Aalto Science Institute International Summer Research Programme: Undergraduate and master’s degree students can spend the summer in Espoo, Finland working with faculty at Aalto University. Students will be able to conduct advanced research projects and network with international peers. In addition, participants are provided cultural and social activities throughout the summer. Generally, the program runs for 12 weeks from June through August. Selected students will receive a salary to cover living expenses. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

CERN Summer Student Programme: Swanson students with at least three years of full-time study can apply to spend the summer in Geneva, Switzerland researching at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) as part of the highly selective CERN Summer Student Programme. As part of a research group, students will be engaged in groundbreaking research at this internationally renowned laboratory. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

CERN Technical Student Programme: Undergraduates from European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) member or associate member states studying applied physics, engineering, or computing can apply to work in Switzerland at CERN for 4-12 months. The United States is not a member or associate member of CERN. Positions are posted several times a year, so please check their website. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals: This full-year program, supported by the German Bundestag and the U.S. Department of State, provides young Americans the opportunity to spend a year in Germany focusing on their chosen career field. Recipients spend two months in intensive German language training; one semester of classes at a university, technical or professional school; and three to five months completing a professional internship. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Cyprus Institute’s Graduate School Summer Internship Program: Located in the capital city of Nicosia, the Cyprus Institute is a non-profit scientific education and research center that offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to work with a mentor on a specific project for eight weeks during the summer. Please see the website for a current list of projects and application requirements. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) hosts students interested in life sciences at one on their campuses for eight weeks each summer. The program includes research in an EPFL researcher’s lab, mentoring by faculty and staff, professional and personal development workshops, excursions, and a final symposium. A stipend supports living costs, and some travel costs are also covered. Participating labs are listed on their How to Apply webpage. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity: If you are interested in the connection between technology and creativity and have no or little travel experience outside North America, the Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute on Technology, Innovation and Creativity offers an incredible chance to spend three weeks in Glasgow, Scotland. Hosted by the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde, students learn about how Scotland developed as a center of innovation, technology, and art. Travel, tuition and fees, accommodation, and some meal expenses are covered by the Fulbright Commission and partner institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a U.S. Passport and at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after the program concludes. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Fulbright UK Institute on Global Sustainability: The University of Exeter is the home of the Fulbright UK Institute on Global Sustainability. This four-week program for students with no or little travel experience outside of North America is led by faculty experts from disciplines such as earth and environmental science, ecology and conservation, engineering, and mathematics. The program includes an academic course in addition to organized excursions and a trip to London. Travel, tuition and fees, accommodation, and some meal expenses are covered by the Fulbright Commission and partner institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a U.S. Passport and at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after the program concludes. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

International Internship Program: Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan, and partner institutions host international students studying a variety of STEM disciplines in their two-month International Internship Program. Each summer, graduate students and senior undergraduates work on specific research projects, which conclude with a written report or presentation. In addition, students enjoy Chinese language classes as well as visits to other research institutions and sightseeing trips. The program will reimburse participants for approved flights after completing the program and provide a monthly stipend. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

International Max Planck Research School Student Research Internships: This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a research lab at the International Max Planck Research School for Cell, Developmental and Systems Biology in Dresden, Germany. These research internships last between 8-12 weeks, generally in the summer. Students receive a monthly stipend. A list of participating laboratories can be found on their Internship Offers webpage. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

