Training and Internship Program

There are several ways to apply for internship at CALCE:

1. Through your academic institute. The career services center, or student exchange center from your academic institute may have agreements with CALCE. Typically, they will contact us directly and handle most of the administrative procedures. Institutes with CALCE agreements include: City University of Hong Kong, American University of Beirut, and BeiHang University
   
   
2. Through International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE). We have opportunities posted on their website year-round. Exchange packages that assist with applying, getting insurance and visa, and traveling are available.
   
   
3. Through Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). Information about researching in the area that interests you is available and you can apply thorough their website.
   
   
4. We also offer programs for non-UMD graduate students to perform research at CALCE. For this option, please contact Dr. Diganta Das (digudas@calce.umd.edu) through your academic advisor.
   
   
5. Contact us directly. You can send your application and the required documents directly to:

   Dr. Diganta Das
   Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE)
   Rm 1106, Engineering Laboratory Building
   University of Maryland
   College Park, MD 20742
   Phone - (301) 405 7770
   (Fax) - (301) 314 9269 and (775) 218 5209
   digudas@calce.umd.edu

Q2: What documentations are needed from an applicant for application?
For direct application, a resume and statement of interest is sufficient. If you are applying through a program of scholarship or grant from your home institution or other agencies, please contact the appropriate agency for requirements.

Q3: What is the duration and time period of the internship at CALCE?
We offer internships year-round. The length of internships varies from four weeks to a semester, or longer, depending on your preference and the project needs. While we encourage a minimum 10-week summer internship to ensure students gain all possible benefits, we are flexible about start and end dates.

Q4: What is the nature of work I have to do at CALCE?
As an intern, you will work with other graduate students and staffs to facilitate researches or create new systems on various topics that relate to your major. Please find below the list of some projects currently underway at CALCE:

1. Research the Effectiveness of Mitigation Strategies for Tin Whiskers
2. Studying the tin whisker growth parameters to update risk assessment algorithm
3. Measuring the resistance of tin whiskers
4. Pressure induced tin whisker formation
5. Solder dipping strategy for tin whisker mitigation
6. Prognostics of electronics
7. Software development for prognostic applications
8. Software testing for prognostics applications
9. Sensor selection for prognostics
10. Evaluating the state of the art prognostics sensors
11. Evaluating the state of practice in prognostics and health management
12. Data analysis for prognostics
13. Capacity degradation in lithium-ion batteries, work on battery test systems
14. Conduct material characterization tests (electrical and mechanical) on printed circuit board materials for high reliability applications
15. Investigate failure mechanisms in printed circuit boards
16. Investigate effects of x-ray radiation on certain classes of memory devices
17. Printed circuit board fabrication techniques and factors that can affect reliability

Please visit the CALCE website to find out more about the scope of our projects: http://www.calce.umd.edu/.

Q5: How do I know if my application is complete?
You will receive a confirmation e-mail from CALCE regarding the receipt of your email. If you submit an incomplete application, you will receive an e-mail outlining the missing elements of your application.

Q6: What is the application deadline?
CALCE does not set a specific application deadline. However, your home agency may adhere to a deadline. You may also need to plan for for a workplace visa. For example, if you plan to work in the summer, you should submit your application before March to allow time for administrative processes and visa applications.

Q7: Can I apply for this internship if I am not a Mechanical Engineering student?
Definitely! We welcome talented students from all engineering and science disciplines.

Q8: If a visa is necessary for coming to the US for training, what documents are needed for the visa application process?
The need for documentations varies by type of program, type of visa, and due to changes in regulations. Most commonly used visa is J1 for trainees and interns. The IES web site can provide further information in this regard. (http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/3671)

Currently – the following are the minimum requirements:

1. Certified Curriculum Vitae (Certifying that its updated and should by signed and dated)
2. Transcript of Academic Records
3. D2019 Data Collection Forms
4. Financial support from another source besides UMD, like school or parents (It needs to be issued by the bank and if the bank statement is under parents name, they have to issue a certification certifying that the amount deposited in the bank can be used for the student's stay here in US). 
5. Training Plans: This will be sent to you by us for signature. After that the student will need to sign you have to return this to us. The first and last name with the dates should be clearly specified. 
6. The name in the Data Collection Form and training forms should be the same as the name appearing in passport.
   

Q9: Are there any English language requirements?
Yes. International applicants are required to provide one of the following:

1. A copy of your TOEFL score report OR
2. Have an academic institution verify your English skills by signing the statement below with name and date:

"I certify that the trainee/intern has sufficient English language skills to function on a day to day basis in his or her training environment."

