In these days of climate change, increasingly powerful artificial intelligence, and a renewed global interest in space exploration, it’s more important than ever to support students and young professionals in the pursuit of careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
In a 2022 Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education expressed the government’s commitment to promote such endeavors with the announcement of Bridge USA’s Early Career STEM Research Initiative. The statement reads in part:
“The robust exchange of students, researchers, scholars, and educators, along with broader international education efforts between the United States and other countries, strengthens relationships between current and future leaders. These relationships are necessary to address shared challenges, enhance American prosperity, and contribute to global peace and security…”
As an active partner in the Early Career STEM Research Initiative, the InterExchange Career Training USA program proudly offers J-1 Visa sponsorship for interns and trainees, two of the eligible J-1 categories. Our participants conduct STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) training and research at host organizations across the United States. Here are some examples of how InterExchange is implementing the STEM initiative:
- A company that designs and manufactures barcode scanners and mobile computers hosts Artificial Intelligence Masters degree students from Italy.
- Three Colombian engineering students spent four months in Missouri interning at a manufacturing and product supply company.
- A student from the University of the Western Cape in South Africa is researching long-duration energy storage in California.
- A young professional who is a machine learning student in Paris trains at a company that invents wireless and video technologies.
- An Electrical Engineering student from Germany is training with a company that manufactures devices to trace gasses in the atmosphere that are used by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
- An electrical engineering student from Turkey is training at an Audio Systems company in Arizona (see below).
Check out our article on Women in STEM which highlights recent female participants’ experiences on the program.
The Bridge USA’s Early Career STEM Research Initiative is an opportunity for STEM hosts and participants alike to build their professional networks and enhance their intercultural competencies. “The experience of living for a period of time in another country while receiving training is very enriching,” explains Colombian intern Jordy. “You learn about other cultures, other ways of doing things, and that opens you to a new horizon of possibilities.”
As a participating sponsor, InterExchange issues the necessary documents for exchange visitors to apply for their J-1 visas. After arrival, we continue to monitor the participant and STEM host organization. More information can be found on the Bridge USA website.
“One of the most enjoyable aspects of working with my employer is the opportunity to collaborate closely with the team,” says Engineering intern Yazan from Germany. “This enables me to witness how American engineers discuss and creatively solve technical problems. Additionally, I find great satisfaction in seeing the tangible outcomes of my work firsthand.”
Are you a student or young professional in a STEM field? Join the Early Career STEM Research Initiative and learn more about interning or training in the U.S.!
