<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I am currently studying Psychology in Germany and would love to spend the summer in the US. Do you know any universities that offer research positions/internships/courses for international students? Would be awesome if the internships are paid or if on-campus housing is available.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance. :)</p>
<p>I assume you’re not a US citizen? Then you’ll have a really hard time. The programs you’re interested in fall into three broad categories:</p>
<ul>
<li>Programs run for profit (e.g. summer courses). Usually open to foreigners but EXPENSIVE.</li>
<li>Programs funded by federal grants (e.g. REUs). The kind of thing you’re looking for, but you’d have to be a US citizen or permanent resident to participate.</li>
<li>Informal arrangements between professors and students. Sometimes paid, sometimes not. By far the most common way for American students to get research experience during the summer. However, HARD to arrange from a distance and ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE to get a visa for (unless you’re currently a PhD student - then it’s perfectly doable). </li>
</ul>
<p>Try to find out if your university has exchange program with some USA universities. It might not be an intern program, but it will be the least expensive.</p>
<p>@b@r!um Thanks a lot. Kind of hoped for better news. Unfortunately, I am not a PhD student, I want to apply after my bachelor for a PhD. Do you think it’s worth a try to write the professors and ask? I thought about the visa as well. Do you know if there’s a chance to get one if my university grants me credits for the research?</p>
<p>@artloversplus Thanks! I can only spend one or two semesters abroad but there are no research programs. And I am already planning a semester abroad but wanted some research experience as well. </p>
<p>Yes, you could get a student visa if you enroll in a full-time course load over the summer. Note, however, that you’d be charged tuition for every single credit of “supervised work” (or whatever they call it) you receive. You’d probably need 8-12 credits to be in full-time status during the summer (depending on the length of the summer session), which will translate into $5,000 - $10,000 of fees. Add another $5,000 for your flight and living expenses. </p>
<p>If you get paid at all, it won’t be enough to offset the tuition fees. The stipend for an undergraduate research assistant is typically in the range of $3,000 to $5,000 for the full summer, meant to cover your living expenses (but not tuition). </p>