Costs Paid for by TOMODACHI-Dow Women's STEM Leadership and Research Program at Rice University
Through the generous support of the Dow Chemical Japan Limited, full funding is provided for the following expenses:
- International Airfare: Tokyo – Houston – East Coast – Tokyo
- 4-week research internship in science or engineering laboratory at Rice University
- Weekly Seminars at Rice University
- Volunteer English Classes at Rice University Organized by the Office of International Students & Scholars
- 1-week Science & Technology Leadership Study Tour on the East Coast
- Double-occupancy Hotel Lodging in Tokyo for Intercultural Seminar, Houston for Research Internship, and on the East Coast for Women in Global STEM @ Leadership Seminar
- International Health Insurance for duration of stay in the U.S.
- Enrollment in an undergraduate Visiting Research Course at Rice University (0 credit, pass/fail)
- J-1 Visa Application & SEVIS Fee - See U.S. Visa page for more details
- Food allowance
Costs Paid Individually by the Student
Students will need to pay individually for the following. Actual costs may vary based on individual spending habits while in the U.S. Most students will fall within the Low – Mid estimated spending range. Students who plan to eat out for most meals and/or do a great deal of shopping should budget at the High end.
All participants will be matched with an Alumni Mentor from the prior year’s program. You will be able to communicate with your alumni mentor prior to departure via Email, Skype, or Line and ask them questions about estimated costs, packing, and other pre-departure matters.
- Travel to/from Tokyo for International Group Flight - You must book/pay for your own travel to/from Tokyo - cost varies by student
- Passport Application Costs (if applicable) - cost varies by student
- Rice University Visiting Researcher Fees - OISS Visa Processing Fee ($300), Visiting Researcher Application Fee ($100), Rice University Gym Fee for Visiting Students(51.50, Optional) = ~451.50 USD
- Immunizations - Proof of Meningococcal Vaccination Record or Waiver
Texas State Law requires all “entering students” to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis if you are under the age of 22 as of the first day of classes. If you are 21 or younger as of the first day of the program at Rice University, you must provide proof of vaccination within the last 5 years. If you are 22 or older, you are exempt from this requirement. See also CDC Health Information for Travelers to the U.S.- cost varies, speak with your doctor - Meals in the U.S. - Exact costs vary based on individual spending. Hotel rooms in Houston will have a kitchen and students can save money by cooking meals on their own. During the final week on the East Coast, hotels will not have a kitchen but daily breakfast will be provided. Low: Cook two meals per day on your own. Medium: Cook one meal per day on your own. High: Eat out for all meals. See Food in the U.S. for more information - Low: ~$15/day or $540, Medium: ~$25/day or $900, High: ~$45/day or $1,620
- Daily Transportation - In Houston, students can walk to campus or use the free, hotel shuttle for travel to/from their research lab. The hotel shuttle will also take students to/from a nearby grocery store. To go to other locations in Houston for sight-seeing or restaurants students will need to use Uber/Lyft or a taxi as public transportation options in Houston are limited. During the final week on the East Coast, students will pay individually for any subway costs. See Transportation in the U.S. for more information - ~$25/week or $125
- Pre-Paid U.S. Cell Phone and Usage - All students will be required to purchase a pre-paid U.S. cell phone to use while in the U.S. This will enable you to communicate with program staff and/or your host lab or to police/fire/ambulance in case of an emergency. More information on cell phone options will be provided to selected participants - ~$150
- Personal Spending/Shopping/Souvenirs - Students should also budget for personal expenses, independent sight-seeing, and shopping/souvenir costs. Exact costs will vary based on individual spending - Low: $75 per week or $375, Mid: $100 per week or $500, High: $150 per week or $750
- Personal Spending/Shopping/Souvenirs - Students should also budget for personal expenses, independent sight-seeing, and shopping/souvenir costs. Exact costs will vary based on individual spending - Low: $75 per week or $375, Mid: $100 per week or $500, High: $150 per week or $750
- Estimated Total Costs - Low: ~$75/week or $375, Medium: ~$100/week or $500, High: ~$150/week or $750