<p>What’s the difference?</p>
<p>If you hope to become a researcher some day, then undergraduate research is hands on learning. There are other types of hands on learning (sometimes referred to as experiential learning) - internships, community service, etc.</p>
<p>Research is hands on learning. Even if you intend to go into a more practically-oriented field, everything you do will be based on some kind of research.</p>
<p>Besides, they aren’t mutually exclusive. You can do research during the academic year and then do a more practical internship in the summers.</p>