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Global Tufts

Global Research Assistant Program for Students

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 and impact projects for a minimum of eight weeks during the summer. This initiative is sponsored by the AS&E Career Center and Summer Scholars Program, the Office of the Provost, and Tisch College.

This opportunity is open to all Tufts undergraduates currently in their first, second or third year of study. Graduate students are eligible to apply, but priority will be given to undergraduate students. Graduating seniors may only apply if they are continuing into a Tufts graduate program. Research projects are typically posted below in the end of January.

For questions about the program or application process, please contact Christine Hollenhorst.

  • Summer Research Assistant position with Tufts faculty member
  • Weekly stipend
  • A minimum of 3 weeks at a field site outside of the United States
  • International travel costs including airfare, visa costs, local transportation, food, and lodging
  • If a portion of the project takes place at Tufts, a stipend for housing and meals
  • Final deliverables: Presentation to GRAP faculty, other GRAP students, and program sponsors. Faculty members may ask for additional final deliverables, which will vary by project.

 

  • Apply via the online application portal for Tufts Programs Abroad. Links to each research project's application for will be provided below.
  • Resume/CV
  • Unofficial Transcript
  • Title and Contact information of one reference who is able to speak your research abilities and commitment to global understanding or to the subject of the research proposed. Faculty members may choose to contact your reference during their selection process. References will not be checked as part of the initial application. 
  • A statement of interest in a particular research project (300-600 words). Please address the following:
    • Why are you interested in this particular research project?
    • In relation to the qualifications outlined in the job description, what strengths do you bring to this position? What do you hope to learn from this experience and how does this opportunity relate to your academic studies?
    • How will this opportunity inform your future academic and career goals?
  • A statement of interest in global research (300-600 words). Please address the following:
    • This position includes a portion of time spent outside of the U.S. in varying contexts and will require working across cultural differences. Please discuss how you will address these challenges and what you might do to prepare for this experience. Share with us your experience engaging with cultures and individuals who are different than you.  Please be sure to refer to the particular international context of the project you are applying for as described in the job description.
  • March 7 (midnight): All application materials are due. 
  • End of March: Finalists interview with faculty. Selected Research Assistants will be notified.
  • Mid-April: Pre-Departure Health & Safety Meeting
  • Late May – Early June: Position begins. Timelines will be determined by individual faculty.
  • October: Presentation to GRAP faculty, other GRAP students, and program sponsors.

2024 Global Research Assistant Opportunities

Past Research Projects