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- Travel. Get a map of the area. You might consider using public transportation (Visit the VTA web site, http://www.vta.org/, for information and schedules) as well as travel by driving. If you take public transportation (or hitch a ride), be prepared (e.g. have enough cash on hand to take a taxi back to the university, have phone numbers handy, etc.) should an emergency arise. If you drive, at least for the first visit, give yourself plenty of time to get lost, stuck in traffic, stop for directions, etc.
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- Safety. Find out about the neighborhood before heading out—is it safe, for example, to travel at night? Regardless of the area, students working in teams should consider traveling in pairs; students working on their own should invite a friend to accompany him/her. If possible, carry a cell phone should you need to make an emergency call, or obtain last minute directions.
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- Schedule Considerations. To help determine the best time for visits, check out the schedule of programs, worship, etc. at your site. You might also review interfaith calendars to get listings of the religious holidays that are coming up during the quarter (The religious studies department page directs you to several good sources: http://www-relg-studies.scu.edu/events/calendars.html)
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- Notes. Make sure you start and use a notebook or file on your computer to keep track of your research ideas, questions and notes, and make entries immediately after each visit, while the experience is fresh in your mind.
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- Equipment. As the research project unfolds, you may require tape recorders, cameras, etc. Plan in advance of your visits, making sure, for example, you contact Media Services to determine if you should make a reservation if you plan to use university equipment, and as necessary spend time practicing with it before a visit.
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