Download - PLANNING AND PRACTICALITIES Margi Bryant, University of Sheffield Stephen Jones, Royal Holloway
PLANNING AND PRACTICALITIESMargi Bryant, University of Sheffield
Stephen Jones, Royal Holloway
Before you go
• Planning and contacts• Paperwork, visas, permits• Health, vaccinations, medical kit• Risk and insurance• Equipment• Language
Planning and contacts
• Have a detailed plan of what you aim to do and how.
• Have a back-up plan (alternative research questions, different methods etc.)
• Think widely about contacts, ask supervisor (and others) for advice and suggestions.
• Make contacts in advance, firm them up before you go.
• Carry contact details with you on paper!
Sort this out well ahead of your planned departure – some procedures can take a long time!
• Check your passport is valid for the required period.
• Check destination country’s visa requirements.
• Check research permit requirements.
• Obtain letters of invitation / introduction.
• Carry paper copies / photocopies of all important documents.
Paperwork, visas and permits
Health, vaccinations, medical kit
http://www.fco.gov.uk/Follow links to “travel and living abroad/staying-safe/health”
• Check legal requirements of your fieldwork country.
• Other recommended vaccinations and preventative measures (e.g malaria).
• Personalise your medical kit, think about what’s available locally
Risk and insurance
• Draw up a risk assessment with your supervisor or department’s Safety Officer
• Take out appropriate insurance – check it covers illness, accidents and emergency evacuation
Equipment
• What do you think you need?
For example: - Means of recording data (written/audio/ photographic) - Tools for participative research (e.g. felt pens, large sheets of paper) - Small gifts for local collaborators - Clothing appropriate for climate and culture
• What’s practical? (e.g. will you have electricity supply, internet access?)
• What can you get when you’re there?
Language
• How will you communicate?
• Do you need language training? If so, before you go or when you’re there?
• Will you need to employ a local translator? (NB budget implications!)
When you’re there
• Finding places to stay and work
• Getting to know your way around
• Planning your time
• Staying in touch
Places to stayand work
• Provided by local organisation or community you’re working with.
• Recommended or fixed up by local contacts.
• Finding it by yourself (ask around for advice - including “acceptable” parts of town, etc).
• Agree terms in advance!
Getting to know your way around
• Familiarise yourself with your study area, e.g. footpaths, public transport, shops, etc. (local contacts will help).
• Check out venues where you’ll be having meetings and interviews (how long it takes to get there, etc).
• Check out nearest internet cafes, local mobile phone networks, etc. (think about buying local simcard or phone).
Planning your time
• Plan what you’re going to do each day – but be prepared to seize opportunities and go with the flow.
• Expect delays, changes of plan and time spent hanging about.
• Keep a diary for plans, events, meetings, reflections and progress review (even if you’re not doing ethnography).
• Build in some relaxation time
and days off.
Staying in touch
• Make sure key people (including friends and family) have your contact details, including local mobile phone number.
• Keep in email contact with supervisor if possible.• Email field notes, interview transcripts etc. back to yourself.• Line up a friend or family member to let off steam to!• Be careful not to abuse non-commercial email facilities
(uploading photos etc).
Leaving
• Departure
• Saying goodbye and thanks
• Final thoughts
Departure
• Plan your departure date and stick to it (unless there’s a very good reason to change)
• Let people know, especially if you’ll need help getting to roadhead/station etc.
• Make any necessary travel bookings in advance if possible.
Saying goodbye & thank-you
• Think ahead about how you’ll wrap up and leave.
• Be sure to say goodbye to people you’ve worked with or who’ve provided you with information.
• Maybe hold a social gathering before you leave.
• Get people’s contact details – but don’t foster unrealistic expectations.
• Sending photographs (prints) can work as a “thank-you”.
Finally …
• Don’t expect everything to go according to plan.
• Don’t be hard on yourself if you feel worn out or fed up!
• Allow yourself to relax and have fun!