We are now in an increasingly global society; this is especially true in science and engineering. Indeed, supporting international activities is an integral part of NSF’s mission in research and education. With NSF support the STCs can enhance opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to gain significant international research experiences that will impact their own scientific pursuits as well as those of the broader community.

The STC International Research Experience Program (STC-IREP) provides significant international research experience to graduate and undergraduate students associated with STC academic institutions. We are building on the diverse international partnerships established by the participating STCs. Support is provided for graduate and undergraduate students to travel to foreign countries for extended periods for academic semesters and/or summers and engage in international collaborations and related activities. The students participating in these activities will share their experiences within their respective STC communities and across the participating STCs. This program directly benefits the students, the international research collaborations, and the STCs involved, and through these a widening circle of impact that will go beyond the term of this program.