Conducting Research Abroad
Students can research abroad in all disciplines and majors. Some common ways to conduct research abroad include:
- Working directly on a faculty member’s project.
- Developing your own idea or project with a faculty member as an advisor, project supervisor and mentor.
- Taking a USC sponsored faculty-led course with a research component.
- Combining research with an internship, service, or study abroad experience.
- Selecting a structured research experience through an outside provider.
Beginning the Research Abroad Process
Students traveling abroad must register with the Education Abroad Office and comply with all university travel policies.
1. Work with your campus study abroad contact as early as possible to get on the right track.
- Columbia students contact the Education Abroad Office at 803-777-7557 or studyabroad@sc.edu.
- Aiken students contact the Office of International Programs Center at 803-641-3671.
- Upstate students contact the Center for International Studies at 864-503-5661.
- Campus not listed? Talk with your academic advisor.
2. Make an appointment with a research advisor to discuss how to connect with a faculty mentor or to learn about funding options through the Magellan programs.
NOTE: The Steps to Education/Study Abroad is a great resource for all students (all campuses) to help you be successful on your research journey abroad!
There are specific deadlines, policies, and forms required for all students traveling internationally for university-related activities, even if your activities are not for credit.
Deadlines vary by program. Find your program type to determine what your deadline will be.
Not sure what your program type is? Contact the Study Abroad Office for help at studyabroad@sc.edu or 803-777-7557.
There are many structured research abroad options. These are programs with research built into the experience. Talk with a study abroad advisor. Here are just a few ideas.
DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) - Travel to Germany. Receive a small salary.
CISabroad - Spend a semester in Perugia, Italy. You pay.
International Research Experiences for Undergraduates - Primarily science and engineering with a few social science programs , mostly summer programs of 6-10 weeks. Receive a salary and have travel and housing covered.
SIT Study Abroad - Travel to Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and/or the Middle East. You pay.
STEM Summer Research - Spend the summer conducting mentored-research in a variety of locations. You pay.
- OUR & Magellan programs; NOTE: follow the Research Abroad guidelines [pdf]
- National scholarships; Also contact the National Fellowships and Scholar Programs for an appointment
- Resources for financial assistance; list provided by the Columbia Study Abroad Office
- The SCHC Honors Research Fellowships or Travel grants (possibly); Check with your Honors advisor
- Walker Institute of International and Area Studies
- Dobson Volunteer Program (if project includes service)