Japan Internship Program 2019 at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)

Dear ITS students,

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (Graduate University) is an interdisciplinary graduate school located in Japan. It conducts multi-disciplinary research in Neuroscience, Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Integrative Biology and Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. 

In addition to the OIST Doctoral Program, seminars, and workshops, the OIST Graduate School offers education and research opportunities through a system of undergraduate and graduate placements as Research Interns. These short-term placements as a Research Intern give a select few talented students the opportunity to gain experience in a particular laboratory or to learn a specific technique. They work under the direction of a Professor at OIST and contribute to the research activities of OIST.

Places for Research Interns are awarded on a competitive basis, with the application period months in advance. 

Eligibility: Those eligible to apply include students enrolled at graduate or undergraduate programs in universities, colleges, junior colleges, and vocational schools in Japan or overseas, or recent graduates of such institutions. Currently enrolled students must have approval from their home institution.  If you are currently a student, please confirm with your institution.  OIST interns must agree to and follow the OIST

Duration: The tenure of Research Intern placements is between 2 and 6 months, typically 10 to 12 weeks. Tenure will not normally be extended. Interns may not take extended leave during their time at OIST, and are expected to work full time on their project.  Internships may begin and end at any time during the year, but application deadlines depend on the desired starting date of the internship.

Allowance: OIST provides living allowance, commuting support where necessary, and accommodation either on campus or nearby. Successful applicants will receive a Living Allowance of 2,400 JPY per day (weekends excluded) while at OIST. 

Travel Expenses: OIST will pay for one direct roundtrip travel for Research Interns between the home university or institution and the research unit or other facility where the internship will take place (usually Okinawa). The travel dates must be as close as possible to the term of the placement.  Travel for successful applicants is arranged by the OIST Graduate School.

Other Support: The Student Support Section of the Graduate School will provide support for Research Interns at OIST with matters such as housing, visa acquisition, insurance procedures, and local registration. OIST regrets that support is not available for dependents, family members, and persons other than the student.

Application Deadline: All application documents, including the letter of recommendation, must be sent by the deadline listed below for your intake dates.  Application periods correspond to time ranges in which your internship starts. (The deadline for your application depends on the day you plan to start your internship.  For example, if you plan to start 1 May 2019, your "Desired Starting Date" is in the range of 1 April – 30 June 2019, so the deadline is 15 November 2018). Actual internship periods may include parts of two or more separate intake periods (for example, you could request an internship that lasts from 1 March – 10 May 2019).

Please note that all of the registration process is organized by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. For further information, kindly check this link: https://groups.oist.jp/grad/research-interns