2 min readfrom oceanography: things about the sea

Advice for REUs? (Marine Biology, Oceanography, Ecology)

Our take

Securing a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) position in Marine Biology, Oceanography, or Ecology can be challenging, especially for international students. Rejections are common, but they do not define your potential. As you navigate this competitive landscape, consider targeting less prominent programs that may offer stipends and accept international applicants. Engage with mentors who can provide insights into the selection process and help refine your CV. Your commitment to local NGOs demonstrates dedication, which can enhance your application.

I am currently doing a B.Sc. in Marine Sciences, and am looking forward to securing a decent REU to fulfil my graduate requirement, which is to be completed by Nov 2027.

I know rejection should be a normal part of scientific careers, but receiving 3 "we regret to inform" just today alone is really upsetting. Hence, I am coming here to seek advice on any stipended REUs which I can realistically aim for?

Admittedly, I don't have a US/EU passport or PR, which means I am already not eligible for most opportunities out there as a Southeast Asian from a no-name university, and the ones that do accept international students with stipend are extremely competitive for this reason.

So, any advice or suggestions for realistic steps I should take next? What sort of people/CV will I compete against when aiming for international REUs (just to get a picture)? And any less competitive/less well-known but still decent opportunities that is realistic for my level to apply? (But seriously, any comment and critique is welcomed)

(I am already deeply involved with multiple local NGOs and spend 7 days a week volunteering on top of being a full-time student, many of these involve work across my country. But I definitely have ZERO international exposure, which is why I am desperate to bridge this gap with my REU)

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