Through the International Summer Immersion Program (ISIP), students from select partner universities outside of the United States spend 5 to 6 weeks experiencing research activities and campus life at a major research university.
History
The Office of International Programs initiated the International Summer Immersion Program (ISIP) in partnership with China’s Zhejiang University in 2010. Beginning in 2015, the program expanded to include students from additional universities around the world.
The purpose of this short-term program is to facilitate independent undergraduate research activities for visiting students. In addition, the program assists our faculty to extend their international collaborations, both research, and teaching, to universities around the world.
Students in ISIP have participated in various projects relating to livestock management, food science, plant genetics, horticulture, and the environment. They have taken part in industry-oriented field trips, cross-cultural engagements, and trips to places of cultural and historical importance.
More than 120 students have graduated from this unique program. Its quality and value have been repeatedly recognized by faculty and students at our key partner universities. At Zhejiang University, our program received the “Best Summer Group Program” award in 2012 and 2013.
Structure
ISIP is a short-term summer program that introduces us to promising undergraduate students from selected partner institutions. Students gain an understanding of the research process through the mentorship of a faculty member. In addition, students learn about the history and the culture of Illinois and the United States, and participate in many cross-cultural activities on campus and beyond.
Research Project
Through direct mentorship by a faculty member, students complete a research project. Participants must dedicate a minimum of 30 hours per week to their research activities. The ISIP program culminates with a group poster session where the students showcase their research findings.
Cultural Immersion Activities
The program offers many opportunities for immersion into U.S. culture and exploration of the rich history of the state of Illinois and the region. Students also mingle with their domestic peers through special on-campus mixers and community social events.
Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students have:
- a better understanding of the academic research process
- a completed research project and a research poster in hand
- a strong relationship with a faculty member and other co-researchers
- a better understanding of our graduate programs and admission process
Requirements
The ISIP is highly competitive. The application process is initiated through the student's home university, which must be a partner institution of the program.
Program Requirements
- High-level English language proficiency as demonstrated by TOEFL results. (Minimum requirement: 80 electronic and 550 paper-based tests)
- Completion of at least two years of university training in good academic standing
- Demonstration of basic research knowledge and skills
- Clearly articulated research interests
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at one of the following partner institutions and must be nominated by that institution: Zhejiang University (China), Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi (Mexico), University for Development Studies (Ghana), Hokkaido University (Japan), and Chungnam National University (South Korea).
Cost
The Office of International Programs makes every effort to keep ISIP accessible to students who are ready to take on new academic challenges and are eager to build their research skills.
- The per-student program fee includes the cost of the program participation, housing, and meals as well as all day-trip-related expenses. It does not, however, include the travel (to the U.S.) cost or the cost of the visa application process.
- The per-student fee is determined each year, based on the current costs of the services provided (listed above).
- All participants are responsible for covering the cost of the program before their arrival to Illinois. In addition to covering the costs of travel and visa applications, students must also arrange for health insurance while in the U.S.
Application Process
Students interested in ISIP should read the instructions and fill out the program application form and submit it to the unit at their home institution which facilitates the ISIP selection process.
In addition to the application form, the student must submit a one-page personal statement clearly outlining the reasons why they want to join the program. The personal statement should also reference the research area of interest to the student and the reasons for this interest. Lastly, the students should submit their most recent transcripts/ grade records and TOEFL scores, where applicable.
Sample Timeline
February: The application process starts
End of March: Application deadline and applicant selection at home institution
Mid-April: Second round of applicant selection (at Illinois)
End of April: Cohort announcement
May and June: Students apply for an entry visa and make travel arrangements
Early July: Program starts
Mid-August: Program ends
Contact
All questions about the ISIP program, including how institutions can participate, should be addressed to the Assistant Director Lauren Karplus at lkarpl2@illinois.edu.