The U.S. China Reu Program On Marine Science And Engineering

Scientific research and technological enterprise are increasingly global. It is important to provide opportunities for engineers and scientists to develop the international experience and capabilities at early stages in their careers. This paper presents the experience from a NSF-REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Program on Marine Science and Engineering in China. This program is the first REU Program in China sponsored by the NSF Division of International Programs. Over 30 students from different universities across the United States participated in this Program in the last two years. The students spent 10 weeks during the summer in China to conduct research projects under the supervision of Chinese mentors at Chinese universities. Research topics cover all areas of marine science and engineering. The participants came from different majors in engineering and science, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering and science, environmental engineering and science, physics, chemistry, oceanography and meteorology. Despite culture and language barriers, and differences in educational approach, the program has been well received by the students as well as the mentors. Students gained first-hand appreciation of a different culture (both socially and academically) in addition to the experience of doing research on advanced topics. Mentors have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the differences in the training between students from the U.S. and from China. This paper will review the development, planning, organization, implementation, and results of the program.