Your March 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.Radboud-Western Collaboration Fund WorkshopRadboud University, The Netherlands and Western have created a new Collaboration Fund in support of increased research, teaching and mobility programs between our two Universities. The Collaboration Fund encourages proposals for one-year collaboration projects (up to $25,000 CDN) in the areas of research and teaching, as well as opportunities for short-term mobility visits. Join us for a workshop on March 24 from 9-10:30 am ET to hear more details about this initiative, gain an overview of Radboud and learn about some existing collaborations. Workshop participants will also be invited to attend breakout sessions focused on research and teaching interests, in order to facilitate opportunities for new collaborations. Canada-Africa Young Scholars Coalition inviting participation Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars are invited to become members of the new The Canada-Africa Young Scholars Coalition (CAYSC), recently launched by The Africa Institute. The CAYSC will include undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and other trainees of African heritage or identity from across Canada, as well as allies. This coalition will foster and promote collaborative, interdisciplinary scholarly approaches, as well as nurture mentorship and academic support for young African and Africanist scholars. 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 required COVID-19 testing, a three-day stay in a government-authorized hotel and registering their quarantine plan with us in advance. Fellowships for Threatened Scholars: call for applications The Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is now accepting applications to support professors and researchers facing threats to their lives or careers. Fellowships support temporary academic positions at universities and other higher education institutions anywhere in the world where the scholars can continue their academic work in safety. Strategic Planning Sessions for our international communityIn consultation with the wider Western Strategic Planning team, Western International will host special strategic planning sessions for international undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and faculty members. Registration details will be available on our website as they are finalized. If you have questions about this process, please contact wicomms@uwo.ca. Free MOOC on Academic Freedom now availableRegister now for Dangerous Questions: Why Academic Freedom Matters, a massive online open course (MOOC), and explore the meaning of academic freedom and how it relates to core higher education and societal values.Participants will examine distinctions between academic freedom and free expression, how academic freedom contributes to a democratic society, and the importance of free and open research to core higher education values. Did You Know?Creating a successful faculty-led program is a great way to internationalize the curriculum. Western International team members are available to provide support to faculty members interested in adding an international learning component to their curriculum/program. Contact goabroad@uwo.ca with any questions. If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca. |