Step Three: Details
The following questions may help you frame your thinking and define your project.
What?
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What exactly is the project I am going to be doing?
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How would I describe my project to other people?
When?
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When will I be carrying out my project?
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Does this time-frame make sense, not only for me but also for the other people or organizations involved?
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How much time do I have to carry out my intended project and is that enough?
Why?
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What are the motivations behind my project?
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Is there a genuine need for this to take place?
Scope
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What are the goals I have for this project?
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How do my project goals feed into my longer-term goals for my time at Yale and beyond?
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What is the scope of my project?
Tip: In defining the scope of your project, defining what the project will not be can be just as helpful as defining what the project will be.
Challenges
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What challenges can I reasonably expect?
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Are there steps I can take now which may help me to meet challenges in the future?
Practicalities
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What are the practicalities of making something happen in the region I have identified?
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What are the ethical considerations I need to be aware of when planning and carrying out my project?
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What kind of support networks do I hope to have?
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What steps can I take, before and during my experience, to earn money, save and budget effectively?
Preparation
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Am I ready to take on this project? Will I be ready by the time I undertake it?
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Do I have the language skills needed to carry out this project effectively?
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What preparation should I be undertaking between now and the time I leave?
Tip: Use the Planning Toolkits to prepare for your project.