Visiting International Scholar (VIS) program

Student working in a lab

Brock’s Visiting International Scholar (VIS) program invites scholars and researchers from abroad, who are interested in an international research and scholarship opportunity, to visit Brock to collaborate with faculty and students in a range of academic activities.

Features of the VIS Program

Visiting International Scholars generally undertake collaborative research with a faculty colleague at Brock University.The faculty colleague from within the hosting department works with the VIS to facilitate the participant’s research and scholarship activities while at Brock; for example:

  • To serve as a contact person for the participant
  • To serve as an interface with the rest of the Brock community
  • To facilitate opportunities for the VIS to interact with other researchers and scholars

Participants are generally responsible for covering their own expenses for travel, accommodations, and any ancillary requirements (visa fees, health insurance coverage, etc.).

In most cases, participants have been awarded funding by their home governments or institutions for international travel and accommodation.

In the Beginning, International Scholars will be Provided With:

  • A formal letter of invitation to selected participants, which may be used for visa purposes;
  • Assistance in finding local accommodations
  • On-arrival orientation, including campus tour and other on-campus orientation activities
  • A University ID card & email account, full Internet and computer access, and library borrowing privileges

Access to a workspace on campus is also a possibility, though not guaranteed

WHILE AT BROCK, OTHER ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Academic job shadowing
  • Guest lecturing

AFTER YOUR TIME AT BROCK:

At the end of a VIS’s stay, Brock International can provide an official letter indicating the nature and extent of the research activities undertaken at Brock.

NOTE: Participants will not receive financial remuneration or formal academic credit for their stay at Brock

The VIS program is designed for faculty from abroad who are interested in an international research and scholarship opportunity at Brock University. Generally, such opportunities arise out of interactions between Brock faculty and their international colleagues, leading to an invitation to undertake collaborative research at Brock.

International academics in the following categories are good VIS candidates:

  • Sabbaticants
  • Academics interested in collaborative scholarship and research with Brock colleagues
  • Researchers interested in disseminating original research to an international audience
  • Academic faculty interested in gaining international experience
  • Faculty seeking collaborative research opportunities with Canadian colleagues
  • Researchers with an active interest in Canada or North America

The VIS program runs year-round. However, faculty are often occupied with teaching during the regular academic year (Term I: Sept. 1 – Dec. 31; Term II: Jan. 1 – April 30). Fewer courses are offered in the Spring (April-June) and Summer (July- August) semesters, and many faculty are involved in research activities at that time. July and August are typically summer vacation months for many Canadians.

The VIS program is offered at the main campus of Brock University and by all participating academic units.

The application fee* for VIS programs is implemented to cover the cost of services and secure participants’ position.

COST

  • $150 (CAD) per visit
  • $63 (CAD) per month for University Health Insurance Plan coverage*

COVERAGE

  • Pre-departure assistance
  • Accommodation information
  • On-arrival orientation (Brock ID card, library access, campus tour, etc.)
  • Pre-arranged computer and email account
  • Use of workspace or office space assignment (private or shared)
  • Formal letter of activity and welcome gift

METHODS OF PAYMENT

  • Credit card payment online (instructions to be provided)

*All participants in the programs are required to be enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan for the entire period of their visit and responsible for the cost. Work permit holders who are eligible for the OHIP coverage is eligible to be exempt from this requirement.

How to Apply

Step 1

Consult the Brock University website to identify a likely co-researcher, focusing upon departmental and Faculty home pages.

  • If you have already established a collaborative relationship with a Brock faculty member through your ongoing scholarly or research activities, your chances for involvement in the VIS program are much better.

Step 2

Complete the Online Application Form below.

NOTE: Be sure to contact the Global Scholars Office with any inquiries, not the academic unit you are interested in.

Important Note

Acceptance is NOT guaranteed

  • Brock can only accommodate a limited number of participants in the Visiting International Scholars Program