Student International Research Experiences

Consider an opportunity to do research abroad! International research experiences offer you the opportunity to grow as an engineer and increase your global awareness. Apply your engineering skills in a practical way and build skills in business and cultural relations.

Start here:

• Talk with your academic advisor
• Ask your engineering department for information about opportunities to do research abroad
• Take a look at Virginia Tech Global Engineering programs funded through National Science Foundation grants for International Research Experiences for Students (IRES).

Undergraduate Research Funding

• VT’s Office of Undergraduate Research promotes, enhances, and expands undergraduate research opportunities at Virginia Tech. Learn about Undergraduate Research opportunities here.
  
• ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships: Funding for UG or grad students for 2-3 month research stays at a Swiss university. All enrolled students at accredited U.S. or Canadian universities are eligible.
•  
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program: For graduating college seniors to study, conduct research or teach English abroad in over 140 countries
• Ask your department about scholarship funds and take a look at the Study Abroad Scholarships page.

Graduate Research Funding

• GPSS Travel Fund Program: Sponsored by the Graduate School to support  International Conference Travel:
  
•  Chateaubriand Fellowship Program: Supports outstanding PhD students from U.S institutions who wish to conduct part of their doctoral research in France for a period ranging from 4 to 9 months. Deadline: January of each year
• DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service: Funding for PhD programs or Postdocs in Germany
  
  
• ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships: Funding for UG or grad students for 2-3 month research stays at a Swiss university. All enrolled students at accredited U.S. or Canadian universities are eligible.
• For U.S. Citizens
  
  • NSF IRES programs in the College of Engineering: https://eng.vt.edu/academics/international-programs/international-research/ires.html
  • NSF IRES programs available nationally: https://etap.nsf.gov/ 
    
  • Boren Fellows: Funds intensive study of language and culture either abroad or domestically, plus simultaneous research relevant to your degree, additional academic coursework, and/or internships
    
  • Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Funding during graduate study
    
  • Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program: Postdoctoral Awards and grants for Early Career Academics

Before going abroad

Any student traveling internationally on university-supported travel must Register their Travel. Please contact Global Safety & Risk Management at vtglobalsafety@vt.edu with any questions.