Frequently Asked Questions
Will the BGI Global Research Fellowship be offered in the Summer of 2011?
The BGI Global Research Fellowship has run successfully for the past two years with wonderful outcomes from our alumni. However, we will be taking a hiatus from operating the fellowship in a formal capacity for the summer of 2011, and we hope to continue the fellowship again in 2012. We will, however, consider partnering with and advising a small number of highly motivated, self-funded undergraduates who are interested in conducting field research on the topic of international aid effectiveness for the summer of 2011. There is no formal application process for this research opportunity. If you are interested in partnering with us in some capacity to conduct research in a developing country for the summer of 2011, please email us at [email protected].
Who runs the BGI Global Research Fellowship?
The BGI Global Research Fellowship was initiated in 2008 by an organization called Beyond Good Intentions (BGI) that specializes in using film and education to generate a meaningful dialogue about how international aid can be more innovative and effective. The BGI team is led by filmmaker and aid specialist, Tori Hogan. For more information on BGI, visit www.beyondgoodintentions.com.
What support will BGI provide me with during my fellowship experience?
BGI will provide training, guidance, and assistance to selected fellows throughout the fellowship period. This support includes: pre-departure training in aid effectiveness and digital media skills, coordination of accommodations in the field, providing connections to field partners, monitoring and assisting with research progress, providing a platform for digital media projects, and helping fellows with any questions or challenges that may arise.
Does BGI provide any financial assistance for fellowship expenses?
Unfortunately, BGI is not currently in a position to provide any financial assistance to cover fellowship expenses. Instead, we have chosen to partner with universities that have existing funds available for independent student research projects. It is the responsibility of selected fellows to apply for relevant funds from their own university to cover all travel and living expenses for their fellowship period.
Where will I live during the fellowship?
The BGI team will assist fellows in finding suitable accommodation options throughout their fellowship period at either budget hotels/hostels or with local families through homestays, depending on the fellow’s preference.
What will a normal day as a BGI fellow be like?
Everyday will be different. However, most BGI fellows can expect to spend part of their time meeting with relevant stakeholders including NGO staff members, government officials, and local experts on international aid. The rest of the time will likely be spent in the field, interacting with aid recipients, producing digital media projects, and getting a sense of a project’s impact from the ground level.
What type of media projects will I work on in the field?
The digital media projects are a primary focus of the BGI Global Research Fellowship. All applicants are expected to have some skills/experience (or an intense willingness to learn) in at least one digital media format including filmmaking, photography, or podcasting. Fellows will conduct interviews and collect digital stories from the field about innovations in aid to be posted online on a weekly basis.
If you have any questions that were not answered here, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
