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Global Tufts

Global Research Assistant Program for Faculty

World map showing 2024 GRAP locations in Costa Rica, Kenya, Malaysia, and Philippines

Program Overview

The Global Research Assistant Program (GRAP) provides the opportunity for Tufts students to work with Tufts faculty members on international research for a minimum of eight weeks during the summer. Faculty from all Tufts schools are eligible to host a research assistant.

GRAP is open to all Tufts undergraduates currently in their first, second or third year of study. Graduating seniors may apply if they are continuing into a Tufts graduate program. Graduate students are eligible to apply, but priority will be given to undergraduate students. 

GRAP is sponsored by the AS&E Career Center and Summer Scholars Program, the Office of the Provost, and Tisch College. For questions about the program or application process, please contact Christine Hollenhorst.

  1. Further Tufts' commitment to global engagement within our mission as a student-centered research university by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience working on global research led by Tufts faculty.
  2. Provide students with opportunities for transformative experiences through collaborative partnerships with Tufts faculty and community engagement with bold ideas and complex global challenges.
  3. Provide opportunities for students to develop competencies and skills useful to work and conduct research effectively in international contexts.
  4. Support faculty in carrying out their research internationally by providing additional resources.
  • One student research assistant, vetted by the GRAP committee. Faculty will make final selections.
  • Pre-Departure Health & Safety Meeting 
  • GRAP will cover the following costs:
    • Modest stipend for the students,
    • Student costs associated with the international field component, including transportation, accommodation, and food costs,
    • On-campus housing and meals if part of the project takes place at Tufts.

Faculty Proposal

  • December 2 (midnight): Faculty proposals are due.
  • Mid December: Faculty proposals are selected and finalists are notified. 
  • Early January: Program details announced to students and student application launches.
  • Mid February: Student application deadline. 
  • Early March: Faculty interview student finalists. Faculty make final selections before Tufts spring break. 
  • End of March: Selected student research assistants will be notified.
  • Late May – Early June: Student research position begins. Faculty members will determine exact dates with their student researcher. 

The proposal for summer 2025 will be available here in the fall of 2024.

 

Proposals must include the following:

  • Project Details: A brief but detailed description of the research project, its significance and global impact, and progress made to date.
  • Project Timeline: A schedule of major events and activities during the duration of the Student Research Assistantship.
  • Student Research Assistantship Description: 
    • The specific tasks and responsibilities for the Student Research Assistant(s).
    • Specific qualifications the Research Assistant(s) will need to have in order to complete these tasks.
  • Field Component Description:  A description of the field component of the project. The description should include a description of accommodation, transportation, safety measures, on-site student contact, as well as an estimated budget associated with the international component (roundtrip airfare, meals and incidentals, accommodation). 
  • Learning Goals Statement: An outline of the learning goals faculty anticipate the Student Research Assistant(s) to achieve, or take steps towards achieving, through this experience, and how the faculty will evaluate such goals. In outlining these objectives, faculty may be guided by the Association of American Colleges and Universities Global Learning Outcomes:
    1. Become informed, open-minded, and responsible people who are attentive to diversity across the spectrum of differences.
    2. Seek to understand how their actions affect both local and global communities.
    3. Address the world's most pressing and enduring issues collaboratively and equitably.

Proposals must meet following criteria:

  • 8-week (minimum) summer opportunity for Tufts students to have significant involvement in an international research project. The international component must be at least 3 weeks. The remaining weeks can take place in Medford/Boston/Grafton.
  • Faculty must identify an on-the-ground contact for the student for the international component. This could be a faculty member, graduate student, research coordinator, or local partner.
  • The research opportunity must comply with safety and security requirements identified by Tufts Global Operations.
  • Has the faculty member created a meaningful role for the student?
  • What is the nature of/quality of the supervision, especially while abroad?
  • Has the faculty member articulated their anticipated learning objectives for the student?
  • Has the faculty member articulated how the student will integrate into the project?
  • Has the faculty member shown serious consideration for Tufts Global Operations logistics, such as housing, local transportation, and other health and safety concerns?

Additionally, we strive to represent a variety of Tufts schools, a variety of geographic locations, and faculty members who are new to the GRAP program.

Examples of Recent Research Projects