Application Instructions
Application Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2020
The Oldenborg International Travel and Research Grant funds PO rising seniors to undertake research for a senior thesis, project, or exhibition during the summer months before senior year.
Qualifications
- Applicants must be Pomona College rising seniors in good standing.
- Projects must be research-based and have prior departmental approval/faculty recommendation.
- Proposals must demonstrate that international travel and research are vital to the successful completion of the project.
- Proposals must address relevant foreign language proficiency concerns as well as practical dimensions of fieldwork.
- Proposals must meet with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.
- All proposals welcome; however, proposals which exemplify the spirit of Oldenborg (engagement with foreign languages and other cultures) receive preference.
Requirements
Grant recipients will submit a project status report upon their return and will also present their research in an OLC or other approved Oldenborg forum.
Projects in countries on the State Department list of travel advisories are not eligible for Oldenborg Grant support. Projects must be undertaken during the summer; i.e., when classes are not in session.
Application Procedures
Submit the following materials by email to Oldenborg@pomona.edu.
Required Materials
- A cover letter of three pages maximum (750 words) that clearly addresses:
- Background and context in which your project developed.
- Your research methodology. Is your research qualitative or quantitative in nature? How will you collect and analyze data?
- Goals and significance. How will you measure progress? What will constitute success? Why is this new, interesting, or important to you? To your field?
- Itinerary and a list of contacts that includes the name, title, and professional affiliation of each contact. Specify the nature of communication with your contacts to date. (Show us that you’ve planned your timeline and have initiated contact with individuals or offices abroad that will facilitate your research and travel plans.)
- A one-page budget. Include any and all project-related expenses. [Include a $100 expense to purchase the International Student Identity Card, which provides required supplemental medical and travel insurance] Present a careful, clear, and complete budget. Indicate other sources of funding pursued (SURP, etc.).
- A one-page resumé.
- A copy of your transcript.
- A letter of recommendation from your thesis/exercise advisor regarding your research project.
The Selection Committee will review applications and announce awards shortly after the submission deadline.