Through new government programming and a memorandum of understanding recently signed between Brock and the University of Technology, Jamaica, gaining international experience is easier than ever for Brock’s faculty members.

The federal government announced last month the creation of a new faculty mobility program for Canadian professors and researchers, which facilitates increased collaboration with Canadian post-secondary institutions.

The expansion of the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) allows full-time Canadian professors and researchers to teach or conduct research on a short-term basis at an eligible college or university in Latin America and the Caribbean, at the college, undergraduate and graduate levels.

The program provides up to $7,000 in funding for faculty members and includes airfare, living expenses, health insurance, visa or work permit fees and other eligible expenses. The duration of the scholarship ranges from three to eight weeks. Participants can stay longer with funds from other sources.

New opportunities for overseas experiences are also on the horizon for Brock faculty members through the MOU signed with UTech, Jamaica.

The agreement was signed on May 21 during Brock President Gervan Fearon’s five-day trip to the Caribbean in support of the University’s internationalization strategy.

Fearon and UTech President Stephen Vasciannie signed the MOU to support the exploration of a number of opportunities involving student and faculty exchange, joint degrees and research collaborations

“UTech, Jamaica places a strong emphasis on experiential learning opportunities for students and shares a common vision on several opportunities in support of international mobility,” said Claire Sutherland, UTech’s Senior Director, International and Institutional Linkages.

The new MOU combined with the available funding through ELAP creates a number of new avenues for faculty to participate in international experiences, said James Mandigo, Brock’s Vice-Provost for Enrolment Management and International. “Their time abroad will help cultivate a campus culture that embodies both global diversity and interconnectivity.”

In addition to its agreement with UTech, Brock has a number of international partnerships with institutions around the world, including several in Latin America and the Caribbean. A list of Brock’s research and mobility partnerships can be found on the Brock International website.

Brock University’s Global Scholars Office is currently accepting proposals for teaching, research, doctoral supervision and other related types of academic activities as part of ELAP. As only one designated person per institution can apply, the Global Scholars Office will accept, review and submit all applications as part of the ELAP program.

Interested applicants for teaching, research, doctoral supervision and other related academic activities as part of ELAP must submit a proposal by Oct. 18, detailing the proposed study or research project to Liv Park, Scholar Services and Programs Co-ordinator at epark@brocku.ca or x4088.