Q10: Where do I need to send any additional information which I think is necessary?
We will assign a single point of contact during the process of application and visa.  In general, always copy the following persons:

1. The Professor or Researcher offering the internship
2. The administrative staff of CALCE
3. Dr. Diganta Das (digudas@calce.umd.edu)

Q11: How can I find out about the availability of positions at CALCE?
Please contact CALCE professors and academic advisors for the latest position availability. Also, you should regularly visit the CALCE website (http://www.calce.umd.edu/).

Q12: What is the minimum funding needed for visa while in a training and internship program?
This amount for the current semester (Spring/Summer 2010) is $1000 per month. If you are paid this amount or more by CALCE, you will not need to provide additional funding.

Q13: What documents are required to show the sources of funding?
You must show the funds (if CALCE is providing you less than $1000 per month) in the form of a bank statement on bank’s letterhead and signed by the bank manager.

Q14: Will a bank statement from a family member or guardian be acceptable to CALCE as ‘Proof of Finances?’
Yes, but the family member or guardian should confirm that the applicant can use his/her funds during the stay in US.

Q15: Who shall provide me the Offer/Invitation Letter that will serve as ‘Proof of Acceptance’ during the visa application process?
The Offer/Invitation Letter will be provided by the CALCE Professor or Researcher offering the internship after the initial paperwork is completed.

Q16: If I am offered an internship, what resources are provided by CALCE?
CALCE will provide office space with a work station and access to CALCE labs.

Q17: If I am offered an internship, shall I be provided with health and travel insurance?
CALCE does not provide health or travel insurance for trainees and interns. Health insurance is a requirement for visitors on J1 visa. You can obtain health insurance from your home country or you can check with your institution for the same. Further details about health insurance can be found at: (http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/7277).  

Q18:Are part time internships available?
No. The duration of our internship program is flexible from 4 weeks to a semester, or longer, but we require a minimum of 40 hours per week from all interns.

Q19: Will I receive academic credit for my internship?
That decision is at the discretion of your academic institute.

Q20: Are internships paid?
Select positions are eligble for payment. The opportunity for payment varies with the type of internship.

Q21: Does CALCE offer relocation or accommodation stipend?
No, we do not offer such stipend. Please check with your home institution.

Q22: Where do I stay when I arrive?
While CALCE does not offer accommodations, many university organizations provide housing information. The Off-Campus Housing Services (OCH) is a platform where landlords and student exchange housing information. Their website is: http://www.och.umd.edu/. You can also get in touch with different student communities from The Office of Multi-ethnic Student Education. Their website is: http://www.omse.umd.edu/.

Q23:What is the estimate of the living expenses in the area?
Living expenses vary depending on current cost of living and intern lifestyle. We will connect you with current graduate students and interns who can assist you in estimating the cost of living.

Q24: What is IES?
IES (International Education Services) assist international students with applying to Maryland, handling visa and reporting requirements, and making the most of the academic experience at UMD. IES also assists the campus community with international educational exchange, bringing international visitors to campus, and sending Maryland faculty and students abroad. Further details can be found on IES website: http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/.

Q25: Which departments should I coordinate with at the University of Maryland?
You are required to coordinate with the following departments:

1. CALCE Center
2. IES (International Education Services)

You will also be required to get in touch with the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Q26: What mode of transportation is best for getting around the University of Maryland, College Park campus?
University of Maryland provides shuttle service for students and employees, including interns, after you obtain your University ID. Further details for transportation inside the campus can be found at http://www.transportation.umd.edu/ . Also, information about public transportation for the Washington Metropolitan area can be found at http://www.wmata.com/.

Q27: How will I be paid?
You will be paid by check. Two banks are within walking distance from the CALCE center and available for opening a bank account.

Q28: How will my performance be evaluated?
Trainees will be supervised by a mentor and the center through an initial kick-off meeting, weekly meetings, and review of the draft project reports that the student will submit every two weeks. Trainees will present progress in the form of a bi-weekly report to the project supervisor. There will also be an end of training period presentation to the research group. The evaluation will be based on the punctuality and quality of the draft reports, as well as the final report and presentations. A review form, jointly signed by the supervisor and the student, will be kept for the record and will be forwarded to the home university if necessary. Finally, the requirements of the Dept. of State will be met by completing the mid-point evaluation and final evaluations with International Education Services.

Q29: How do I communicate my research and training work with CALCE and my home institution?
You will need to prepare a report and make a presentation for each month of your stay at CALCE.

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