Each year a select group of undergraduates is accepted into the InterFuture program to design individualized cross-cultural research projects. Students attend three preparatory conferences and conduct independent documentary research over the course of an academic year while attending classes at their home college or university. Having satisfied their yearlong training requirements, students then implement their individual research projects in an overseas locale (or locales) during the following months. Students return to their home campus to share their findings at their college or university.
InterFuture students originate from many academic fields, from the social sciences to the humanities, from the natural sciences to business and management. Each research project is designed by the student to reflect her or his diverse interests. The InterFuture program works in tandem with most universities’ undergraduate requirements, supporting outstanding thesis or capstone projects. Students may travel to an overseas locale during the summer months, allowing most students to graduate on time, while having a meaningful experience overseas.
Participants conduct their research abroad, choosing from over 20 European and non-European locales. Overseas for three months, InterFuture Scholars become immersed in the host culture, studying with local experts and living with local families. Upon returning home, Scholars prepare a final research paper or project documenting their cross-cultural research and share their findings through classes, workshops, exhibitions, and action projects.