International Network of Universities (INU)

The International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace

The International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace is a unique immersion program which is usually hosted by Hiroshima University in Japan. Since 2006, the seminar welcomes students from around the world from INU member universities and is structured around the August 6 commemoration of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

The seminar prepares an international group of approx 60 students to live and learn as engaged global citizens. The Student Seminar provides students with a working knowledge of global citizenship and peace with a focus on cross-disciplinary problem, solving of real-world political, economic, social, and cultural problems. Workshops are delivered by Faculty from across INU member universities, with expertise across a range of disciplines relating to the theme.

The 10-day program includes lectures, case studies and small group discussions. The program also offers field trips to local attractions and cultural learning experiences, and culminates in a United Nations role play where groups of students represent different countries, and negotiate to pass a draft resolution.

The program also includes attendance of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on 6th  August.

Theme for 2024

Each year, the INU Student Seminar addresses a different theme. In 2024, the theme of the seminar is on World Peace and Political Justice.

Eligibility

All students from the Viadrina are eligible to apply..

Who should apply?

The student seminar is designed for highly motivated students who are interested in:

• Increasing their understanding of political, economic, social and cultural challenges emerging in an increasingly globalized world

• Understanding the notion of global citizenship and considering their potential as global citizens

• Deepening their appreciation of the challenges and payoffs of cross-cultural and international engagement

• Sharing reflections with students, academics, and other seminar participants.

Application and Selection Process

Each INU member institution determines the application and selection process for students at their university. For more information, contact the international office at your institution, or contact the INU Coordinator.

The current call for applications can be found here.

Practical Information

The program schedule, accommodation information and reading lists will be provided to selected students in advance of the seminar.

Funding the visit

Participants from the Viadrina are eligible to receive a travel allowance of approximately 600€ and the Japanese JASSO scholarship of 80.000 ¥.

Henry Fong Award

Upon successful completion of the Summer School, qualifying participants are encouraged to apply for a Henry Fong Award.

Master’s Summer School for Global Citizenship & Peace

The Master’s Summer School for Global Citizenship and Peace is a unique immersion program which is usually hosted by Hiroshima University in Japan.

The summer school prepares a group of international students to live and learn as engaged global citizens, providing students with a working knowledge of global citizenship and peace with a focus on cross-disciplinary problem, solving of real-world political, economic, social, and cultural problems. Workshops are delivered by Faculty from across INU member universities, with expertise across a range of disciplines relating to the theme.

The 10-day program includes lectures, case studies and small group discussions. The program also offers field trips to local attractions and cultural learning experiences, and culminates in a United Nations role play where groups of students represent different countries, and negotiate to pass a draft resolution.

The program also includes attendance of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on 6th August.

The Master’s Summer School coincides with the International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace program for Undergraduate students and follows a similar theme and program, however Masters’ students are asked to participate in a paper presentation in addition.

Theme for 2024

Each year, the Master’s Summer School addresses a different theme. In 2024, the theme of the summer school is on World Peace and Political Justice.

Features

• Pre-readings and preparation of a paper to be discussed with the group;

• An intensive educational program with lectures and workshops with students from across the globe; 

• Academic experts and guest speakers from around the world;

• United Nations General Assembly Role Play;

• An integrated cultural program that introduces a unique side of Hiroshima, which includes a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum and admission to attend the annual Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on 6 August.

Pre-course Assignment

In preparation for the course, graduate students write a 4000-word paper on one of four topics related to the theme of the program, which they present during the Masters Summer School.

Eligibility

All master students from the Viadrina are eligible to apply.

Application and Selection Process

The current call for applications can be found here.

Practical Information

The course guide, reading lists and travel information for the participants will be shared by email with selected students.

Funding the visit

Participants from the Viadrina are eligible to receive a travel allowance of approximately 600€ and the Japanese JASSO scholarship of 80.000 ¥.

International Student Conference

Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR) in Indonesia this year is hosting the International Student Conference on the theme of “Inclusivity and Accessibility to Welfare and Sustainable Living After the Pandemic”. 

The programme will enable students from around the world to come together and discuss important issues around this theme, which forms part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

There will be lectures and workshops on the topic of inclusivity and welfare, as well as a strong focus on Indonesian culture, and skills development .

It is expected that ISC 2023 will prepare the younger generation, the successor of the civilization, to join hands together regardless of race, religion or ethnic background in overcoming the challenges of the future as true global citizens.

Students are recommended to contact the International Office at their home institution for support and guidance on applying.

 

Henry Fong Award for Global Citizenship and Peace

Each year, INU invites student participants of the International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace to apply for the Henry Fong Award.

