Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to be an African Studies Concentrator to receive funding from CAS?

No! Each year, CAS grantees are from a range of concentrations: from Social Studies to Human Evolutionary Biology, from Biomedical Engineering to History and Literature. Please note, however, that preference will go to students who have taken coursework in African Studies, have experience in the region and/or have language experience related to Africa. With research applications, preference will be given to undergraduate seniors preparing their thesis.

Q: When will I hear back from CAS regarding the status of my application?

We begin application review immediately following the deadline date. Typcially, it will take approximately one month to complete the review process, as we involve a faculty review committee. Students selected for a grant or internship will be contacted within approximately one month of the deadline date. Final notifications and waitlist decisions will be sent out within two months of the application deadline.
 

Q: I am working on a project with a partner. Should we submit one application together, or do we each submit separate applications?

Each student needs to submit their own application materials individually. Students will not be reviewed together. Some parts of your application may be the same: budget and itinerary, for example. Your proposal and letters of reference should be written specifically for you and about your own academic/professional interests. It is unlikely that multiple students will receive funding for the same project. You should do your best to distiguish yourself from others participating in the same project.

Q: Should I include my references in my application copies that I bring directly to your office, or who should they send the reference to?

Students may bring recommendations in paper copy to the CAS office (which should be in a sealed envelope, signed on the flap). Recommenders should also feel free to email references directly to Lindsay Moats at lmoats@fas.harvard.edu. 

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Q: What does it mean if the country I am planning to travel to has a ‘High-Risk Rating’ as determined by the Global Support Services Office?

For undergraduate students: Harvard-sponsored travel to High-Risk Countries and Regions is prohibited. The sole exception to this prohibition is for students (or fellows) visiting their parents or legal guardians, but only if: the parents or legal guardians reside in the High-Risk Country or Region and will monitor the student’s well-being throughout his or her time there. This means that in most circumstances CAS grants cannot be used for travel to any High-Risk region/country.

Travel risk ratings can be found on the ...

Read more about Q: What does it mean if the country I am planning to travel to has a ‘High-Risk Rating’ as determined by the Global Support Services Office?

Q: What qualifies as “research” for my J-Term grant application?

Research opportunities will only be considered if they meet the following criteria:

  • Your research is supported by a Harvard faculty member. (For example, a Harvard junior/senior working on a Senior Thesis Project would have their faculty adviser sign off on the research proposal in the recommendation letter.)
     
  • Your research is related to an academic requirement for a registered Harvard course and/or requirement for graduation.

Q: What counts as an African Studies-related course?

The African Studies-related course requirement is interpreted broadly. These can be courses that are international in scope, but touch on Africa/African themes at some point. Overall, the purpose of this requirement is for the applicant to demonstrate a true interest and intent of their work’s applicability in the African context.