Project Statement Guidelines | IIE
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Project Statement Guidelines

The project statement outlines the details of your proposed project. It should be well-organized and present a feasible and compelling project to audiences both within and outside of your discipline.  The format of the Project Statement is recommended to be 3-5 pages, single spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins. The application system will not allow documents longer than 5 pages to be uploaded. 

  • China or Hong Kong SAR (China) Students can propose research projects in the U.S.
  • China or Hong Kong SAR (China) Scholars can propose teaching, research or both in the U.S.
  • U.S. Students can propose study or research projects in China or Hong Kong SAR (China).
  • U.S. Scholars can propose teaching, research or both in China or Hong Kong SAR (China).

For each type of activity, we have gathered some guiding questions applicants may use to structure their project statements.  Applicants are advised to consider the Review Criteria while crafting their project statements: these criteria will be used to evaluate all applications.

Study
  • Describe your proposed study program. Which courses appeal to you the most? What topics are you interested in exploring in greater depth?
  • Why do you want to pursue the proposed program? What are your reasons for selecting a particular institution?
  • What are your study objectives? What do you hope to gain from this experience? What do you hope to contribute?
  • What are your qualifications for completing this program? Do you have the requisite academic/field-specific background to undertake the proposed program? Do you have sufficient language skills to complete the program successfully?
  • How will the experience help further your academic or professional development and/or goals? How do you plan to use the experience upon your return?
Research
  • Describe the project objectives and methodologies, and provide an estimated timeline for carrying out the project. 
  • Address your project’s feasibility in terms of the amount of time allocated and local support and other resources found in the host country. How could local political/cultural issues impact your work? 
  • What are your qualifications for carrying out this project? Do you have the requisite academic/field-specific background and language skills to undertake the proposed project?
  • What is important or significant about the project? Why does it need to be carried out? 
  • How will your project help further your academic or professional development and/or goals? How do you plan to use the experience upon your return?
  • How will the project benefit your discipline, your host institution and your home institution (current affiliation)? How will results be disseminated (e.g., publications, presentations, exhibitions, etc.)?
Teaching
  • Describe the courses you propose to teach and other teaching activities that you plan on participating in (e.g., curriculum/program development, seminars, public lectures or workshops, etc.).
  • What have you previously taught? How do you teach? Describe your involvement in curriculum/program development, thesis advising, administrative responsibilities, etc.
  • Why do you want to undertake this project? What are your goals? What do you hope to contribute? What do you hope to gain?
  • How do you expect the experience to impact your teaching and professional work? How do you plan to use the experience upon your return?
  • How will the experience benefit your discipline, your host institution and your home institution (current affiliation)?
Teaching/Research 
  • Use guidance above to address both the Teaching and Research aspects of your proposal
  • What percentage of time do you plan to spend on each activity?
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