UTC Virtual International Undergraduate Research Internship (VIURI)

About the Program

The UTC Virtual International Undergraduate Research Internship (VIURI) experience was developed through a collaboration between the UTC Office of URaCE and Office of Study Abroad  with the aim of expanding hands-on, international learning experiences for UTC undergraduate students. Students who participate in this program will build career and research skills and cultivate international business networks. Students selected to participate in this program may be eligible to apply for an Office of Study Abroad scholarship to offset a portion of the program costs. Research internships focus on topics related to women’s rights, education, social change, conservation and the environment, public health, and international relations. Students with a strong desire to pursue research centered careers at the doctoral level are strongly encouraged to apply. Students without prior research experience, first-generation college students, and students from underrepresented and underserved populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

NOTE: While the internship is completely virtual, there is also an in-person component to this program. Students selected to participate in this program must attend  several in-person events ( meetings, seminars, onboarding events etc.), which will be hosted on campus between May-July. Before you submit an application, please make sure you are able to travel to campus for these events between May-July. If you would like more information about when the campus events will be scheduled, please contact the office ([email protected]).

Information about UTC Internship Partner School for International Training (SIT)

SIT Study Abroad Virtual Internships 

• SIT offers programs focused on critical global issues.
• Internship Foci: Women’s Rights & Resilience in Conflict Situations; Education & Social Change Organizations; Environment, Conservation & Ecosystems; Environment, Development & Sustainability; Public Health in the Tropics; Finance or Social Entrepreneurship; Sexuality, Gender & Non-Government Organizations; Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution & International Relations; Development & Gender; Public Health, Community Action & Response to Covid-19 Pandemic;  Community Empowerment & Sustainable Environments; Sustainable Community Development; Transitional Justice, Human Rights & Memory Activism
• 7-week summer internship/5 credits (included in program fee)

Program Details

Program participants complete a virtual international research internship, which incorporates research skills into the work experience, and coursework. The research component is determined by several factors including the internship site (see below), site supervisor, and the student’s research interests. Regardless of the site location, all internships focus on learning and applying research skills to the work experience. Students have the option of completing a mini research project under the direction of the site director, or focusing on sharpening research skills. In addition, students currently involved in an UR project on campus may design the internship experiences around current research goals. For more information about the research component, please contact the Office for URaCE ([email protected]).

 NOTE: While the internship is completely virtual, there is also an in-person component to this program. Students selected to participate in this program must attend  several in-person events ( meetings, seminars, onboarding events etc.), which will be hosted on campus between May-July. Before you submit an application, please make sure you are able to travel to campus for these events between May-July. If you would like more information about when the campus events will be scheduled, please contact the office ([email protected]).

Eligibility

Student Applicants must:

• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic standing.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Successfully complete all application steps listed below.

Application Process

Before You Apply:

• Make certain you meet the eligibility requirements listed above.
• Review the site descriptions on the SIT website carefully to learn about the nature of the internship experience, research component, and intern responsibilities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Review the internship site location options (see below) and select a site.
2. Submit the pre-application form (you need to upload a CV or resume with the application).
3. Meet with the UTC Study Abroad research internship program coordinator to discuss the application process, funding opportunities, and program responsibilities.  Once you submit the pre-application you will be contacted to schedule a meeting.
4. Complete the program interview with UTC internship directors.
5. Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad virtual abroad application. NOTE: Students selected to participate in the program will receive the SA application link via e-mail once steps 1-4 above have been completed.

Note: Students selected to participate in this program must complete Office for URaCE pre-internship training (to be completed virtually before the internship commences).

Application deadline: 11 pm, Sunday, April 9, 2023

Participant Responsibilities

Prior to the Start of the Internship (May)

• Participate in pre-internship meetings and events on campus.
• Attend in-person program orientation.
• Complete pre-internship training via Canvas
• Attend check-in meetings with Office for URaCE program coordinators.
• Other items as assigned.

During the Internship

• Follow UTC policies and code of conduct.
• Follow SIT Study Abroad policies and code of conduct.
• Successfully fulfill all responsibilities and requirements of the internship experience.
• Participate in program meetings and events on campus.
• Complete reflections and other written assignments as assigned.
• Attend check-in meetings with Office for URaCE program coordinators.

At the Conclusion of the Internship

1. Submit post-experience materials to the Office for URaCE.
2. Present research internship findings at the UR Conference and Research Dialogues Conference (Fall, 2023)
3. Complete Office of Study Abroad Post-Study Abroad Scholarship Requirements.

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2022-2023 Cohort for the Virtual International Undergraduate Research Internship

• Kerry Webb
• Sarah Maclean

2021-2022 Cohort for the Virtual International Undergraduate Research Internship

• Maggie Conlee
• Bo Nash
• Wendy Guevara
• Annabree Corlew
• Mubbra Amir
• Ashley George