The guiding idea of this INT REU program are following the recommendations in the report on the workshop on "Cooperation with East Asia: Innovations to Strengthen the U.S. R&D Workforce" at NSF on April 28-29, 1999 (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/int/eap/asia_rpt99.htm). The main point is to integrate the US workforce in the global science and technological community, that is important in the nation's interest. It is important that undergraduates be provided opportunities for international experience as it is in this point in their career when they are most flexible.

To enhance the students' research experience.
With the support from the National Science Foundation, the Research Corporation, and Illinois State University (ISU), Prof. Shang-Fen Ren has initiated and maintained an active research program on semiconductor nonostructures at Illinois State University. Many ISU Physics majors have been actively involved in her research. The participation of research greatly enhances the students' experience of learning physics at ISU and further encourages them to pursue a Physics related career. The student retention rate in Ren's research group is 100 percent. This student summer research experience is one of Ren's efforts to enhance the students' research experience.

To promote the students' international experience.
Being an immigrational scientist herself, Ren thinks that it is very important for American students to gain international experience. In such international experience, the students will have the opportunities to learn about other cultures and discuss with people at their own age in other countries about research, course works, economics, human right, and many other issues. These experiences gained by the students can increase the students' self-confidence and build their self-discipline. It will enhance the students ability in coping with diversity and adapting new culture. Such experience gained by the students in the early stage of their career will broaden the students' perspective on and prepare them for their future participation in a more globally-oriented workforce. It can better prepare the students to take leading roles in the global competition of the next generation. This will benefit both the students and the United States in a long term.