Appendix 2

Sample International REU Program Timeline


Month
Program
International Counterpart
Applicant
August ˇ Advertising program begins(Planning may have to begin earlier if program staff are engaged overseas in the current year program cycle.) ˇ Confirm potential host scientists and mentors ˇ Academic year begins
ˇ Begin search for REU summer programs
September ˇ Receive applications
ˇ Set up applicant database
ˇ Solicit descriptions of available research topics from host scholars ˇ Submit application
ˇ Request transcripts and letters of reference
October ˇ Receive applications
ˇ Maintain applicant database
. ˇ Submit application
November ˇ Application deadline
ˇ Begin application screening (send confirmation of application receipt; follow up on incomplete applications)
ˇ Send data on applicant pool to international counterpart director
ˇ Evaluate resource availability to accommodate visitng students (number of discipline-specific host scientists, laboratory and housing space availiabilty, etc.)
ˇ Send roster of potential host scientists and mantos (including possible research topics) to program office
ˇ Application deadline
December ˇ Application review
ˇ Discuss final particpant number with international partner(s)
ˇ Discuss final particpant number with program director(s) .
January ˇ Send tentative acceptance lists to foreign-side program directors
ˇ Conduct host matching process
ˇ Receive tentative participant acceptance list from program office
ˇ Conduct host matching process
.
February ˇ Send notifications of acceptance based on results of host matching process (include request for confirmation of intent to participate)
ˇ Begin dialogue with program participants via e-mail/listserv
ˇ Send passport and visa information to program participants
ˇ Begin airline reservation process
ˇ Send results of matching process to host scientists
ˇPrepare host invitation letters (or letters of guarantee, as appropriate) to support applicants' visa applications
ˇ Reserve housing accommodations for confirmed participants
ˇ Arrange insurance for student visitors
ˇ Receive notification of acceptance
ˇSend confirmation of intent to participate
ˇ Establish communication with host scientist
ˇApply for passport (as necessary)
March ˇ Plan visit to host site
ˇ Inspect host labs and housing sites
ˇ Organize pre-trip orientation
ˇ Review local program and supporting arrangements with visiting program director(s)
ˇ Convene introductory meeting between visiting project director and host scholars/mentors
ˇ Begin pre-trip readings
ˇ Apply for visa(s) (as necessary)
April ˇ Pre-trip orientation for participants
ˇ Distribute program manual, participation contract, waiver form(s), medical insurance and emergency contact information requests
ˇ Obtain student-participant travel information (departure city, travel dates, special needs, etc.)
ˇ Finalize purchase of airline tickets
ˇ Virtual introduction of participants to international host(s)/mentors(s)
ˇ Orientation meeting for host scientists and mentors ˇ Deadline for withdrawal
ˇ Pre-trip orientation
ˇ Begin e-mail or other communication with mentor(s)
ˇ Follow Web site for program updates
May ˇ Deliver airline tickets to student travelers
ˇ Begin distribution of stipend allowance
ˇ Plan participant reception at airport, and arrange transportation to host site(s) ˇ Submit signed participation contract and waiver form(s), medical insurance information, emergency contact information
ˇ Receive airline tickets and first installment payment of stipend/allowance
June ˇ Participants depart
ˇ Program begins
ˇ Confirm safe arrival of participants at international site
ˇ Program begins
ˇ Depart for international site
ˇ Confirm safe arrival at foreign site (via international program host)
ˇ Program begins
July ˇ Program status review for mid-course correction(s) (as necessary) ˇ Review participant progress and submit report status report to program director(s) ˇ Provide feedback for program status review
August ˇ Closing activities/ceremony
ˇ Exit survey
ˇ Program ends
ˇ Last payment of stipend/allowance
ˇ Closing activities/ceremony
ˇ Program ends
ˇ Closing activities/ceremony
ˇ Complete exit survey
ˇ Program ends
ˇ Complete final Report
ˇ Receive last installment payment of stipend/allowance
September . . .
October ˇ Send follow-up survey/evaluation questionnaire(s)
ˇ Solicit pictures for Web site album
. ˇ Follow-up survey/evaluation questionnaire(s)
ˇ Submit pictures for Web site album
November ˇ Prepare and submit annual status report to funding agency
ˇ Report highlights and new advice for REU reference
. .


* NOTE: For reciprocal programs, or for programs with linkages to domestic REU site programs, an integrated program plan and corresponding timeline should be devised.

Appendix 3


Last updated July, 2002