Best STEM Programs for International Students

As an international student, it can be difficult to find great STEM opportunities located in the United States. However, there is a myriad of opportunities to participate in research/science programs as a student not residing in the United States. Today, we've compiled our top picks for the best STEM programs open to interested students around the globe. Please note that due to COVID-19, many of these programs have been canceled; however, they occur annually so be sure to stay tuned for next years' dates! Be sure to check them out on our website with the links provided. Note: The programs below are not sorted in any particular way.

Research Science Institute

The Research Science Institute is a multifaceted summer research program aimed at allowing students to take courses while simultaneously conducting STEM research. The program lasts six weeks and offers 11th-grade students a glimpse into how to conduct research at a professional level. Coursework is offered by MIT and covers topics ranging from category theory to cancer research. Students that participate in the program often go on to compete in renowned science programs such as the Intel Talent Search, the International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Siemens Science and Technology Competition. This program even offers opportunities for students to be published alongside their research mentors! The camp is free, and room and board are provided for free as well. To find out more, check out the link below.

https://sciteens.org/program/research-science-institute

Yale Young Global Scholars Program

The Yale Young Global Scholars Program is a two-week-long academic summer program hosted at the prestigious Yale University. It is hosted in three sessions (June 31st to July 3rd, July 5th to July 17th, and July 19th to July 31st). Each session shares many of the same humanities programs, though the STEM programs offered in each session vary. Session one and two of the program offers a Biological and Biomedical Science program, which allows students with a passion for life sciences to take a deep dive into the topic. You can expect to discuss topics such as immunology, biochemistry, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and molecular biology. Session three of the program offers an Applied Science and Engineering program. This program is best suited for students passionate about physical sciences and their applications to problem-solving. You can expect to learn about topics such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science. The program costs $6300, but Yale offers up to 100% need-based scholarships to cover tuition. To find out more, be sure to check out the link below.

https://sciteens.org/program/yale-young-global-scholars-program

Boston Leadership Institute

The Boston Leadership Institute hosts a variety of sessions covering a broad variety of STEM topics. The programs range from topics such as Astrophysics and Neuroscience to Robotics and Bioengineering. The main draw of the program is its close proximity to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, namely Harvard and MIT. Many of the sessions offered by the Boston Leadership Institute have instructors from these institutions! Furthermore, students can work directly with facilities in Boston such as Logan International Airport and the Longwood Medical Campus to gain practical hands-on experience working directly with professionals. The camp costs anywhere between $599 and $2200 with residential fees between $599 and $1797 depending on if you participate in a one-week program or three-week program. To find out more, check out the link below or search for the "Boston Leadership Institute" on the SciTeens website.

https://sciteens.org/program/boston-leadership-institute-neuroscience-program

Stanford STARS Internship Program

The Stanford STARS Internship program is aimed at high school and undergraduate students with an interest in medicine and biomedical engineering. The program is hosted by Stanford Medicine during a seven-week period that typically starts in June and ends in August. You can expect to gain hands-on experience in the lab at least four days a week working alongside a professional research mentor. One day of each week is allotted for campus tours, team building activities, and touring the Bay Area. You can expect to learn about topics such as stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and biomedical research. The program is free of charge to both high school and undergraduate students. To find out more, check out the link below.

https://sciteens.org/program/stanford-science-technology-and-reconstructive-surgery

Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

The Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists hosts a six-week-long camp at Boston University each summer. Working alongside mentors from Harvard, MIT, and Princeton, students will get to experience firsthand the art of mathematical problem-solving. Each week also features guest speakers who discuss topics ranging from statistical inferencing to high dimensional mathematics. Furthermore, students are encouraged to create their own mathematical experiments that they can solve throughout the camp with help from camp counselors and mentors. You can expect to learn about virtually any mathematical topic in this camp, as well as have the opportunity to explore your own mathematical interests via experimentation. The program costs up to $5150, though it is free for students within a certain income bracket, and scholarships are offered as well. To find out more, check out the link below.

https://sciteens.org/program/promys-program-in-mathematics-for-young-scientists