Funding

Partial / Stipend

Program dates

Feb 8, 2027 – Mar 12, 2027

Internship•USA · Houston · Hybrid

TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program

TOMODACHI Initiative / Rice University

Application Deadline

Closed · July 9, 2026

Reopens ~Jul 2027

Official Page

The TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program places ten women undergraduates studying science or engineering in Japan into research labs at Rice University in Houston, Texas, for a five-week internship. Rice University implements and hosts the program, Dow Chemical Japan Limited funds it, and it runs under the TOMODACHI Initiative. The stated aim is to narrow the gender gap in STEM in Japan and to advance educational equity. A cycle opens with online seminars from September, continues with a visit to the Dow Chemical Japan office in Tokyo just before departure, and centres on four weeks of laboratory research in Rice’s schools of engineering and natural sciences. Each participant is matched to a host lab close to her academic background after selection and enrolls in a zero-credit visiting research course. Weekly seminars, volunteer English classes, cultural outings around Houston and time with Rice undergraduates fill the rest of the schedule, and taking part in every program activity is mandatory.

Benefits & funding

  • International airfare between Tokyo and Houston.
  • Double-occupancy hotel lodging in Houston for the research internship.
  • A food allowance for the stay.
  • International health insurance for the whole period in the United States.
  • The J-1 visa application fee and the SEVIS fee.
  • A four-week research placement in a Rice engineering or natural sciences lab, plus enrollment in an undergraduate visiting research course.
  • Weekly seminars and volunteer English classes at Rice University.
  • Cultural excursions in Houston and meetings with the program sponsor.
  • Costs participants carry themselves: travel to and from Tokyo, a passport if needed, visiting researcher fees of about USD 451.50, immunizations, meals beyond the allowance (about USD 540 to USD 1,620 over four weeks), daily transport of about USD 125, a prepaid US phone at about USD 150, and personal spending of about USD 375 to USD 750. Rice estimates total out-of-pocket spending at roughly USD 1,641 to USD 3,141.

Eligibility

  • Women only. Each cohort takes ten participants.
  • Japanese citizens and permanent residents of Japan.
  • At least 18 years old.
  • Currently enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduates at a Japanese institution of higher education, in good academic standing.
  • Students in years B1 to B4. A B4 student qualifies if she will become an M1 graduate student by April. Six-year undergraduate programs such as medicine are eligible with verification.
  • Majoring in a science or engineering field, with an interest in doing research in a related field.
  • Enough English to conduct research in a US university lab. Intermediate to advanced spoken English is recommended.
  • English competency is confirmed by one of four routes: an English language interview with Rice’s Center for Academic and Professional Communication over Skype, IELTS 7 or above, TOEFL 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based or 90 internet-based, or Duolingo 115 or above.
  • Selection also weighs research interest, intent to pursue graduate study, conversational English, and demonstrated financial need or a background in a rural area where educational equity may be limited.
  • Participants under 22 must show proof of meningococcal vaccination or a valid waiver, as Texas law requires.

Can you apply?

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  • Residence required

    Japan

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  • Education required

    Bachelor Enrolled

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  • Gender requirement

    Female

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  • Age requirement

    ≥ 18 yrs

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Application process

  1. 1
    Read the eligibility, English competency and funding pages on the Rice University program site.
  2. 2
    Attend the virtual information session when one is offered; the 2026-27 cycle held one on 14 June 2026.
  3. 3
    Submit the online application in English through the Rice program site before the deadline.
  4. 4
    Upload a recent TOEFL or IELTS score if there is one. This is encouraged at the application stage, not required.
  5. 5
    Finalists take an online interview in July.
  6. 6
    Finalists complete the English competency requirement, either by the Skype interview with Rice or by test score.
  7. 7
    Selected participants receive a host lab assignment, apply for the J-1 visa, and complete the immunization requirements before travel.

Program timeline

  1. 14 June 2026

    virtual information session for the 2026-27 cycle.

  2. 9 July 2026

    application deadline for the 2026-27 cycle, 11:59 PM JST, after an extension from 6 July.

  3. online interviews for finalists.

    July 2026

  4. online seminars begin.

    September 2026

  5. pre-departure visit to the Dow Chemical Japan office in Tokyo.

    5 February 2027

  6. travel to Texas.

    6 February 2027

  7. research and internship at Rice University begins.

    8 February 2027

  8. internship ends.

    12 March 2027

  9. return travel to Japan.

    13 to 14 March 2027

  10. post-program visit to the Dow Chemical Japan office in Tokyo.

    March to April 2027