Part of Brock’s Global Scholars program, the Visiting International Professor (VIP) stream brings visiting faculty from academic institutions in other nations to Brock to teach in their area of expertise and collaborate with Brock faculty, staff and students in a range of academic activities.
Integrate a global perspective into your professional development and training.
The Visiting International Professor (VIP)* stream is an opportunity for professors to bring their multifaceted experiences, viewpoints, and approached to Brock students. Your diverse perspectives and expertise will foster cross-cultural understanding in the classroom and increase your university’s visibility and reputation—as well as your own—in the global academic community.
*Visiting International Professors must have been formally offered a teaching position at Brock.
How it Works
Visiting International Professors are generally invited to offer one half-credit course (minimum 36 hours of instruction) in a relevant program at Brock University. The maximum that a VIP can teach is three half-credit courses in a semester or two full-credit courses in an academic year. At least one lecture or seminar should be open to the entire university community.
One half-credit course taught over one academic term (four months) will usually cover:
- Return economy airfare from home country to Canada (varies)
- Off-campus accommodation in a homestay, house, or apartment
- Food and living costs
- Researchers with an active interest in Canada or North America
Your Visiting International Professor Journey
Before you begin
To begin your VIP journey, Brock International will provide you with:
- Pre-departure assistance (official letter of invitation, email communication, ongoing to help get ready for the trip to Canada)
- Assistance finding local accommodations
- On-arrival orientation, including campus tour and other on-campus orientation activities
- Departmental office space (private or shared, subject to availability)
- Full Internet and computer access, library borrowing privileges
- Opportunities for networking with academic colleagues at Brock, other institutions, and the broader community
A Brock faculty colleague from within the hosting department works with the VIP to facilitate the academic and/or professional activities while at Brock.
While you’re here
- Joint collaborative research with Brock faculty
- Academic job shadowing
- Observation of teaching and learning techniques and classroom activities
- Collaborative curriculum development
The remainder of the VIP’s time is free to follow research, scholarship, and professional development interests.
When your journey concludes
After your VIP journey concludes, Brock International will provide an official letter indicating the nature and extent of the research activities undertaken during your time at Brock.
Frequently Asked Questions
The VIP program is designed for faculty from abroad who are interested in an international teaching and research opportunity at Brock University. Generally, such opportunities arise out of interactions between Brock faculty and their international colleagues, leading to an invitation to teach at Brock.
Academics in the following categories are good VIP candidates:
- Sabbaticants;
- Investigators interested in disseminating original research through an academic specialty course;
- Academic faculty interested in gaining international expertise;
- Faculty seeking collaborative research and teaching opportunities with Canadian colleagues;
- Researchers with an active interest in Canada or North America.
The VIP stream runs in all academic semesters. Course contact time is typically three to six hours per week over a 12-week term 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.
Intensive courses of shorter duration may be offered by special prior arrangement. Applicants should submit proposals for courses no less than one year in advance of their intended stay.
The VIP stream is offered at the main campus of Brock University and by all participating academic units.
How to Apply
Step 1
Consult the Brock University website to determine your exact area of interest.
If you have already established a productive collaborative relationship with a Brock faculty member through your ongoing scholarly or research activities, your chances for involvement in the VIP stream are much better.
Step 2
Email your CV, Statement of Interest, and the following Liability Waiver Form completed to globalscholars@brocku.ca. Please include the academic department and term you would like to participate in.
If a match is made, and subject to departmental chair and Dean approval, Brock International will contact you regarding next steps, such as registration form, fee payment, formal invitation letter, etc.
If you have questions regarding this program, please contact the Global Scholars unit at globalscholars@brocku.ca
Acceptance to the VIP stream is not guaranteed. Brock University can only accommodate a limited number of participants as faculty members volunteer their time to assist VIPs.
All invitations are subject to individual department and Faculty Dean approval.
Discover the benefits of immersing yourself in a new country, working with new colleagues, and gaining fresh perspectives.
Explore these other Global Scholars streams to boost your global experience.