Hanoi University and University of Gothenburg in Sweden Offer Free 'Research Teams'

Hanoi University and University of Gothenburg in Sweden offer small teams of MA- students within the field of development studies. Since one year back, those two institutions have collaborated on student exchange and field research training in Vietnam. With good results they have brought Vietnamese and international students together in research teams. The students have carried out minor research tasks in rural and urban areas within the field of development research.

In November 2010 a new group of 2nd year MA-students from University of Gothenburg will arrive in Vietnam. Together with students from Hanoi University they will attend research training for three weeks in the uplands. In December 2010 they will be available for minor research tasks, internships etc. Another group of BA-students from University of Gothenburg will arrive in Vietnam in February 2011.

These small teams will be able to assist your organization with the following:
1. Minor research tasks: they possess methodological training and some experience from applying their skills, but they are not professional and experienced research teams. They will do it as part of their training and education.
2. Larger research tasks: where the students can be part of a research team. Even in this situation, the student can be assigned minor research tasks.
3. Interns in your organisation: even in this position, they would like to carry out studies that in some way can be important for your organisation. They will also be able to arrange seminars on topics like research method in your organisation, applying theory in research etc.

Your organization will get the following:
1. One MA student (December 2010 – January 2011) or one BA student (February 2011 – March 2011) from University of Gothenburg and one BA student from Hanoi University. They are not experienced researchers, but they have received training in research method and one or more disciplines within Global/International Studies (International Relations, Development Studies, Human Ecology, Social Anthropology, and International Business). They are fluent in English.
2. Two supervisors from FISHU and SGSGU will supervise the studies all through their research.

They will expect from your organisation the following:
1. Access to “the field” and data. These studies should be field studies (as opposed to desk-studies). The students should be able to visits communities and groups with which your organisation is working. They will make sure that the research is carried out within the limits of what is acceptable in the Vietnamese context.
2. Arrange all necessary permits for carrying out the research
3. Team members from the organisation. This is not a must but it is essential that there is a commitment from the organisation to engage in the formulation of the research task and carrying out the research.

If your organization is interested please follow this procedure:
1. Send an email to Mai Lien at <[email protected]> at FISHU no later than 15 August 2010 and state the following:
a. Describe you organisation shortly and provide a contact person.
b. Describe the research task that you have in mind for the students. It shouldindicate the topic, the research issue and the questions you seek answered.
2. Your research idea will be communicated to the students in Vietnam and Sweden. Students who find your research idea interesting will contact you before 15 September to start a dialogue on how to cooperate.
3. Student teams will be able for meetings in Hanoi 8-10 th November. From 1 December to 20 January, the students will be able to carry out research in Vietnam. OBS! Students from Hanoi University will have exams during this period and the research team might need minor assistance with interpretation depending on your plans.

Important notice
1. These studies will not be research for anyone but your organisation and for their thesis work. They are not commissioned by any other organisation, donor agency or government authority. Hence, data and result will not be disseminated to any other organisation than yours. However, their theses will be presented at seminars at Hanoi University and University of Gothenburg. These events are
public events.
2. The overall aim of the field studies from the point of view of FISHU and SGSGU is to train student in research methodology. It is not to achieve any particular result.
3. For more information about the two institutions visit: http://www.globalstudies.gu.se/english and http://fis.edu.vn/