The additional support level depends on the detail of the work to be performed in-country. What the program does, where the program does it, and for how long is important in understanding and evaluating available options.

Assess your needs

Understanding the actual support needs will help to develop a support plan that ensures the that research can be performed while mitigating risk through managing issues such as taxes, immigration, regulations that could negatively impact faculty, staff, or Duke.

  • Scope of Activities
    What the team will spend money on in country (workshops, vendors, staff etc.) and where (one location, two, multiple etc.)  
  • Business Activities and Support
    Will the research require a business infrastructure in country, such as a local bank account, office space, or ability to engage local staff?
  • Sensitive Research Topics
    Will the research touch upon issues that may be regulated locally such as human subjects or data privacy?
  • Duration of Need
    How long will the project need this support? (3 months, 1 year, 3 years etc.)

Questionnaire

Below is a project scoping questionnaire that can help the grant and business manager determine with the research or program team whether further support from the Global Support team may be required.

Answer Each Question with Yes or No

  1. Will the project engage any consultants or employees who live and work in a foreign country that will be paid directly by Duke or Duke Staff with Duke funds? 
  2. Will the project rent office, housing, or other space in a foreign country that will be paid directly by Duke or Duke Staff with Duke funds? 
  3. Will the project purchase/rent/lease vehicles or other motorized transport while in a foreign country that will be paid directly by Duke or Duke Staff with Duke funds?
  4. Will a Duke employee spend 60 or more consecutive days, or at least 3 months in a 12-month period, in a foreign country?
  5. With the project require a local bank account to support any project spend while in a foreign country?
  6. Will the project involve Human Subject research in country?
  7. Will the project work with the Duke Travel Office to secure the appropriate visa to support the field work in a foreign country?

Results

Answering "yes" to questions 1-6 may indicate a need for further support discussions. Question 7 is to ensure the team member uses Duke’s Travel Office to obtain the most appropriate visa for their time in country. Generally speaking program’s will be well supported if the faculty and staff are traveling on the appropriate visa, contractors and local staff are compliantly engaged and local partners or a Duke supported solution exists to manage the local in-country spending needs.

Once contacted, the Global Support team will work with school leaders, grant managers, and business managers to understand the program’s work and needs in the country. 


For example, Understanding the actual support needs will help to develop a support plan that ensures the research can be performed while mitigating risks (tax, immigration, regulations, etc.) that could negatively impact faculty, staff, or Duke.  Generally speaking, programs will be well supported if the faculty and staff are traveling on the appropriate visa, contractors and local staff are compliantly engaged, and local partners or a Duke-supported solution exists to manage the local in-country spending needs.