An Initiative of the Division of International Studies
The Division of International Studies is pleased to announce a competition for graduate student international field research awards. These awards will enable Ph.D. students to conduct exploratory research abroad in order to develop their dissertation topics and be more competitive for extramural fellowships. Preference will be given to exploratory research but both dissertation and pre-dissertation projects will be considered. Applicants must be enrolled in a University of Wisconsin-Madison doctoral program; the competition is open to US citizens and international students. Those in terminal M.A. programs can not receive this award.
The deadline is noon on Friday, October 3rd, 2008
A two-step application process will take place.
1.) Students will apply to one of the International Institute’s area studies/member programs: African Studies, East Asian Studies, The European Studies Alliance, Global Studies, LACIS, Middle East Studies, CREECA, South Asian Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, and WAGE. (If you are unsure of which center to apply to, please review their respective websites, available on the UW International Institute homepage.)
2.) Member programs will review their applications and collectively nominate up to twenty finalists for consideration by the Division of International Studies selection committee.
Please note: If you have a comparative, cross-regional project which spans more than one center, you must choose one program to which to apply.
Graduate applicants should submit the following:
1.) Two page single-spaced research proposal, which outlines your research, explains how your project makes an original contribution to your field of study, and highlights your ability to carry out the proposed research. Please also include a statement concerning your future plans for this project and the role that exploratory fieldwork would play in your competitiveness for larger research grants. Technically, there is not a limit on the duration of the field period for this award. However, research plans must be financially and practically feasible and fit within the scope of award amounts. Research must take place during 2008-2009.
2.) A short budget. Awards will cover international and local travel and per diem costs for the duration of the field period. Awards will not cover equipment. At this stage of the competition, no airfare documentation or proof of accommodation rates are needed. Please estimate to the best of your ability. Individual award amounts may vary depending on destination and the discretion of the awards committee. We expect awards to average about $3,000.00 per student. Should a student receive multiple grants, either internally or as a result of extramural competitions, a review of the project budget must take place in order to arrange cost-sharing between the grants.
3.) A letter of support from your advisor. This letter should be addressed to the member program to which you will apply. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain a copy of their advisor’s letter of support and to deliver all application materials to the appropriate member program.
4.) A list of any other funding that you are applying for and/or any that has already been received.
Please note: No transcripts are needed. Please do not send CVs, other supporting materials, or additional letters of support.
Application materials should be submitted by noon on Friday, October 3rd, 2008. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants will be notified by the first week of November. Notification will come from the member program to which the student applied.
Awardees will be selected on the basis of academic merit, feasibility of the proposed project and budget, and potential to attract subsequent external funding for dissertation work. Although the committee will give due attention to regional and disciplinary balance, there is no expectation that a nominee from each program will receive an award each year.
If your project addresses human subjects, the Division of International Studies recommends that you contact the UW Madison IRB to determine proper protocols. Documentation of IRB approval or exemption will be required prior to the release of funds for field research. IRB approval is not required at the time of application. Keeping in mind that approval can often be a lengthy process, DIS recommends that all students submit human subjects protocols at their earliest convenience.
For questions and additional information, please contact the member program to which you will apply or academicspa@international.wisc.edu at the Division of International Studies.