Part of Brock’s Global Scholars program, the Visiting International Scholar (VIS) stream welcomes faculty and scholars at the graduate, doctorate, and post-doctorate levels to visit Brock to continue their professional development and training in a new environment.
Integrate a global perspective into your professional development and training.
VIS candidates work closely with Brock University faculty members on shared research opportunities while developing their skills and networking with colleagues.
Opportunities include:
- Research and scholarship activities
- Job shadowing
- Guest lecturing
How it Works
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
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 Visiting International Scholar Journey
Before you begin
To begin your VIS 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 ID card, 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
- Collaborative research with a faculty colleague at Brock
- Academic job shadowing
- Guest lecturing
When your journey concludes
After your VIS 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 financial remuneration or formal academic credit for their stay at Brock.
Frequently Asked Questions
The VIS stream 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 stream is offered at the main campus of Brock University and by all participating academic and administrative units.
The application fee for the VIS stream covers the cost of services and secures participants’ position.
Cost:
- Program fee – $150 (CAD) per visit
- University Health Insurance Plan coverage – $63 (CAD) per month
- All participants in the VIS 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
- 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 stream are much better.
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 VIS 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 streams to boost your global experience.