[:en]About TOMODACHI-STEM @ Rice
TOMODACHI-STEM @ Rice University is a five-week research internship program for 10 Japanese undergraduate students majoring in science & engineering (S&E). Held at Rice University in Houston, TX, the program will enable students to gain real world experience with S&E research, provide an introduction to U.S. higher education and provide opportunities for cultural engagement and collaboration with U.S. students. The program will serve as a catalyst for Japanese students interested in S&E study and research and engagement with the U.S. through international research collaborations.

The objectives of TOMODACHI-STEM @ Rice University are to:

• Cultivate an interest in science and engineering research and research collaborations between the U.S. and Japan;
• Nurture the next generation of science and engineering students in Japan;
• Contribute to the development of a generation of internationally savvy Japanese students who have a specific interest in and knowledge of the U.S.; and
• Educate students in culture, language, and technology, in order that they may be more effective when addressing global scientific problems.

The planned program dates are from February 21 – March 27, 2016 and will expose these young scientists and engineers to cutting-edge research in a diverse range of science and engineering fields. Japanese participants will be placed in teams of two into a Rice University research lab where they will spend four weeks working on a research project under the advisement of the U.S. professor and their assigned U.S. graduate student mentor. The capstone experience of the research internship will be the development of a research project poster that will be presented at a symposium held at Rice University and that can be presented to the student’s home university upon their return to Japan. In addition to research, students will also participate in weekly English language classes, an Introduction to Science & Engineering Research in the U.S. seminar, and cultural activities and excursions. Following the completion of the four-week internship, students will travel to Washington, DC for a one-week Science & Technology Policy Study Tour.

The program is generously funded by a grant from the TOMODACHI Initiative.

About the TOMODACHI Initiative The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. We seek to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world.”

For more information please visit the TOMODACHI Initiative website.[:ja] 

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