Organising International

Research TripsJennifer Palmer

jlp666@bham.ac.uk

OutlineThis talk will cover: Initial plans Indentifying funding sources & applying for funding Booking transport & accommodation Planning your itinerary Budgeting General tips

Inspiration for a Research Trip

Must be beneficial to your research: Accessing a resource that would otherwise be unavailable (archive, library, collection of artefacts...) Visiting a site or institution Presenting at/attending a conference

Acquiring Funding Identify potential sources of funding (University, College, conference, foreign institution etc.) Ascertain how much funding you require Show that the trip is essential to your research

Application Prioritisation:1) applications that demonstrate significant

added value to the applicant’s degree (e.g. giving a paper at a conference of international standing, the use of an archive that is of intrinsic value to the student’s research project etc)

2) applications from students presenting a paper at a conference

3) applications for conference attendance only

Booking Transport and Accommodation

Book a realistic flight/train/sailing etc. Ensure you know how you’re getting to & from the airport /port/station at both ends Book accommodation in advance. Key factors when choosing accommodation: price & location

Planning Your Itinerary Be realistic about organising your time Are there any time restrictions? (restricted opening hours, bank holidays, etc.) Check travel arrangements (timetables etc.) on the transport providers’ websites If no information is available, use message-boards

Other Considerations Membership to the institution you’re visiting Permits to study artefacts Health insurance (EHIC) Travel insurance Valid passport Currency – for all countries you’re travelling through

Budgeting Accommodation: online payment or cash on arrival? Transport (public and taxis) Food – be realistic Entry fees, phone calls, internet...

General Tips Give your itinerary to your parents, friends, etc. & list where you will be staying each day with accommodation contact details Buy a guidebook Learn a few words/phrases (‘yes’, ‘no’, etc.) Do you need any special equipment? (camera, scanning app, clothing)

Final Tips Involve your supervisor(s) in the planning of your trip Stay safe Network & make contacts while you’re away Before you leave, talk to people who have undertaken a similar trip Enjoy yourself!