ISTernship Summer Program: Students studying a variety of subjects can spend their summer researching in Vienna, Austria at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria. Participants are assigned to a faculty or lab member to complete a short research project, which will be presented at the final symposium. Student researchers receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the program. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Kupcinet-Getz International Summer School:*On Hold for Summer 2025 Information will remain for reference*. Students selected to participate in the Kupcinet-Getz International Summer School will be able to work within a research group at the distinguished Weizmann Institute of Science in Rohovot, Israel, for eight weeks during the summer. Projects generally focus on mathematics, physics, chemistry, and the life sciences. Housing will be provided for participants who will also receive a weekly stipend. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Laboratory Research Internship at École de Technologie Supérieure at the Université du Québec: Specializing in artificial intelligence, health technologies, and aerospace and transport electrification, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) at the Université du Québec in Montréal offers students a unique opportunity to work in ÉTS laboratories from 3 to 12 months. Applicants can view available research projects on their Research Projects for Students webpage. After identifying a project of interest, students are responsible for receiving a letter of invitation from the project supervising faculty. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Max Planck School Matter to Life Undergraduate Research Opportunities: The Max Planck School Matter to Life, a joint program of German Universities and Research Organizations, hosts student researchers at more than a dozen research centers across Germany. The 10-week summer research program covers students’ travel and accommodation in addition to providing a stipend. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Mitacs Globalink Research Internship: Undergraduates is this competitive program are placed at Canadian universities for 12 weeks during the summer. In addition to receiving hands-on research experience and mentorship, selected students will also have their travel costs covered and receive stipends for housing and food. Applications are generally in September, so early preparation is necessary. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

The OIST Research Internship Program offers short-term (2-6 months) internships in STEM fields at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Interns work under professors, gaining experience and learning specific techniques. OIST provides a daily allowance, commuting support, travel expenses, and furnished accommodation. Applicants can view current projects and faculty available for hosting research intern here. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): If you would rather stay in the United States but still have a culturally and linguistically enriching experience, consider the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) positions in Puerto Rico. These competitive and funded research experiences place students at universities and research institutes where they spend the summer with other students assigned to a specific ongoing research project. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Research Internships with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute: The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute offers distinctive research internships that allow students to work with researchers, as well as government and industry, to create innovative and sustainable technological solutions to issues affecting marine and maritime industries. While enjoying the natural beauty of the island, students will be able to participate in transformative scientific research that aims to protect the Mediterranean while also supporting the businesses and people who depend on the sea. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

The School of Biology Summer Undergraduate Research Programme: Bioengineering students, or students with biological or medical study backgrounds, will want to consider applying for this outstanding opportunity to research in Switzerland. The Faculty of Biology and Medicine at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) will select students to work on individual research projects in various laboratories. In addition to researching, students will also attend academic and professional workshops, present their project results at a final symposium, and enjoy social activities with other students. The program provides housing and supports students with stipends for living expenses and travel. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI): This exciting research program matches students with Smithsonian Institution researchers based in Panama for three months. Selected students receive a stipend to cover living expenses and round-trip airfare. See the program’s Internship Opportunities webpage for a list of available research projects. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Summer Internship Program in Kashiwa (UTSIP Kashiwa): This summer program focusing on the natural and social science disciplines takes place at the University of Tokyo’s Kashiwa Campus, located 30 miles from the capital city. Hosted by the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, students work in university laboratories on self-initiated research projects under the guidance of a faculty member. Scholarships are provided to cover accommodation expenses. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship: Students interested in researching with a faculty member at one of Switzerland’s public universities or research institutions, should consider applying for a ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend for students from U.S. and Canadian universities to spend two or three months, usually in the summer, working with researchers at sites across Switzerland. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP): The School of Science at the University of Tokyo hosts this six-week program each summer for students enrolled in a natural science or related field. During the program, students work on a specific project that will be the subject of a final research report and presentation. Students accepted into UTRIP will be able to apply for two types of scholarships to help cover travel and living expenses. Participating laboratories and project are listed annually on the Hosting Labs and Project Topics webpage. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.

Visiting International Research Students program at the University of British Columbia: As one of the top universities in Canada, the University of British Columbia offers world-class research facilities in the scenic and vibrant city of Vancouver. Students can join research labs for up to 12 months by contacting and obtaining approval from specific faculty members. Swanson students must work concurrently on the Pitt Alternative Global Research Programs Application and on your program provider’s application through their respective websites. You cannot move forward without completing both applications by the respective deadlines.