US Fellows

Program Overview

Nakatani RIES serves as a catalyst for developing a generation of globally engaged scientists and engineers who have the necessary technical and cultural skills to collaborate and contribute to a vibrant international research community. The program includes:

      • Welcome/Preparation Meeting at Georgia Tech (Mid February)
      • GRIP Pre-Departure Orientation at Georgia Tech (April)
      • Pre-Departure Japanese Language Remote Class (Early May)
      • Language & Cultural Orientation in Tokyo, Japan
          • Intensive Japanese Language class
          • Introduction to Science & Engineering Research Seminars
          • Introduction to Japanese Society & Culture Seminars
          • One-day trip to Kamakura and Mt. Fuji sightseeing
      • Research Internship at a Japanese University (May – July)
      • Mid-Program Virtual Meeting (Late June)
      • Re-Entry Program (Late July)
          • Closing Session at Kyoto University
          • Kyoto
      • Final Joint Nakatani RIES Symposium Requiring Poster Presentation at Georgia Tech on September 24th, 2025

Eligibility

Nakatani RIES Eligibility to Apply:

      • BME Undergrad (Sophomore & Junior preferred, Freshman may be considered if with substantial research experience, no seniors and above). No seniors or above! Students should have an expected graduation date of May 2026 with two semesters of full-time course load left in their degree plan.
      • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
      • Students from underrepresented minority groups, women, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Global Internship Program Eligibility:

      • You must have completed at least two full-time semesters of college-level study as a degree-seeking student prior to participation in a study abroad program and you must be at least 18 years of age by the program’s departure date.
      • You must be in good academic standing. Good academic standing is determined by the Registrar’s Office and is indicated at the end of your transcript each semester. Academic warning is a subcategory of good academic standing, so students on warning are still eligible.
      • You must be in good disciplinary standing. The Office of the Dean of Students and Housing determines your standing based on your disciplinary record.
      • You must maintain appropriate standards of behavior. Keep in mind that there are social aspects to the internship abroad learning experience. Appropriate standards of behavior must be adhered to at all times.

Benefits

The program also provides many benefits and financial coverage for most costs including:

      • Japanese Language and Cultural Course Tuition Fees in the US and Japan​
      • One-night hotel one day before departure from Atlanta Airport​
      • International Airfare to/from Japan​
      • Japan Domestic Airfare or Train for Program Meeting​
      • Japanese University Tuition Fees​
      • Lodging (Dom or Off-Campus Housing)​
      • Partial Meal/Living Cost Stipend​
      • Loan of a Japanese Cell Phone and wifi​
      • Fun cultural exchange opportunities with the Japanese RIES fellows

Requirements

      • Attend Welcome/Preparation Meeting (mid-February)​
      • Japanese Language and Cultural Course in the US (including main textbook purchase) and Japan 
      • ​Mid-Program Virtual Meeting (Late June)
      • Closing session in Kyoto (late-July)_10-minute Oral Presentation and Q&A​
      • Final report​
      • Nakatani RIES Symposium on September 17th, 2025 at Georgia Tech_Poster and 1-minute flash oral presentation_In-person​
      • Feedback survey (Google form)

Interested? Please Apply!

Applications are accepted online via the Georgia Tech Office of International Education (OIE) ATLAS portal.

Tentative Nakatani RIES admissions schedule:

        • October 10th, 2024: Nakatani RIES application opens
        • November 10th, 2024: All application materials must be submitted via ATLAS to be considered
            • Applications will be reviewed on a semi-rolling basis, so the earlier complete your application, the better!
        • Mid-November: Finalist Interviews Conducted
        • December: Final Notification of Acceptance

For specific admissions deadlines, please visit the ATLAS portal via the OIE website or click the “Apply to Nakatani RIES” button below to be taken to the application page.