Exchange Visitor Training/Intern Program: Students
International students completing an engineering degree at an institution outside of the United States may apply for a research experience in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Students work with a faculty member in engineering on a research project related to the student's academic interests or requirements. Research experiences can be three weeks to 12 months. Most experiences in engineering for visiting students are in the range of three to six months. (The Center for Environmental Energy Engineering only accepts students for six month internships.) Please note that the research experience are very competitive and only a very small number of internship opportunities are arranged each year.
There are two categories of experiences:
- Trainee: Trainees are required to have a degree and at least one year of work experience.
- Intern: Interns are not required to have a degree.
Students who wish to apply for a research internship or training should apply at least six months in advance of their proposed training period and follow the steps below.
- Identify engineering faculty members who are conducting research in areas that interest you. You can find information about faculty research interests by visiting the Clark School's engineering department websites. You will also find information about research conducted in engineering by visiting the research institute and research center websites.
- Prepare your request for an internship or training. Your request should include three documents (1) your resume or curriculum vitae, (2) a copy of your transcript or grades and (3) a one page letter of application that includes your research internship/training request with proposed dates for training, a brief review of your educational background, and a brief description of your research interests. You may also want to identify 2-3 University of Maryland engineering faculty members with whom you might like to work.
- Submit your request for an internship by email to Mr. Caine4 Francis, Coordinator, International Engineering Programs (cfranci4@umd.edu). You should attach the requested documents (MS Word documents or PDF preferred). Please type "Exchange Visitor Research Program" in the subject line of the email.
When your request is received, you will receive a confirmation email. Your request for an internship/training will be circulated to the appropriate faculty members. It can take up to 30 days before you receive notification whether your request can be accommodated.
If you are offered an internship or training, you will work with your faculty sponsor to complete a DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan. You will also need to complete the DS-2019 Data Collection Form, which includes documenting adequate financial resources for your internship/training period. Both your DS-7002 training/internship placement form and the data collection form must be completed before a DS-2019 will be issued.
Please be aware that students completing an internship/training through the Exchange Visitor Training/Internship Program are treated as temporary employees. That means you will not have access to on-campus housing. You will be issued a temporary university identification card that allows access to the campus shuttle bus service, university libraries and other facilities and services normally provided free to university staff. You will be charged fees for use of campus recreational facilities and other services or facilities normally provided at a cost to university staff.
The International Visitors Guide provides information on American cultural basics, finding off-campus housing, transportation, money and banking, medical insurance requirements, and other topics or resources of interest to international students and scholars.
For assistance or questions regarding the Exchange Visitor Training/Internship Program in Engineering, contact:
Mr. Caine Francis, Coordinator
Undergraduate Recruitment and Special Programs
A. James Clark School of Engineering
University of Maryland
1124 Glenn L. Martin Hall
College Park, MD 20742-3011
(301) 405-5342
cfranci4@umd.edu
