Off-campus Preparation Policy
Undergraduate Advising and Research requires specific forms of preparation for off-campus research and projects. Students planning to travel off campus for research or other projects need to demonstrate their readiness in taking on the project. The level and quality of such preparation is a factor that counts heavily in assessing student grant proposals and in allocating funds to support them.
Student projects using Stanford grants are not permitted in countries where US government Travel Warnings are in effect. Students should be aware of the Provost's International Travel Policy, including all policy information on U.S. laws governing interactions with foreign government officials.
Off-campus Preparation Requirements
Undergraduate Advising and Research requires students to demonstrate their preparedness in four areas:
- Awareness of cultural, safety and ethical issues involved in off-campus (domestic or international) research or activities
- Methodological training
- Off-campus contacts and Stanford contacts as required by project design
- Specific overseas documentation/certification
How you demonstrate preparedness for off-campus work depends on your project plan, academic background, and previous project experience.
Cultural Awareness/Sensitivity and Safety Abroad
You need to be aware of cultural norms and research etiquette in the places you will travel to for your project. This requirement can be satisfied in one of two ways:
- Take a course that addresses issues of ethics, safety, and cultural concerns at your project location. Examples of courses include: ANTHRO 93B, HISTORY 299X. Consult with your faculty mentor on the recommended course for your project, and request that your faculty address your course preparation in the letter of support.
- Work with a faculty mentor to gain insight and awareness of the issues and norms in the geographical area of the project. If this will be your primary preparation method, your faculty mentor must include a detailed description of the mentor's work with you in the letter of support.
You should also discuss your a travel safety plan (based on your review of State Department Consular information sheets) in your project proposal.
In addition, UAR requires all Small Grant recipients with overseas projects to complete viewing the online International Public Service and Research videos (10 modules: 1.1 – 1.5; 2.1 – 2.5). These modules help students think through how to deal with awkward, difficult, or potentially risky situations when overseas. Students must then complete the Workshop Video Questionnaire as part of the grant award requirements.
UAR requires Major Grant and Chappell Lougee Scholarship recipients whose projects involve travel outside the USA to attend the International Public Service and Research Preparation Workshop in the Spring Quarter.
Methodology Training
In your grant application, you will need to describe the coursework you have taken in methods or techniques that lay the groundwork for your project. You are expected to be able to apply typical methods of your discipline, including project design, data collection, data analysis, and communication of research results. Your language ability for overseas research may also be crucial.
- First and foremost, consult with your faculty mentor and also your honors program director about the appropriate course(s) that prepare you well for undertaking the work in the field.
- A search for "research methods" in Explore Courses will give you some idea of the range of methodology courses offered by different departments and programs.
- Discuss your course choices with UAR Academic Advising Directors and research staff.
Off-Campus Contacts
To ensure support for your work off-campus, you need to be in contact with faculty who have expertise in the geographical area where you work will be based. Your faculty mentor can help you to develop important networks and field contacts. Information about field contacts should be included in your proposal, describing the nature and extent of working relationship with you. Alternatively, your faculty mentor can discuss the field connections in the letter of support.
Reviewers considering proposals will assess the relationships between the student and the field contact. A letter from the field contact will greatly strengthen the proposal.
Required Documentation for Overseas Projects
In addition to the items described above, students whose projects involve off-campus travel will need to provide the following documentation:
- Travel medical insurance, including medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation of remains: proof of Cardinal Care insurance or a letter from insurance carrier verifying each type of coverage.
- Registration with the US Embassy at your destination(s): a copy of registration confirmation email from the State Department.
- Travel registration through Stanford Office of International Affairs: a copy of your registration confirmation.
