Both are applying to medical school. Research universities are in an excellent position to offer international research experiences to their undergraduates. Datablitzes, which occur over dinner featuring recipes from one of the host countries, give students who cannot travel a vicarious international experience. Because both developed and developing countries have been included as sites, those attending datablitzes learn about how science is conducted under the best, as well as under the most difficult, circumstances. Study and travel abroad are not often considered an important part of a science major's education, but many of today's problems are global.
Solutions frequently require that scientists of different nationalities collaborate.
These are compelling reasons for us to continue to offer international research experience to our students.