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Tips from previous recipients

2011_Scholarship_Recipients

2011 Scholarship Recipients

Discuss your project idea
  • Talk to lots of people about your application and get a few people to read it and give feedback. Not only on your project proposal, but also to check your use of language.
  • Don’t just ask your manager for approval. Discuss the application with them in detail and ask for input and help. They may have contacts at the institution/s you are planning to visit.
Do your homework on the host institution/s
  • Do your homework beforehand to make sure you are selecting the relevant institution/s for your project. Leverage off your professional networks and research online which institutions deliver best practice in your project area.
  • Provide detailed information to your host institutions so that they are prepared for your visit and so that you are ensured of a productive visit. You want to make sure you don't waste their time!
  • Contact a number of institutions, more than you need. Not everyone who agrees for you to visit ‘in principle’ will actually convert into a confirmed invitation.
Plan your budget
  • Work out your proposed budget as accurately as possible to ensure you cover all expenses related to travel, accommodation and food. Include incidentals like taxis, train or bus fares, etc. The University's travel services website has useful information on how to make travel and accommodation bookings as well as on estimating expenses in different international cities. Also talk to the Finance staff in your work unit who will be able to advise you.
Once you get there
  • When you are there, make the most of it. Talk to as many people as you possibly can - both the people who make the decisions and those who are involved in implementing the kinds of opportunities you are assessing.
  • Document your findings as you go along, capture as much detail as you can in your report and anticipate the questions you may be asked. This will make it easier to share the information with the relevant people when you get back home.