Study Abroad

Global Undergraduate Research Program in International Development

Brought to you by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and the Institute of International Agriculture (IIA), this program creates exciting opportunities for CANR students of all majors to conduct research in developing countries across the globe by opening IIA-administered international development projects to undergraduates for research in the following areas:

  • Economic opportunities for rural women
  • Biotechnology
  • Cash crop productivity
  • Cash crop marketing
  • Value chain optimization for small and medium-size producers
  • Product development
  • Market linkages
  • Nutritional and environmental advantages of bean cultivation
  • And other areas

 

Where can I conduct my research?

Latin America                          Southern Africa          
Caribbean                               East Asia
East Africa                              South Asia
West Africa                             Other Places (where IIA operates)

Am I eligible for the program?

This program is open to advanced CANR undergraduates of any major who have attained junior-level status prior to beginning the on-campus portion of their research.  There are no formal language requirements, but students evidencing a history of relevant language study will be afforded stronger consideration when research awards and placements are made.

May I earn academic credit for completing research abroad?

Yes, academic credit is available, but optional.  If desired, participants successfully completing all requirements will receive three credits in ANR 490 (Independent Study), ANR 491 (Selected Topics), or other departmental approved courses (depending on major). 

How does the program work?

IIA will pair you with a faculty research mentor affiliated with an IIA-administered international development project or training program.  Your faculty supervisor will work closely with you to: 1) create an approved research project, 2) develop a field-plan for data collection at an in-country project site, and 3) develop a research paper or report suitable for public dissemination following completion of your field study and return to campus.  In addition, in-country project coordinators will oversee your actual field work, and IIA staff will coordinate student travel and arrange for accommodations at project sites. 

When does the program begin, and what’s the program’s duration?

The 2008 Program Schedule:

Spring Semester 2008 Students meet 3-4 times with their faculty mentor on campus at mutually agreed upon times to conceptualize and plan research
May 2008  Students complete 14 to 21-day in-county data collection at project site
Late May to June 15, 2008  Students complete data analysis and research paper/report following their return to campus

Please note that May is a particularly good time for CANR students to travel abroad because you can return home with ample time remaining in your summer to work and save money for the next academic year.

What type of activities would I complete as part of the program?

Currently Available:

Previously Available:

What’s my cost as a student to participate in the program?

Research awards will pay for the following:

  • Student flights to and from project country
  • Reasonable student accommodation in project country as determined by IIA staff
  • Reasonable meal allowances in project country as determined by IIA staff
  • Travel between arrival airport and project site
  • Required Visa
  • Mandatory HTH health insurance rider for in-country portion of program

Research awards cannot be used for the following:

  • Cost of passport
  • Required immunizations
  • Other travel within project country
  • Out of pocket expenses (similar to daily expenses incurred in East Lansing)

How do I apply?

Step 1:
To identify an IIA-administered international development project open to undergraduate research, go to http://www.venture.msu.edu/.  Enter key words “Institute of International Agriculture” in the search window near the top of the page to find a list of currently available IIA research projects.

Step 2:
Please contact Dan Dutkiewicz in IIA at dutkiew1@anr.msu.edu for a personal interview to determine your suitability for completing research at an international project site by assessing several factors, including:
1) The quality of fit between your field of study and available research projects and;
2) Your international experience, intercultural communication skills, and ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Step 3:
Obtain the “CANR Undergraduate Research Program” application, which can be found at: http://web4.canr.msu.edu/canrhome/researchapplication.doc

Step 4:
After successfully completing the IIA interview and carefully reviewing the CANR undergraduate research program application, contact the faculty member referred to you by Dan Dutkiewicz for assistance

1) filling out the application,
2) completing the required 250-word statement,
3) drafting the one-page project description, and
4) outlining a research budget. 

Please note that faculty members can agree to act as research mentors only when suitable alignment exists between your field of study and the requirements of individual projects.

Step 5:
Submit your completed application materials to Carol Fosburg in the CANR Dean's Office at (Fosburg@msu.edu).

Who do I contact for additional information about this global undergraduate research program?

Please contact:

Dan Dutkiewicz
Industry Liaison and Student Abroad Specialist
Institute of International Agriculture
Michigan State University
319 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
517-355-0184
dutkiew1@anr.msu.edu