Are you a budding scholar or scientist wishing to get some practical experience in the exciting field of STEM? Through its Research Internship Program, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate School presents a special opportunity. This program opens doors to priceless learning experiences that can impact your future in science, whether you're interested in working in a state-of-the-art lab or mastering a specific research approach. We'll delve into the specifics of the OIST Research Internship Program in this blog post, outlining how it might hasten your ascent in the scientific community.
Program Overview
The OIST Research Internship Program is intended for those who are enthusiastic about STEM fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It provides two to six month long short-term research internships. You will have the opportunity to work with renowned OIST Professors throughout this time, actively participating in their research projects.
Eligibility
Those eligible to apply for the OIST Research Internship Program include excellent students who are in the final 2 years of the undergraduate or Masters programs in universities, colleges, junior colleges, and vocational schools in Japan or overseas, or graduates of such institutions. Currently enrolled students must have approval from their home institution. Academic background of applicants should be appropriate to their desired host unit(s) at OIST.
The Application Process
Applying for a research internship at OIST is a well-structured process. Here are the key steps you'll need to follow:
Applications to the program must be made through the online form.
You can only submit your application after at least one recommendation letter is received in the application system.
You will receive an auto-notification that your application has been received. (Please check your settings to ensure you can receive emails from @oist.jp domain.)
Following the application period, applications will be screened and selection will be completed.
The result announcement will be posted on your application platform 3 months after the application deadline. You will receive a notification when the result is posted. (In some cases, applicants' email services/settings prevent receipt of our notifications. Please confirm that your inbox is able to receive emails from @oist.jp domain.)
Following final confirmation of internship offers, all necessary arrangements will be made, in cooperation with the interns. Your cooperation is required for timely completion of logistics to begin the internship, including possible visa preparations and other necessary Japanese government documentation.
Required Application Materials
You will need to open an account in order to apply to the program. Be sure to remember your username and password. You may complete the application all at once or in multiple sessions. Please fill out and submit the following materials to apply for the program:
1) Statement of purpose
The Statement of Interest form is provided on the online application form.
Please write a 400 words (2500 characters) statement including the following points:
How does OIST and your desired research unit(s) fit with your current expertise and skill set? If you are interested in multiple research units, please explain your interest and fit for each briefly within one single statement.
What do you hope to accomplish at OIST?
How does a research internship at OIST fit into your overall career plans/aspirations?
2) Academic Transcript and Diploma
Scanned copies of your current academic transcript and any other transcript from your past degree (BSc, MSc, etc.)
Diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format (if applicable)
A scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website.
English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
If you have not graduated and do not have a diploma yet, please upload a certificate of enrolment from your institution (which preferably indicates your expected graduation date)
3) Recommendation Letter
A letter of reference from an academic or research professional familiar with your work is required. Each applicant is required to have at least one and no more than three letters of recommendation from appropriate recommenders. The application system will ask your recommenders directly for the letter(s), using the email contact details that you provide in the web application form. Please obtain the consent of your referee before submitting their details in the form. We do not accept any letters via email from applicants. Applicants will be automatically notified within the application system when OIST receives a recommendation letter.
4) ID Photo
Upload a recent photo, showing your face from the front in standard passport orientation.
Once you have obtained/ prepared all the documents above, you can now apply!
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Benefits that Await You
Your commitment to scientific research is greatly recognized at OIST. OIST offers a wide range of advantages to help you on your path as a research intern, including:
1. Internship stipend: For each working day, you will be given a daily stipend of JPY 2,400. What's best? This non-taxable allowance also extends to weekdays, giving you the financial security you need to get the most out of your internship.
2. Commuting Allowance: The OIST Shuttle Bus Pass is available to you as a Research Intern, making your daily commute convenient and affordable.
3. Travel Expenses: OIST understands the value of matching international talent with top-tier research opportunities. As a result, those who are chosen for the program are provided with a round-trip airline ticket to make their travel easy.
4. Housing: Whether you live on or off campus, a cozy, furnished apartment is waiting for you. OIST makes sure you have a home away from home during your internship so you can concentrate on your research without worrying about a place to live.
5. Additional Support: Getting a visa, going through insurance processes, and registering locally might be difficult, especially if you're in a foreign nation. OIST comes in to offer thorough support for these issues, guaranteeing a seamless entry into your internship. Please be aware that only the student is eligible for this support; family members or dependents are not included.
The OIST Research Internship Program offers a golden opportunity for aspiring scientists and researchers to immerse themselves in cutting-edge STEM research, gain invaluable experience, and connect with the global scientific community. By participating in this program, you can kickstart your STEM career, expand your horizons, and contribute to the advancement of human knowledge.
So, if you're ready to find your place in the world of STEM, don't miss out on the chance to utilize the OIST Research Internship Program. It's a stepping stone to a rewarding and impactful future in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Apply, explore, learn, and discover the endless possibilities that await you at OIST!