International Research Pathway
The very essence of study abroad is that of learning through experience; that is, learning by doing, observing and reflecting. Hence, the involvement of an undergraduate study abroad student in an individual research project is a means of enhancing their academic program while abroad, emphasizing independent learning and thinking, decision-making, and problem solving, as well as engagement in the host culture and community.
FIE’s International Research Pathway is made up of two components:
Exploring London through the Lens of Qualitative Research
Course 1
An elective course, offered during Phase 1 of the semester or quarter term in London, this course is designed as an introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative methodology. It provides an overview of qualitative, ethnographic, and naturalistic methods and an opportunity for students to conceptualize and perform a small-scale research project.
International Research Course
Course 2
This course in guided self-directed study takes place during Phase 2 of the semester program. Building on the research skills gained during the Qualitative Research course above, students will undertake a qualitative study under the tutorial advice of a designated FIE faculty member. The framework for this course is a case study. The case study approach provides a focused way for students to view a phenomenon and to apply a set of methods, with an emphasis on ethnographic observation, but including in-depth interviewing and document review. The case study is applicable across many fields and topic areas and pays particular attention to the context in which the phenomenon in question operates. The topics that students will explore will be consistent with their own individual interests but will exploit the overseas experience. Topics will be required to center on British cultural, historical, political, or contemporary contexts and may have a comparative dimension.