Richter Traditional Scholarship for Independent Research Abroad

Proposal Deadline
Friday, January 25, 2008
4:00p.m. in the International Programs Office

The Richter Traditional Scholarship for Independent Research Abroad is funded by the Paul K. Memorial Fund and the Evalyn E. Cook Richter Memorial Fund.  Scholarships are awarded to Occidental students to conduct independent research, or creative work abroad during the summer.  Research proposals are developed by the student and conducted independently during the summer by the student.  An Occidental College faculty supervisor is expected to work closely with scholarship recipients on their projects.  Scholarship recipients devote their full time to work on their project. The project must be of such a nature that it can only be completed at the proposed site, and can be satisfactorily completed during the proposed period. Upon their return to Occidental College, the students present their findings to the Occidental community at a research conference.  

Normally, students may not return to their home country/city; projects must constitute a new intellectual or intercultural experience.

Joseph Edward Richter, who created the trusts which support the Richter Scholars Program, emphasized the expectation for independent work overseas, under faculty guidance.  In keeping with the guidelines of the scholarships, research and creative projects are conducted by an individual student. Occasionally, the Richter Committee has approved projects conducted by pairs of students, however in these exceptional cases, each student must have clearly defined, equal and independent roles vital to the project. Students interested in pursuing a joint project abroad should make an appointment with the Director of International Programs to discuss their proposal.