REUs (or similiar) for europeans

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for research opportunities similar to REU programs for European students. Participants share their experiences and seek advice on available programs and job markets in Europe, particularly in Nordic countries.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Jonas expresses frustration over the lack of research opportunities for EU citizens compared to US REU programs and seeks suggestions for alternatives.
  • One participant suggests approaching professors directly in the desired field to inquire about research positions, sharing their own experience of starting undergraduate research this way.
  • Another participant mentions their positive experience as a research assistant and highlights the abundance of knowledge in their environment, indicating that it has been beneficial for their learning.
  • Concerns about the job market in Finland versus Sweden are discussed, with one participant suggesting that Finland may have a better job market and employers who take more responsibility, though they acknowledge uncertainty about this impression.
  • There is a mention of the Bologna process and its impact on educational pathways, with participants noting their transition to master's programs directly after bachelor's studies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges faced by EU students in finding research opportunities, but there are varying opinions on the job market conditions in Nordic countries and the effectiveness of different approaches to securing research positions.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the job market dynamics and the differences between Nordic countries, indicating that their insights are based on personal experiences rather than comprehensive data.

jonas_nilsson
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Hi!

I feel I am on the road to research, and I would like to get some experience. I've been starting to look for something like the REU programs, but the problem is they are only open for US citizens. I guess it has with the funding to do.

I must congratulate you US people on this forum, you are really lucky to have so many programs. We in Europe don't seem to have as many opportunities like these at all. Any hints on what programs might be open for EU citizens (anywhere in the world!) would be most helpful!


Jonas
 
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If you've already picked a field you'd like to work in you could go to the department of that field in your university and just ask the professors for a job. That's how I got my undergrad research started. I was past the B.Sc. level at that point though (we usually go straight for the masters here).
 
Kippis!

Hello nordic friend! I really like Helsinki, I was there a few weeks ago and have good friends there.

I think I will do what you suggest, yes. I feel I connect well with at least one professor, and perhaps she can give some advices aswell.

By the way, we go for master right away aswell, but I think the younger ones will have to take a bachelor or something (Bologna process you know). I am in my fourth year now, and I really feel that what I need is some real experience.

I have been thinking about trying to get to Finland next summer, since I think the job market is a bit better there than here (Sweden). I also think the employers in Finland take more responsibility, but I can of course not really know =) What's your impression of the current state?
 
Same here with the Bologna process. Somehow I didn't feel like switching to the new system only to start working on my masters right away after doing the bachelor's thesis... I'm at my 4th year now too and started being a research assistant (academic equivalent of an errand boy) last summer. So far it has been the most awesomest thing ever*. There's so much knowledge and experience floating around that some has even stuck on me!

As for the job market, I'm not sure. The high tech industry is doing well and hiring a lot but an academic career will mean the usual hardships. I can't really tell about the employers either since I haven't held a proper job in neither country but I don't think there are significant differences between any nordic countries.

*Awesome enough to require that double superlative.
 

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