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Global Research Assistant Program

World map showing 2020 GRAP project locations according to primary researcher and their topic.

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.

Although it is unclear how COVID-19 will impact international travel in summer 2021, we are working with faculty members to develop research opportunities that could be done remotely if necessary. 

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

Student Information

More information about the application process, timeline and past projects can be found below.

Program Components
  • 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 in Massachusetts, housing arrangements and transportation costs may be available
  • Final deliverables: (1) Two-minute video entry describing experience to the My Tufts Story video contest, and (2) Presentation to GRAP faculty, other GRAP students, and program sponsors. Faculty members may ask for additional final deliverables, which will vary by project.

 

Application Components
  • Apply via Handshake
  • 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.
  • 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.
Timeline
  • March 19 (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: (1) Two-minute video entry describing experience to the My Tufts Story video contest, and (2) Presentation to GRAP faculty, other GRAP students, and program sponsors.

2021 Global Research Assistant Opportunities

Please refer to the Research Assistant job descriptions for details about each opportunity. Click on the links to read the full job descriptions. You may apply to more than one.

2021 Global Research Assistant Program (GRAP) Projects
Examples of Past Research Projects

2020 Research Projects

2019 Research Projects