Networking, serendipity, and on-the-ground help from
local collaborators in the host country are indispensable
to develop the study and establish a research site.
It is recommended to engage local collaborators early
in the planning phase because without their strong
support a project cannot even begin. Local collaborators
may assume a variety of different roles; they can
be key informants, the formal host sponsor, or members
of the research team and may facilitate access to
the research site, assist with participant recruitment
and translation, and help navigate an unfamiliar
culture and system. All authors relied heavily on
multiple local collaborators throughout all stages of
their research projects. For example, S.I. established a
connection with a regional tuberculosis (TB) director
while conducting a qualitative study during her time as
a Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholar in
Argentina. She maintained contact with the director
and started the conversation regarding a potential
research project. This established collaborator was an
integral partner throughout the development of S.I.’s
National Institutes of Health National Research Service
Award grant proposal. V.L. met a physician through
previous international work; she then sent an e-mail of
inquiry to gauge the interest of this individual (Dr. P.)
serving as the host sponsor for her Fulbright research
project and to explore the possibility of the cancer
hospital serving as the primary field site. Dr. P. agreed
and served in a crucial role as a local collaborator and
facilitator of the research before, during, and after
V.L.’s fieldwork.