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For the most part, directed
study abroad is similar to directed study on campus or in the local
community. Directed study abroad does, however, require more advance
planning. Here are some suggestions to assist you:
Limit your topic to something manageable.
Identify specific questions you wish to answer through your research. Be sure these questions are answerable within your constraints on time and resources. Note that time constraints are more severe abroad. You will also be limited by the unfamiliar cultural and institutional setting and the logistical demands of setting up research in a new country.
Do as much background reading as possible before departure. Foreign libraries may be more difficult to use than US libraries, even for those who are familiar with the language and system.
Focus your research questions and define your methodology before you leave.
What exactly do you propose to do once you are on-site? With whom will you want to speak? What research tools will you use? A rough draft of the introductory section of your research paper may help you clarify your project with your faculty adviser before you leave. Discuss all of these matters in detail with your adviser.
Determine how to conduct your research ethically.
Discuss this with your faculty adviser. Plan well in advance. For example, you will need to research what is ethically acceptable both where you plan to do your research and in the US. You may need to obtain approval for your research, or you may need to develop informed consent forms for your research and translate them into another language.
Discuss your proposed project with others, including other faculty, who know the location where you will be doing your research.
With these discussions, you may be able to identify in advance problems that you might encounter or holes in your research strategy. In addition, try to develop a list of local contacts who might be able to help you once you are abroad.
Discuss contingency plans with your faculty adviser.
Students are usually more on their own in doing a research project abroad. In case part of your project does not work once you are abroad, discuss possible alternatives with your faculty adviser in advance.
Last modified on November 21, 2008 |