Part of Brock’s Global Scholars program, the University Mentorship (UM) stream is an inbound research opportunity that matches undergraduate and graduate students from outside of Canada with a Brock faculty or staff mentor who shares a similar research interest.
Boost your degree with the UM stream.
The UM stream offers a unique opportunity to enhance your academic journey through specialized research placements or internships that complement your current degree at your home institution. Engage in a variety of academic and administrative activities designed to boost your professional development while you gain valuable global experience.
Opportunities include:
- Graduate or undergraduate laboratory internships
- Conducting research under the guidance of a faculty member
- Participating in academic job shadowing experiences
- Observing teaching and learning techniques
- Networking with other professionals in your area of interest.
How it Works
A dedicated volunteer faculty or staff mentor from Brock University will work closely with each UM Pathway participant, facilitating their academic and professional activities. The mentor’s role includes:
- Advisory Support: Acting as the adviser and primary contact for the participant.
- Research Guidance: Providing guidance and engaging in collaborative or directed research.
- Community Integration: Serving as a bridge to the broader Brock community.
- Professional Networking: Creating opportunities for interaction with academics and professionals in the participant’s field of interest and engaging them in meaningful professional activities.
- Observation Opportunities: Offering unobtrusive chances for participants to observe and interact with academic classes, seminars, or other administrative meetings.
Participant Responsibilities
Participants are responsible for covering their own expenses, including travel, accommodation, visa fees, and health insurance. Typically, participants secure funding from their home governments or institutions to cover these costs.
Your University Mentorship journey
Before you begin
To begin your UM journey, Brock International will provide you 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 introductions and links to other colleagues
- A Brock University email account, full internet and computer access, and library borrowing privileges
Access to a workspace on campus is a possibility but is not guaranteed.
While you’re here
- Research activities with a Brock faculty member such as a lab internship
- Academic or administrative job shadowing
- Observation of teaching and learning techniques and classroom activities
- Collaborative curriculum development
When your Journey concludes
After your UM journey concludes, Brock International will provide an official letter indicating the nature and extent of the research activities undertaken during your time at Brock.
Please note: Participants will not receive a formal degree, diploma, or other formal academic credit for their stay at Brock.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UM stream is designed for faculty, staff, students, and other scholars who are interested in professional development or internship opportunities with peers and mentors to boost their existing degrees. This program is not intended for further degree-related academic study.
The UM program runs throughout the year, although July and August are typically summer vacation months for many Canadians.
The UM program is offered at the main campus of Brock University and by all participating academic and administrative units.
The application fee for the UM stream covers the cost of services and secures participants’ position.
Cost:
- Application fee – $150 (CAD) per visit
- University Health Insurance Plan coverage – $63 (CAD) per month
- All participants in the UM stream 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 are eligible to be exempt from this requirement.
Fee coverage includes:
- Pre-departure assistance
- Accommodation information
- On-arrival orientation (Brock ID card, library access, campus tour, etc.)
- Pre-arranged email account
- Formal letter of activity and welcome gift
Methods of payment:
- Credit card payment online (instructions to be provided)
How to Apply
Step 1
Consult the Brock University website and academic calendars to determine your area of interest.
Step 2
Obtain a letter of support from a supervisor or senior administrator at your home institution to strengthen your application.
Step 3
Complete the online application form. Once received, Brock International will contact faculty and staff members in your area of interest to determine mentor availability. If a willing mentor is located, the Global Scholars team will contact you with next steps.
If you have questions regarding this program, please contact the Global Scholars unit at globalscholars@brocku.ca
Acceptance to the UM stream is not guaranteed. Brock University can only accommodate a limited number of participants.
Discover the benefits of immersing yourself in a new country, working with new colleagues, and gaining fresh perspectives.
Explore these other Global Scholars pathways to boost your global experience.