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Doing research in another country is certainly exciting and possible, yet it requires plenty of advanced planning. While Ohio State sponsors some international research opportunities for undergrads, students who wish to conduct independent research in a foreign country often need to find alternative options. Some tips on where to start:
- Your OSU faculty research advisor has an international colleague with whom you can work independently.
- Your OSU faculty research advisor is involved in an international research project and can include you.
- You already have international contacts through family or from a previous international experience, and you also have an adviser at Ohio State willing to supervise you on a project of your choice.
- You know you will be studying abroad and can define a research project ahead of time so that you can successfully gather data while you’re away.
- You apply and are accepted into an international research experience, such as an international Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program through the National Science Foundation.
As with any research project, students must first choose a topic and find a research mentor. Most students who successfully combine research and travel have research experience at OSU and are familiar and comfortable with their faculty advisor before leaving the United States. The majority of these students already have projects underway before they head to foreign territory.
NOTE: If your research involves human or animal subjects, you will need approval from Ohio State’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). In an international setting, this can be more complicated and take additional time.
If you want to perform lab experiments or gather data while abroad, test your methodology well before you leave. Doing so serves two purposes: It ensures that you have sufficient time to complete your research while you’re way, and also lets you catch and fix any bugs in the process. You don’t want to arrive at your destination and realize that your methods for data collection don’t work! Also have a backup plan in case something goes haywire when you’re in the middle of your project.
Don’t forget the details – Make time to procure the necessities, including passports, living arrangements, insurance, visas, addressing language issues, ensuring access to a lab you plan to work in, etc.
Other tips:
- Have at least a quarter’s worth of research experience under you belt already. This gives you a better idea of what research in your field entails, and will also better prepare you for success when you’re thousands of miles away.
- Start prepping and planning a year ahead of time. All research takes planning, and doing research in another country takes even more planning.
- Plan time for excursions and cultural experiences while you’re away. You don’t want to work the entire time that you’re in a foreign country!
- Network with faculty here and abroad. Both pay off in a richer experience!
- Get to know the country you’re going to before you get there. Learn about its history, customs, languages, etc.
- Work with Ohio State’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) to:
- Earn credit while researching abroad
- If you’re traveling to a country with U.S. Department of State warnings
- Obtain affordable HEALTH insurance
- Stay connected to the Ohio State community
Learn more about Ohio State-sponsored study abroad trips at OIA’s website.
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