Navigating grant application for international students

Navigating Grant Application for International Students Yuhong He, Ph.D. Counseling and Psychological Services University of Pennsylvania November 15th, 2013

Overview • Presentation • Student speaker • Resource information

Self-Introduction • • • • • • •

Name Country Program Year in the program Experiences with grant application Career goal Expectation for the workshop

Types of Grants • • • • •

Travel grant Training grant Fellowship In-house grants Federal grants

Restriction • • • • •

Citizenship Training level Program/College Commitment Other criteria (e.g., sex, race)

Setting Realistic Expectations • • • • •

Let go of those beyond your control Grant writing is not an easy task; it takes a lot of time and energy Don’t expect to win on your first try Don’t expect to get a federal grant by yourself Your future does not depend on whether you get the grant

Motivator • • • • • •

Good learning experience Skill development Increased knowledge (e.g., trending in the field, resources) Benefits (e.g., CV, job interview, reviewer) Funding Recognition / pride

Barriers -- Coping I • Lacking source of funding – keep looking, ask around •

• AAUW (American Association of University Women): International Fellowships • P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization): International Peace Scholarship Unfamiliarity with structure – time, patience, learn from online resources, consult with those with experiences • NIH tips for applicants: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cNRMsCGfHo • NIH peer review revealed: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=fBDxI6l4dOA&feature=youtu.be

Barriers -- Coping II • • • •

Language/writing – time, support, practice, patience Time – priority, consultation, plan and adjust, persistence Emotional distress – communication, seek support, self-care Unexpected life events – plan, adapt, let go, see the value of trying

Application Process & Emotional Experiences

• Identifying a grant  Preparing application  Summiting application/Waiting for decision

Q&A