Jennifer Palmer
Outline This talk will cover: Initial plans Indentifying funding sources & applying for funding Booking transport & accommodation Planning your itinerary Budgeting General tips
Inspiration for a Research Trip Must be beneficial to your research: Accessing a resource that would otherwise be unavailable (archive, library, collection of artefacts...) Visiting a site or institution Presenting at/attending a conference
Acquiring Funding Identify potential sources of funding (University, College, conference, foreign institution etc.) Ascertain how much funding you require Show that the trip is essential to your research Application Prioritisation: 1)applications that demonstrate significant added value to the applicant’s degree (e.g. giving a paper at a conference of international standing, the use of an archive that is of intrinsic value to the student’s research project etc) 2)applications from students presenting a paper at a conference 3)applications for conference attendance only
Booking Transport and Accommodation Book a realistic flight/train/sailing etc. Ensure you know how you’re getting to & from the airport /port/station at both ends Book accommodation in advance. Key factors when choosing accommodation: price & location
Planning Your Itinerary Be realistic about organising your time Are there any time restrictions? (restricted opening hours, bank holidays, etc.) Check travel arrangements (timetables etc.) on the transport providers’ websites If no information is available, use message-boards
Other Considerations Membership to the institution you’re visiting Permits to study artefacts Health insurance (EHIC) Travel insurance Valid passport Currency – for all countries you’re travelling through
Budgeting Accommodation: online payment or cash on arrival? Transport (public and taxis) Food – be realistic Entry fees, phone calls, internet...
General Tips Give your itinerary to your parents, friends, etc. & list where you will be staying each day with accommodation contact details Buy a guidebook Learn a few words/phrases (‘yes’, ‘no’, etc.) Do you need any special equipment? (camera, scanning app, clothing)
Final Tips Involve your supervisor(s) in the planning of your trip Stay safe Network & make contacts while you’re away Before you leave, talk to people who have undertaken a similar trip Enjoy yourself!