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What is an international experience? What kinds of support do Kirkland's International Experience tutors provide?
We work with the Office of International Programs to assist Kirkland residents who are interested in studying abroad, either for a summer or a semester; applying for independent research grants such as the Rockefeller grants, the many other grants offered by Harvard's regional research centers, and the Fulbright or Rockefeller fellowships; and working, interning, or volunteering abroad during their years at Harvard or immediately thereafter.
I would like to know more about living abroad. How can I find out what it's like?
Your International Experience tutors are in the process of planning several informative, exciting events, which are designed to introduce House residents to various international issues that they can pursue here at Harvard and abroad. We are planning a monthly documentary film series, a panel with current Kirkland residents who have recently returned from abroad, and other activities. Of course, if you have any interest -- however remote! -- you should contact us. We thoroughly enjoy sharing this part of our lives, and are happy to discuss any aspect of living abroad.
I am interested in spending time abroad. What should I do now?
First, contact one of your International Experience tutors: Brett Carter, Pat Hernandez, Ashwin Kaja, or Ana Weil. We all have spent time abroad in various capacities and are keen to help you do the same! Please also consider attending Harvard's International Experiences Fair on Friday, September 11th, from 11a to 3p at the Dillon Fieldhouse. The Fair is sponsored by the Office of International Programs and will have a wide variety of information regarding the many possibilities. In coming weeks we will post more information to this webpage regarding important dates and opportunities -- especially about Rockefeller and other research grants -- so check back soon!
I'm not really comfortable with my foreign language skills. Is time abroad for me?
This is among the best reasons to spend time abroad, for there is nothing like immersion to improve one's language skills. You will be astonished how quickly the material in your French/Spanish/Arabic/Chinese/Swahili textbook comes to life! And, of course, there are many anglophone destinations around the world, indeed on most every continent. In short, don't let language concerns be an obstacle.
I know I want to spend time abroad. Is there an ideal sequence in which to pursue these (many!) opportunities?
There is, and this is a great question. The Rockefeller grants were designed to enable as many Harvard College students as possible to spend a summer abroad, regardless of financial constraints. Hence the selection committee strongly privileges first-time applicants. If you think you might be interested in pursuing international opportunities, consider applying for a Rockefeller grant early in your Harvard career. With this experience, you will be a much stronger candidate for the research grants offered by Harvard's many regional research centers, which are generally merit-based. Of course, the Rockefeller grant may also provide insight regarding your ideal study abroad destination.
Can I really spend time abroad and satisfy all my pre-med/pre-law/pre-career/concentration course requirements?
Yes! In fact, many of your pre-med/pre-law/pre-career/concentration tutors did so, and these experiences may strengthen your candidacy for whatever graduate or professional program to which you hope to apply. If you're concerned about this, we'll work with your pre-med/pre-law/pre-career/concentration tutor to identify the ideal sequence for you; often this sequence will include making good use of your summers, either for an international experience or summer school. Put simply, if you're interested in spending time abroad, don't let course concerns stop you. We'll find a way to make it work!
More to come soon!
