Deciding Where to Go
Are you interested in completing research abroad, but aren’t sure where to go? In searching for a place that fits your research interests and budget, here are a few things to consider:
- Language Translation
- Weather and geography
- History and traditions
- Religion, customs, and culture
- Social norms
It is also very important to make informed decisions regarding:
- Accepting funds from other governments: will they present reputational risk to you and/or the University, if the country is known for its violation of human rights?
- Legality of engagement and collaboration with countries, companies, individuals: are they on the OFAC sanctions list?
- The type of activity you are planning to undertake in that country: what is the specific scope of work (SOW) for your international project and what are the related compliance requirements and risks? To best assess these issues specific to your SOW you may need to consult with multiple offices on your campus:
- Research administration/compliance
- General Counsel
- International Programs
- ITS services
- Purchasing and EH&S
- Finance office
- Human Resources
- Risk Services
Visit these online resources for additional information when deciding where to go:
- Atlapedia Online
- International Affairs Resources
- US State Department Country Maps
- CIA World Factbook
- World Wide Classroom Travel Planner
Alternatively, you may be interested in a particular region, country, or group of research participants. The resources listed on International Partnerships & Collaborations can assist you in exploring locations with existing UC partnerships abroad.
Whether you are participating in your first research project or have engaged in international research before, projects abroad will require additional planning and operational support. Consider the topics below when planning your international research project.
Interested in teaching abroad? Visit University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) or your campus study abroad office to search for teaching opportunities abroad that match your interests.
The University engages in clinical services abroad to help train UC students, to build capacity and skillsets in other countries, to conduct clinical research, and to help in humanitarian crises. When providing clinical services abroad, the paramount requirement for UC employees, trainees, and students is to cause no harm to patients, particularly due to inappropriate preparation and training.
When engaged in providing clinical services abroad, UC employees, trainees, and students must not practice: 1) outside their scope of expertise; and 2) without the license required by the U.S. and the foreign site. For students, guidance on the practice of clinical care abroad can be found at the Association of American Medical Colleges "Guidelines for Premedical and Medical Students Providing Patient Care During Clinical Experiences Abroad" and the Forum on Education Abroad “Guidelines for Undergraduate Health-Related Programs Abroad”.
For more information, visit the Global Health training section, especially the edEx Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health, which provides information on planning and preparing for your global health experience.
University of California offers support and many resources to students preparing for and participating in study abroad programs. In preparation for your education abroad experience visit University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) or your campus study abroad office.