ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the experiences of conducting research abroad and
specifically on the process of collecting primary data. It begins by outlining why
personal accounts and experiences of fieldwork are an important contribution
to social science research in general and to this volume, and clarifies the
definition of fieldwork and field research. This chapter explores some of the
practical realities of collecting data abroad; that of fieldwork preparation and
planning, access to the ‘field’, language and communication, and ethical issues.
Following this, two illustrative case studies are discussed, highlighting issues
and challenges the authors encountered when conducting fieldwork abroad.
The chapter concludes by reviewing the advantages of fieldwork abroad for
social research and for the pursuit of studying sustainability.
