Eligibility and Selection

Thank you for your interest in INNOVATE 2008! Please carefully review the eligibility and selection process information below prior to submitting an online application for INNOVATE 2008. For questions or if you need additional information on this conference please email innovate@rice.edu.

Eligibility Criteria

  • All applicants must be degree-seeking students in an engineering, scientific or technical field. Applicants from outside of these fields may be considered for the conference only if they are able to express a clear link between the themes of INNOVATE 2008 and their academic field.
  • Applicants from the United States must be currently enrolled, degree-seeking students at one of our US participating institutions including Rice University, the University of Tulsa, the University of Pittsburgh, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University or current student members of IAESTE US either via your on-campus student chapter or at-large membership.
  • Applicants from any international university outside of the United States are eligible to apply and preference will be given to student members of IAESTE. To see if there is an IAESTE chapter at your university or to enquire about at-large-membership please click here.
  • Applicants from the United States must be at the junior, senior or graduate level. Applicants from sophomore students will only be accepted from international participating universities.
  • All applicants must be able to express a demonstrated interest in international issues relating to globalization and technology within your field.

Selection Process

The selection process for INNOVATE 2008 is composed of the following:

  1. Submit your online application to INNOVATE 2008
  2. Complete and eligible applications are forwarded to the participating institutional INNOVATE advisor for on-campus review & selection.* The on campus selection process may include:
    • University review to confirm you meet the basic eligibility criteria to study abroad at your home university
    • University review to confirm you are good academic standing and not currently on probation or under any disciplinary action at your home university
    • On-campus interview with the INNOVATE selection committee at your home university
  3. Once interviews are concluded with all applicants from your institution your INNOVATE advisor will provide Rice University with a list of recommended delegates from your university.
  4. The INNOVATE conference will notify all applicants of their final status by early December 2007.
  5. Selected delegates must confirm their participation in INNOVATE 2008 by submitting a 50% deposit of the conference registration fee by January 15, 2008. $250 of this deposit is non-refundable. See Program Cost & Payment for more information.

* If you are an international delegate whose home university does not have a designated INNOVATE advisor your application will be reviewed by Rice University directly and you will be contacted for any additional information or to schedule a telephone interview.

Selection Criteria

Delegates to INNOVATE will be selected on the basis of:

  • Demonstrated Leadership & Academic Excellence
  • Past Professional or Research Experience in your Field
  • Articulated Interest in International Issues in Technology
  • Articulated Interest in Globalization's Role and Impact on your Field
  • Previous International Experience or Demonstrated Interest in the Pursuit of International Opportunities

Please note that your home university or INNOVATE advisor may have additional eligibility or selection criteria when selecting delegates from your home university. Please consult with your INNOVATE advisor for more information.