Business Language Research and Teaching Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should grant applications be?
A: Applicants should provide a short abstract (no more than 200 words) of
the project on the cover sheet, and then the proposal itself should be 5 to
8 pages in length. Project proposals should include at least the following:
project description; timeline; and budget. A CV for the primary investigator
should be included, but will not be counted toward 8-page limit for the proposal.
Q: What costs can be included in the project budget?
A: If the cost can be justified as necessary for completion of the project,
there are no costs that are excluded from consideration. Applicants may include
budgeted expenses for salary, research assistants, funds for release time,
data purchase, travel and equipment. Applicability of line items in budget
to intended research will be considered as part of the judging process.
Important: If BLRT funds are used to finance travel for the PI or
research assistant(s), travel arrangements must be made in accordance with
Department of Education guidelines, which include use of American air carriers.
Grant awardees will receive complete guidelines upon acceptance of the award.
Q: My research does not focus on Less Commonly Taught Languages. Does
that mean that I am not eligible for funding?
A: Applicants whose research project focuses on Less Commonly Taught Languages
will receive higher priority for funding. However researchers in all languages
are encouraged to apply. The fact that your research does not focus on LCTLs
will not disqualify your project from consideration.
Q: Is the BLRT research competition open to foreign nationals? To foreign
institutions?
A: The U.S. Department of Education provides matching funds to 31 Centers
for International Business Education and Research (CIBERs) located in institutions
across the U.S. The CIBERs were created by Congress under the Omnibus Trade
and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to increase and promote the nation's capacity
for international understanding and competitiveness. Administered by the U.S.
Department of Education under Title VI, Part B of the Higher Education Act
of 1965, the CIBER network links the manpower and technological needs of the
United States business community with the international education, language
training, and research capacities of universities across the country.
Given the above, it is natural to assume that the focus of funding will be
on projects that have direct benefits for teachers and students in the United
States. Foreign nationals may receive funding, but generally only if they
are pursuing work at a U.S. institution.
