Your February 2021 edition Welcome to the International Insights newsletter, a monthly roundup of news, opportunities and updates with an international focus, curated by Western International for the Western community.New research team to address climate change in West AfricaA new team of young researchers from Western University and West Africa will soon be looking at ways to improve social development in struggling West African countries by addressing climate issues, thanks to a grant program focused on building research capacity and collaborations around the globe. The project, spearheaded by The Africa Institute at Western, is funded through a $300,000 award from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships Advanced Scholars West Africa program and will be used to train early-career researchers to better understand how to address climate change and nurture sustainable livelihoods in five West African countries. The funding will support the exchange of 11 Western scholars and 11 scholars from partners in Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Senegal and Nigeria. Together, they will focus on issues of climate change and sustainable livelihoods to improve social development in selected areas of those countries — including better health, gender equity, empowerment of disadvantaged groups, good governance of land resources, and enhanced knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices. Apply to host an international student in your faculty Applications are now being accepted for two Global Affairs Canada 2021-2022 scholarship programs, which provide an opportunity for international students from member countries to conduct short-term study or research in Canada, Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program and Study in Canada Scholarships. Western International administers applications for these scholarship programs on behalf of Western. If your faculty is interested in or planning to host a candidate, please refer to our Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program webpage for further details or contact goabroad@uwo.ca. Applications to Western are due by March 12, 2021. International travel requirements and restrictions Western International is continuing to provide updates and support to students who choose to travel to Canada from abroad. As government requirements and restrictions evolve, students are strongly encouraged to follow the up-to-date guidelines and steps on our International Arrival website to ensure they complete all the necessary steps before travelling and when they arrive, including completing a pre-departure COVID-19 test and registering their quarantine plan with us in advance. Call for entries - New international Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research The Einstein Foundation in Berlin, Germany has announced a new “Award for Promoting Quality in Research” in three categories: Individual Award, Institutional Award and Early Career Award. Find more information on objectives, timeline, the selection process, eligibility, nomination, and application, on their website. Call for Proposals - Research SymposiumProposals are now being accepted for a two-day virtual research symposium, Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse International Students in Open and Online Learning Environments, taking place June 17 & 18, 2021 and hosted by the University of Windsor's Teaching International Students Research Group, a project of the University of Windsor Faculty of Education. Information on criteria can be found on their website. Volunteer opportunity - Graduate Readiness ProgramAcademics Without Borders is seeking volunteers to assist with the implementation of an employment readiness program in partnership with the European School of Management (ESMT) in Germany and Strathmore University in Kenya. Applications are due March 12. Call for proposals - AWBAcademics Without Borders (AWB) is now accepting proposals for or capacity building projects in an institution of higher learning in the developing world. Given the uncertainties regarding international travel, submissions that can be implemented in whole or in part online. Applications are due March 8. In Case You Missed It: Workshop on research collaboration with partners in EU Europe A recent workshop, co-hosted by Western, McMaster University and the University of Waterloo, offered the opportunity to create awareness on existing mechanisms for supporting research collaboration between European Universities and researchers. The session recording and resources are now available. Did You Know?In addition to providing guidance to our international students, Western International's team of regulated immigration advisors are also available to help faculty and staff understand the implications of academic program changes and updates and the impact these changes may have on international students. Members of the Western community are encouraged to reach out with any questions to iesc@uwo.ca. If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca. |