Navigating the grant application for international students

Navigating Grant Application for International Students Yuhong He, Ph.D. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) University of Pennsylvania October 15th, 2014

Background • Field of study: Counseling psychology • Previous awards • • • •

Travel awards from Department, University, professional organization Fellowship from Department Scholarships from College Research awards from non-profit organizations with specific missions (e.g., trauma, career development) • Scholarships from national/international organizations (e.g., Institute of International Education)

Overview • Presentation • Student speakers • 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 Scholarship In-house grants Federal grants

Restriction • • • • •

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

Motivator • • • • • • •

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

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

Application Process & Emotional Experiences • Step 1: Identifying a grant • Research online • Ask peers, advisor, mentor • Call or write to funding agency

• Step 2: Preparing application • Write • Consult • Revise

• Step 3: Summiting application/Waiting for decision • Meet the deadline • Be patient and professional

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 • Scholarship for international students: https://

spike.wharton.upenn.edu/mbaprogram/Financial_Aid/outside_scholarships_1213.pdf • http:// www.dental.upenn.edu/academic_programs_admissions/financial_aid_and_scholarships/international

Barriers -- Coping II • 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 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

Student Speakers • Elisa Modolo – Intalian Studies Department • Bengi Turegun – Biochem + Biophysics Department • Weiwei Shen – Law School

Student Speakers • How you searched for grants as an international student? • Difficulties you encountered in applying for grants as an international student. • Tips and strategies you used to overcome these difficulties.