Program Expectations

The ASSURE research program is 9 months to 1 year long. Students applying to this site should also be willing to*:

1. Commit to completing a substantive research project that utilizes the international site's resources/expertise;
2. Commit to building a professional network in the host country - including giving talks and participating in meetings relevant to your work, etc.
3. Participate in virtual cohort and research group meetings with mentors to finalize research goals before the program begins;
4. Participate in self-learning about your host and research group culture;
5. Participate in reflective and debriefing activities (pre-, during and post- program) that challenge you to reflect on your engagement with international colleagues as a means to improving your intercultural competencies and strengthening your ability to successfully complete your project and collaborate across differences in future projects;
6. Engage with fellow interns and host country mentors in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and respect;
7. Recognize that your successful work is based on the trust and confidence you build by respectfully integrating yourself into your host community and culture as well as the cohort of your IRES ASSURE fellows.
8. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host country and community, as a representative of the people, cultures, values, and traditions of the United States of America. 
9. Be responsible for your personal conduct and professional performance;
10. Work within the rules and regulations of MSU and the local and national laws of your host country;
11. Provide regular updates to the program directors and participate in pre- and post-assessments in a timely manner.

The ASSURE program provides a research and health insurance stipend for students selected to participate.

*The program expectations listed above have been adapted based on the Peace Corps 10 Core Expectations.