Supporting Undergraduate Research Abroad

Bernhard Streitwieser of Northwestern University's Study Abroad Office is investigating support of undergraduate research abroad. He writes about his study:

"...Few in the field dispute the value of undergraduates undertaking a research project while they are abroad if the effort is adequately prepared and supported and can be conducted appropriately. Yet, to date no comprehensive data exists that indicates how widespread undergraduate research abroad may be among sending institutions and third party providers institutions, nor what kind of support may exist for these efforts. According to the most recent IIEPassport data, of the 7,682 study abroad programs, 1,474 programs offer 'directed field study' opportunities, and 1,884 offer 'independent study opportunities'. This study is an attempt to begin answering two crucial questions raised by these numbers:

1. How many students generally undertake a research opportunity while they are abroad?
2. How is this opportunity prepared and supported by the sending university, college, or third-party provider? "

How does your institution or organization support undergraduate research abroad?

We invite your feedback here, and also to complete the attached short survey and send it directly to b-streitwieser@northwestern.edu by February 15, 2008.