International Activities

International projects and research include any activity with a component that takes place outside the U.S.—whether physically or virtually. Examples may include:

• Engagement with foreign individuals or entities
• Support from international sponsors
• International research collaborations
• International travel in connection with a project

International projects must be submitted to the HGSE Export Control Administrator (ECA) and HGSE ECA Delegate for review using the CIPS Form at the earliest practical opportunity, and prior to any work occurring, any funds being exchanged or expenditures made towards the work, and any agreements being signed or processed.

For sponsored projects, CIPS approval occurs prior to and facilitates the International Collaborations and Activities Approval in GMAS.

CIPS conducts restricted party and export controls screening for educational programs that may involve international participation or restricted content. This requirement applies to a wide range of academic offerings, including:

• Executive and professional education
• Online courses
• Conferences 
• Workshops

International travel may involve transactions or other interactions with individuals or entities restricted under U.S. sanctions, or the interaction itself may be subject to export controls.

Travel alone may not require CIPS review, particularly travel to countries that are not designated as Countries of Concern or travel for activities such as presenting research results, attending conferences, or participating in similar academic events. However, travelers must take appropriate health, safety, and security precautions when traveling internationally, including precautions that may affect in-country partners.

All HGSE travelers must:

• Review and register international travel with Global Support Services (GSS) before departure and during travel, as required
• Comply with Harvard’s Graduate Student Travel Policy, where applicable
• Take appropriate steps to protect confidential or proprietary information, including using secure devices and following applicable IT security requirements

Any item that is sent from the U.S. to a foreign destination is considered an export. Anyone planning to carry, ship, or otherwise send items outside of the U.S. should consult with the HGSE ECA or ECA delegate to determine whether an export license or other authorization is required.

CIPS conducts restricted party and export controls screening of foreign individuals that qualify for Harvard-sponsored visas. These individuals include students, teaching faculty, Postdoctoral Researchers, and Visiting Scholars and Fellows that qualify for J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, or other visa sponsorship.