International Research Experience Program

The Big Ten Academic Alliance and the FIGURE Network have partnered to create the International Research Experience Program (IREP). This program places students enrolled in FIGURE Network CMI programs in short-term research opportunities at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities.

Why IREP?

In today's global economy, international mobility is essential for career preparation.  To meet the CMI program's international experience requirements, IREP offers 3-6 month research opportunities that allow scholars to:

• Conduct research at world-class Big Ten universities in the United States
• Explore research interests in STEM fields
• Advance academic or private sector careers

*This program is exclusively for scholars enrolled in a FIGURE CMI degree program.

Program Details

• Type of Opportunity: Short-term, non-credit bearing, unpaid research positions
• Duration: 3-6 months in the scholar's area of STEM study
• Financial Responsibility: Scholars are responsible for travel, housing, visa fees, health insurance, and living costs. No tuition is charged by the host Big Ten university.

Application Process:

1. Apply: CMI scholars submit an online application through this website
2. Matching: Applications are shared with all participating Big Ten universities
3. Selection: Interested universities indicate scholars they may be willing to host
4. Notification: BTAA notifies applicants of interested universities
5. Confirmation: Scholars confirm interest and indicate preferences if multiple universities are interested
6. Placement: Host campus and scholar work directly to establish relationship terms, timeline, and required paperwork