FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How should I format my project proposal?

We intentionally leave this up to you. Include an informative title and show us that your project proposal is true to who you are. In approximately 1000 words, focus on yourself — your development up to this point and why this experience is important for your future plans. If necessary, you may include a brief appendix, but keep in mind that this is not a research proposal. 

What if a past Fellow has already studied what I want to study?

Although we recognize there will be common interests between many applicants and past Fellows, we encourage you to home in on specific angles of broader topics. For example, many Fellows explore education, but each offers a unique lens through which to view the issue (e.g., focusing on gender in the classroom, school lunch programs, and more).

How should I choose my advisor? What is their role during the Fellowship?

Your advisor should first and foremost be a Vanderbilt professor (or a staff member, with the permission of the Keegan application committee) who knows you well and can speak to how you embody the Keegan Values in a Letter of Recommendation. In addition, they should be someone who you communicate well with and who can serve as a mentor during your year of travel. Their role largely consists of receiving monthly updates regarding travels and offering guidance, connections, and relevant resources when needed.

Can my advisor be from outside of Vanderbilt?

No. You will need to find an advisor from Vanderbilt.

How much of a time commitment is being a faculty advisor?

It is fairly low. We ask that your advisor act as a thought partner in planning your trip and to plan for monthly check-ins by email while you are traveling.

Does my advisor need to be an expert in the field I am proposing to study?

No. It is more important that the advisor knows you well and can speak to your suitability for the fellowship.

Can one of my recommenders be from outside Vanderbilt?

Yes. You may have one of your two recommendations from a supervisor, former teacher, or similar who is not at Vanderbilt. Please do not use a friend/family friend for this.

Can faculty write letters of recommendation for multiple candidates?

Yes.

What should I provide to my recommenders when asking for a letter of recommendation?

We advise providing a description of the fellowship, instructions for submission of the letter and deadline, as well as your CV, Keegan project proposal or a summary thereof, and specific information/reminders about your interactions with the person (e.g., description of coursework you completed in their class/grade received; description of job performed).

If my advisor asks, are they liable for anything that might happen to me while traveling?

No. The waiver you will sign covers them as a Vanderbilt employee acting within the scope of their employment. 

Where do I find information about applying for the Summer Keegan Traveling Fellowship?

If you are a rising junior or senior and looking for information about the Summer Keegan Traveling Fellowship, please go here.

When does the Keegan Traveling Fellowship start?

Keegan Fellows typically set off for their year of travel between June and early August following graduation. You will receive your award in full in early June following graduation.

Can I really go anywhere?

Unfortunately, not anywhere — but we promise that you can go most places! Fellows may propose travel to countries with Level 1 and Level 2 Travel Advisories.

Can I change my list of countries after I submit a list with my application?

Yes, we understand that your trip will likely be modified along the way. Notwithstanding, we recommend that you submit any countries that may cause safety concerns as early as possible for review by the Office of Global Safety. Please err on the side of over-inclusion at the time of the application.

Can I defer my year of travel?

No. We strongly encourage Fellows to leave for their year of travel as soon as possible after graduating.

Many fellowships require some kind of capstone project--do I have to produce anything as a result of my year of travel?

No. We strongly encourage Fellows to keep a blog during their year of travel to document their journey, but we have no formal requirements for documentation or reflection. The only deliverable of the Keegan Fellowship is YOU at the end of the travel experience: all the ways in which you have changed and grown.

May I work remotely for another organization while on the fellowship?

In most cases, no. Please inquire if this will be minimal and only involve a transition as the fellowship ends or the like.

May I complete hard research for other organizations while on the fellowship?

In most cases, no. Please inquire about your specific situation.

What have past Fellows gone on to do?

After seeing the world, Keegan Fellows go on to change it. Check out our Past Fellows page to see where Fellows have gone after their year of travel.