundation-supported summer thing where science undergrads go to another university for a couple months and participate in a research project. They can be quite competitive, and it's something students can stick on a resume as a new grad.