Suggestions and Comments on Doing Research or Sabbaticals Abroad

Consider….

  • Taking classes at local universities or language institutes – this helps you get out into the location, meet others, continue your pursuit of study
  • Developing ideas for future research, classes or labs
  • Participating in a study abroad program as the resident director or as a visiting faculty member
  • Traveling to different places throughout your time abroad rather than stay in one place
  • Staying longer than you think you want to
  • Planning to do less than you think you will (focus on writing a chapter vs. the whole book)
  • Balancing the amount of planning you do and the degree to which you remain flexible

Issues to think about…

Children

  • Child care – are there high school graduates or college students or graduates that may go with you as an au pair (consider the pros and cons of a younger vs. older student)
  • School – what schools are available, in what language do they teach/communicate; how much do they cost?

Housing

  • Furnishing your flat/house – what is provide, what will you need to come with or purchase once there
  • # of rooms – having a separate room just for your office; leaving enough living space for everyone
  • Committing to housing – consider a short commitment with the option of lengthening the commitment once you arrive.  You might finder better deals or a better location once you arrive.
  • Location of housing – consider not living near students or places (e.g., pubs) frequented by students

Transportation

  • Trains and buses – in many places, the rail and bus system is much more extensive and affordable than in the US. If you are sticking to major destinations and routes, this can work fairly well. If you are going off the beaten track, this system may not get you there.  Consider buying tickets in-country as opposed to travel agents – it is often cheaper.
  • Cars – Depending on how long your stay is and where you will be going, you might consider buying or leasing a car.  You will need to look into requirements such as a local driver’s license, auto insurance, etc.  Renault has a lease program only for Americans (in Europe for more than 2 weeks), which is more affordable than renting a car for the duration of stay.

Communication

  • Email – consider a separate email from your DePauw email so you do not have to wade through all of the mass emails sent day to day, or consider having yourself removed from the mass lists (faculty@depauw.edu) so you do not receive these emails
  • Telephone – consider a world-wide cell phone (dual band, dual frequency) (Cingular and T-Mobile both have these types of phones and payment plans).  Be sure to carefully read how they work and what you pay for.

Money

  • Cost of living – if you have a limited budget and will not be having additional income during your sabbatical, consider the cost of living (e.g., Mexico vs. Spain)
  • Traveling with it – consider the pros and cons of ATM/debit cards, traveler’s checques, cash, wire transfers
  • Bank account – if you will be in one location for a longer period of time, consider opening a bank account; this saves on fees for your US ATM card
  • Purchasing things – consider buying tickets or other items in-country directly from source rather than through a travel agent
  • Negotiate and shop around for the best deals
  • Paying your US bills while you are gone – consider signing up to pay all of your bills online
  • Credit cards – be sure to speak with your credit card companies to let them know of your itinerary (so they do not freeze your card for fear it’s been stolen)
  • Taxes – think about how you will file your taxes if you will be out of the country (consider having someone designated to sign your tax forms for you)

Academic affiliations

  • Access to libraries – if you need access to libraries, you may need an affiliation with a university
  • Office/lab space – if you wish to have a lab or office where you can work (outside of your living space), you may need to establish a university affiliation
  • Guest lectures – having an affiliation with a local university may be a great way of establishing contacts, giving lectures on your own work, etc.

Immigration

  • Visa requirements – know what the requirements will be for each place you go during your time abroad and what you are entitled to do while there.  Issues affecting visa status/category: length of stay, earning money, type of research/work, location, your nationality; demonstration of sufficient funds while in the country
  • Applying for a passport takes time - It takes longer now to apply for a new passport or get one renewed. To be safe, allow yourself at least 10 weeks to get back your passport.
  • Applying for visas takes time – you need to have a valid passport in order to apply for a visa. Visas can take time, so be sure to apply for your visa as early as possible.

Insurance

  • Health insurance – know how your own policy works while you are out of the country – what does it cover, how do you use it (e.g., do you pay upfront and file a claim later – what paperwork do you need to do this)
  • Personal property insurance – taking your laptop, cameras, other expensive equipment? Are they insured anywhere in the world? How does the insurance work? (e.g., do you need a copy of a police report)
  • Medical evacuation & repatriation of remains – Most domestic health insurance polices do not cover these very expensive services.  As a current DePauw employee, you are covered by membership in International SOS, a leading medical and security services provider.  Your spouse and children would not be covered, so you should consider buying a rider or separate insurance to cover them. (It is very affordable insurance well worth it if it’s needed!)  You can contact the Office of International Education & Off-Campus Study for the International SOS membership card and details on the coverage.