Program Overview

Program Overview

The STEM Research in Tohoku program is a summer research program designed for UC juniors and seniors with strong foundational knowledge in science and/or engineering. The program provides an opportunity to conduct full-time research at Tohoku University, which is well-established in hands-on learning and collaborative research.

Program Details

• Country: Japan
• City: Sendai
• Class Level: Junior, Senior, Graduate
• Experience Type: Research
• Minimum GPA: 2.85
• Term: Summer
• Taught In: English
• Language Prerequisite: No

Academics

The program focuses on fields of study in Science and Engineering. Students will conduct full-time research during the 6-week summer program at Tohoku University. All UCEAP students participate in a research group (lab) with Japanese and international students under the supervision of the Tohoku University faculty.

Research Areas

• Investigate seismicity and crustal structure using seismological data in Japan
• Analyze total synthesis of insecticidal and herbicidal compounds, quorum sensing inhibitors, antibiotics, and anticancer substances
• Research theoretical and computer simulation studies of biomolecular systems

Courses and Credit Requirements

• Take a lab research course for 9 quarter/6 semester UC units
• The course must be taken for a letter grade
• Complete 30 hours a week of research, discussions, and tutorials and five hours a week of faculty lectures, seminars, and consultations

Housing

Students will live in a long-term stay hotel close to Tohoku University's Aobayama campus. The hotel is conveniently located near central Sendai with easy access to public transportation to explore the city.

Accommodations

• Private bedroom
• Private bathroom
• Off-campus housing
• No meal plan
• Live with international students, UC students, and US students
• Commute to the Aobayama campus is about a 15-minute subway ride

Cost

The program estimates include UC tuition, round-trip airfare, housing, meals, program excursions and activities, passport and visa fees, books, supplies, and other living expenses. Students can defray costs with the help of UCEAP scholarships, with every UC student eligible to apply for a Global Scholarship of up to $2,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible, students must meet the basic criteria:

• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student with a UC campus, on filing fee status, or on an approved educational leave or other approved leave status
• Be in good academic standing as defined by their UC campus
• Maintain eligibility for the program, including the required minimum GPA, from the time of application through the end of the program

Requirements

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85
• Must have completed engineering and/or science foundation courses
• Eligible majors include Agriculture, Environment/Management, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Studies/Science, Geology/Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, and more

Support

UCEAP is operated by international education professionals dedicated to inspiring students to explore and transform their lives, UC, and the world. Support includes:

• UCEAP Study Abroad Advisors for predeparture requirements and academic questions
• Academic Specialists for academic policies and course credit
• Program Specialists for logistics and program management
• Finance Accountants for financial aid and program fees