Published on Brock University (http://www.brocku.ca)
Visiting International Professor (VIP) Program
Who is Eligible?
What are the Features of the VIP Program?
When does the VIP Program run?
Where is the VIP Program offered?
How do I Become Involved?
Visiting International Professors Archive
Brock's VISITING INTERNATIONAL PROFESSOR (VIP) program brings visiting faculty from academic institutions in other nations to visit Brock for an extended period, teaching a course (or courses) in their area of expertise and collaborating with Brock faculty, staff and students in a range of academic activities. Typically, the stipends that are paid per course will cover all travel expenses, accommodations, and living expenses, for the period of one or two academic term(s).
Who is Eligible?
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
What are the Features of the VIP Program?
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 number of courses that a VIP can teach is limited to a maximum of 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 /4 months) will usually cover :
- return economy airfare from home country to Canada (will vary widely)
- off-campus accommodation in a homestay, house, or apartment
- food and living costs
Visiting International Professors will be provided with:
- pre-departure assistance (official letter of invitation are sent by courier, email communication ongoing to help get ready for the trip to Canada)
- assistance finding local accommodations
- coordinate ground transportation arrangements between Pearson International Airport or Buffalo International Airport and St. Catharines, Ontario
- 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
While at Brock, other activities may include:
- 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.
A Brock faculty colleague from within the hosting department works with the VIP, to facilitate the participant's academic and / or professional activities while at Brock, e.g.:
- to serve as a key departmental contact person for the participant, providing guidance about course administration, curriculum, exams, marking and other related university teaching protocol
- to serve as an interface with the rest of the Brock community
- to create opportunities for interaction with academics and professionals in the participant's area of interest, and to engage the participant in meaningful representative professional activity
- to facilitate opportunities for the VIP to interact with other classes and seminars where appropriate
Brock International will issue a formal letter of invitation to selected participants, coordinate transportation, help to arrange accommodations, link participants with other university colleagues, and arrange library and internet access. Also, Brock International will publicize the arrival of participants and offer every opportunity for interaction with the broader Brock community.
At the end of their stay at Brock, Brock International will provide an official letter indicating the nature and extent of the teaching activities undertaken at Brock.
When does the VIP Program run?
The VIP program runs in all academic semesters. Course contact time is typically 3-6 hours per week over a twelve-week term during the regular academic year (Term I: September 1st – 31 December; Term II: January 1st – 30 April). Fewer courses are offered in the Spring Evening (April-June) and Summer (July- August) semesters, and many faculty are involved in research activities at that time. July and August are traditional summer vacation months for many Canadians.
Intensive courses of shorter duration may be offered by special prior arrangement. Applicants should submit proposals for courses not less than one year in advance of their intended stay.
Where is the VIP Program Offered?
The VIP program is offered at the main campus of Brock University, by all participating academic units.
How do I Become Involved?
Participants in the VIP program are usually known to Brock faculty member who may have collaborated on research or academic initiatives.
If you are interested in applying to the VIP program:
- Determine your exact area of interest by consulting the Brock University website (http://www.brocku.ca) and academic calendars. If you have already established a productive collaborative relationship with a Brock faculty member, your chances for involvement in the VIP program are much better.
- Please submit the online Application Form.
- If a match is made, and subject to Departmental Chair and Dean approval, Brock International will contact you regarding next steps. (Registration Form, Fee Payment, Formal Invitation Letter, etc.)
It is important to note that Brock can only accommodate a limited number of participants in the Visiting International Professor program, and that faculty members volunteer their time to assist VIPs. Therefore we cannot guarantee acceptance. Also, all invitations are subject to individual department and Faculty Dean approval.
You can learn more about courses and programs available at Brock by checking the Brock website (http://www.brocku.ca) and the graduate and undergraduate calendars.