International Summer Research Funding

Eligibility

• Applications are invited from Hamilton students in good academic standing who will have completed their second year by the start of the research period but will not graduate before December 2024
• International students are eligible
• Applications are accepted for research in countries with U.S. State Department and CDC Travel Advisory Levels of 2 or below; students who wish to travel in countries with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory of Level 3 may be granted an exception upon review of the nature of the specific advisory as well as a review of additional global security information sources

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on the following:

• Potential significance and conceptual sophistication of the written research proposal
• Applicant’s grasp of the context and foundation for the research project
• Significance of the research to the applicant’s academic and personal goals
• Qualifications and appropriateness of the research mentor and the affiliated institution
• Demonstration of appropriate foreign language competency to carry out the project
• Adequacy of health and safety provisions at the research location

Expectations of award recipients

• Registration with the Global Learning Office and participation in a Global Learning Office pre-travel orientation
• During the research period, maintaining a journal / log that highlights
  • research activities and accomplishments
  • cultural experiences
• Participation in a post-research debrief session with other award recipients, members of the selection committee, and other stakeholders
• Presentation of the research at the Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium or another event to which the campus community is invited

How to Apply

Please note: applicants must meet both deadlines!

By noon on Friday, March 8: all applicants must complete and submit the brief online application form.

By noon on Wednesday, March 20: all applicants must compile items 1-7 below (in the order listed) into a single .pdf document and email it to Lisa Grimes. Applicants proposing research not through a Global Learning-approved program must complete and submit the online Project Risk Assessment form (8).

1. A statement of purpose of no more than two single-spaced pages. This should include:
   • A summary of your research question and the significance of its outcome written for an educated, non-specialist audience
   • Your methodology: What is your research plan? In what specific location(s) do you propose to conduct the research? If your project involves humans or animals, how are you handling Institutional Review Board approval?  Include a concise project timeline, making sure that the project lasts a minimum of two full-time weeks.
   • A description of the background knowledge, skills, etc. you are bringing to the project that will help make it a success
   • The anticipated deliverable from your research (article, play, photo exhibit, thesis proposal, etc.) and how and where you intend to present / share it
   • A description of how you will prepare yourself prior to departure, with language and cultural investigation, in order to engage with the country you will visit
2. An estimated budget (for Global Learning pre-approved programs, use the numbers from the program fees page; sample budget for research projects NOT part of a Global Learning pre-approved program )
3. A personal statement of no more than one single-spaced page explaining how this project fits into your academic plan. For example, did it emerge from a course you took; is it related to your major; something you are doing to prepare for graduate school; or an interest that you haven't had a chance to explore yet? After reading your personal statement, a reviewer should understand the context of this project within your intellectual and academic trajectory.
4. A current resume of no more than one page
5. A current unofficial transcript
6. If applicable, a letter from a mentor at the research location or other sponsoring entity (this should be signed, on official letterhead, and sent directly to you for inclusion with your other materials)
7. A copy of the photo page of your passport (note that all candidates must have a valid passport with an expiration date no less than six months after the end date of the project)
8. If your research is not associated with one of the institutions on the Global Learning pre-approved list, you must submit a Project Risk Assessment Form online by the March 20 noon deadline

Additional Information

• Each applicant must have a letter of recommendation from a Hamilton professor who can attest to their abilities and potential for success in carrying out the proposed project and the quality and suitability of the affiliated institution and research mentor.  Recommendation writers should email letters directly to Lisa Grimes (lgrimes) by the March 20 application deadline.
• Applicants are encouraged to work with staff members (e.g., in Global Learning, Student Fellowships, and the Writing Center) as well as faculty in preparing their applications.
• There will be an opportunity to ask questions in person at sessions on Wednesday, February 7 at 8 a.m. (Sadove conference room) and Tuesday, February 13 at 4 p.m. (SCCT 3021).

If you would like to be notified when this page is updated, please complete this very brief form.
If you have questions, please email Lisa Grimes.