Programs REU Opportunities for International Students in Theoretical Physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics undergraduate student in Brazil seeking opportunities in theoretical physics, particularly summer research programs. The student is currently engaged in a research project on the 3+1 spacetime split of field equations in De Donder-Weyl theory and is exploring options for further research, especially in Boulder, where family resides. Recommendations include reaching out to professors in Brazil for introductions to faculty in Boulder, as personal connections may enhance the chances of securing a research position. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by international students in accessing Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs, which tend to be restrictive and favor domestic candidates due to funding limitations. Overall, proactive networking and leveraging existing academic relationships are emphasized as key strategies for finding research opportunities.
jv07cs
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I'm a physics undergrad student in Brazil and I'm about to finish my sophmore year. I'm really interested in computational and theoretical physics and I'm currently in the beginning of this year long research project with a professor in my university on the study of the 3+1 spacetime split of field equations in De Donder-Weyl theory.

Here in Brazil I've seen quite a few winter and summer programs in experimental physics, but none in theoretical physics. And I was wondering if you guys have any recommendations of programs I could apply to or some advice on how I could find such opportunities?

I have family that lives in Boulder and would also like to ask if you guys know of any research opportunities there for international undergrads? Or if there's the possibility of like sending and email to a professor there and asking if he could be my advisor for a volunteer summer research project?
 
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jv07cs said:
I have family that lives in Boulder and would also like to ask if you guys know of any research opportunities there for international undergrads? Or if there's the possibility of like sending and email to a professor there and asking if he could be my advisor for a volunteer summer research project?
Ask your professors in Brazil whether they know any of the professors in Boulder. A personal introduction and request for help by one of your professors in Brazil would be your best option.
 
REU as a program is very, very, very restrictive when it comes to international programs. The exceptions are cases where the university pitches in its own resources.

If you are counting on someone else to pay for you, the odds are extremely low. There are plenty of US students who cost less and whose background is more certain.
 
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
I have a specialization in condensed matter physics and materials physics, and off-late, I have been seeing a lot of research directions moving towards quantum computing (AMO and non-linear optics) and the huge chunk of quantum materials research (and funding) is dedicated towards QIS and QC research. I am wondering (sort of in a dilemma), if I should consider switching my field? I am currently at the stage of a postdoc.

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