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Latin American Studies

Research Award Program

Valparaíso, Chile - Photo by Drew Friedmann ‘05
Valparaíso, Chile - photo by Drew Friedmann '05

Established in 2000 by the Latin American Studies Committee, and funded by the office of the Dean for Academic Affairs, the LAS Research Award Program supports student research in Mexico, Central or South America, the Caribbean, or on Latinos and Latinas in the United States. The awards are intended to increase understanding and awareness of the region among sophomores and juniors majoring in any academic discipline. The on-site research can be conducted after July 1 during the summer months, between semesters, or to extend off-campus study experiences. Funds are available for travel, room and board, and research expenses up to a maximum of $3000.

Recipients will spend three to four weeks conducting on-site research, and, upon their return, write a two-page report summarizing their experience and results. During the following semester, their research must be used as the basis to conduct an independent study or honors project under the direction of a faculty member.

Applicants are expected to develop proposals in consultation with a faculty mentor who agrees to supervise a subsequent independent study. Awards are made on the basis of the candidate's academic record and competence in the language spoken in the target country, the quality and feasibility of the project described in the narrative proposal, the project's relevance to the student's educational program, and the faculty mentor’s recommendation. A subcommittee from the Latin American Studies Program reviews applications every spring. Awards cannot be used to support language training or study away programs.

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 1, 2013.

Applications for a Latin American Studies Research Awards must include:
  1. A narrative proposal, no more than 1000 words in length. The proposal should explain the topic or problem to be researched, the student's background on the proposed study, the methods of study to be used, the sources of information to be analyzed, and other resources of significance (such as foreign faculty, institutions of higher learning, government or non-governmental organizations, a working bibliography, etc.). The proposal must also identify preliminary contacts that indicate the feasibility of the project, and a tentative budget.
  2. A current Bowdoin transcript (print-out from Bearings is acceptable)
  3. A recommendation from the faculty member who has agreed to supervise the project, which comments on the feasibility of the proposed study.


Completed applications (which can be downloaded here) should be e-mailed to Jean Harrison (jsellers@bowdoin.edu) or delivered to Jean Harrison, Latin American Studies, 106 Pols House. Included with the electronic application should be a narrative proposal, a current Bowdoin transcript, and a letter of recommendation from your supervising faculty member. All documents can be e-mailed or delivered to Jean Harrison, and must be received by March 1.

Questions can be directed to Krista Van Vleet, Director of Latin American Studies.