The Henry Fong Award recognizes an outstanding student within the INU network who exemplifies a person committed to the concept of global citizenship. The INU defines global citizenship as the awareness of the world as a global community and the recognition of the rights and responsibilities of citizens within it. This award is possible due to the generous contribution of Dr. Henry Fong Yun-Wah (1924-2022), who was a prominent Hong Kong business leader and philanthropist. His support of education was recognised by numerous universities in China, including Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Scotland and the USA.

The award comprises a scholarship to study for a maximum of one semester at another INU member university and a stipend of $2,000 (USD) to support travel costs and living expenses.

The exchange semester should be a non-degree semester on the undergraduate level; the awardee cannot get his or her degree from the hosting INU university.

Application Process

Applicants need to complete and submit the following:

• Essay: In an essay of no more than 1,200 words participants are asked to reflect upon and demonstrate their personal understanding of the concept of Global Citizenship, drawing upon the contents of the seminar and personal reflections. The essay should refer to sessions, provide examples from the exercises and discussions they have been involved in, and demonstrate their commitment to global thinking / understanding/action. Whilst the statement should by largely an essay reflecting on the experience of the International Student Seminar (and therefore probably wouldn’t have many references), if applicants do refer to external sources (academic or otherwise), these should be referenced appropriately. In short, it is not expected that applicants must have external sources, but if they do, they need to be referenced.

• Host University: Applicants should identify the INU university at which they would like to study for an exchange semester. They should also identify courses in which they are interested.

• CV: Applicants are asked to enclose their curriculum vitae (resume) and contact details.

All documents must be presented in English.

The essay, host university, courses of interest, and CV (resume) should be submitted via email to the INU Office.

Who can apply?

All bachelor students from the Viadrina with a good knowledge in English, who attended the Student Seminar on Global Citizenship and Peace.

Selection Process

A selection committee consisting of INU academics teaching at the INU Student Seminar will be responsible for selecting the award winner. The selection will take place in September of the current year. The name of the Award recipient will be published in October.

The Staff Knowledge Exchange Program

The INU Staff Knowledge Exchange Program aims to strengthen the links between INU member universities by providing opportunities to professional services and administrative staff to visit, study, discuss, and benchmark systems and practices across the network. Through the visits, both the sending and the hosting universities benefit from sharing best practices. The program allows staff members spend a week with one or two different INU partners to exchange experience and expertise with a colleague at the hosting universities.

The ideal knowledge exchange period is one week. This will allow time for travel, three days of business, and extra time for personal and cultural visits.

Areas of Work

The Staff Knowledge Exchange is open to all professional services / administrative staff at INU member Universities.

Some examples of areas of work are outlined below, however we’re open to applications from all administrative staff, from any sector / department:

• Alumni Relations

• Career Services

• Finance Management

• Marketing & Communications

• International & Global Engagement

• Student Affairs/Student Support Services

• Community Engagement

• Governance

• Fundraising

• IT Support

• Service Learning

• Library Services

• Human Resources Management

• Research Management

Requirements

• Applicants must be employed at an INU member university.

• Applicants must have a good working knowledge of English.

Application Process

1. Prior to making an application, you will first need to look at member university websites to make an informed decision on which university would be the most appropriate host, based on your particular interests.

Please seek assistance and approval at your home institution.

2. To apply, applicants will need to complete the online application, with at least six months before the proposed travel date.

3. In addition to the online application, the following documents will be required:

• A letter of support from your home institution (signed by both your line manager and the INU Council member at your University)

• A summary of key tasks undertaken in your current job (maximum one page)

• A supporting statement outlining your expectations for the visit (Approx. 300-500 words). This should include what you hope to learn and experience and how this might support your personal future plans and aspirations, as well as those of the department/institution.

• A copy of your curriculum vitae

Documents are to be submitted as Microsoft Word or PDF files.

In applying for the Staff Knowledge Exchange Program, you consent to the International Network of Universities collecting and storing the data from the application form in line with the INU privacy policy. 

Selection Process

Applications are most likely to be supported by the INU if they address the following:

• Clear objectives and purpose of the visit.

• Commitment to developing a long-term international collaboration. (making use of the online methods to sustain a partnership)

• A demonstrated understanding of INU and our mission and values.

• Potential impact for INU members institutions.

• Potential impact for visiting member of staff and host institution.

There may be limited funding available (depending on institutional budgets) and it may not be possible to support all interested applicants.

After your application is submitted

When your application is received, the INU Coordinator will initiate contact with the host institution to explore if it is possible to accommodate the proposed visit. If the first-choice institution is unable to do so, the INU Coordinator will approach the second-choice institution. Unfortunately, we are not always able to give detailed feedback as to why an application is unsuccessful, however we can approach alternative institutions.

Host institutions will receive the full application and supporting documents to consider, alongside the letter of acceptance template form.

The INU Coordinator will keep you informed of the status of your application.  If you have any questions, the INU Coordinator can be contacted on this email: INU@kingston.ac.uk

You can expect to hear the outcome of your application within 6-8 weeks of receipt of the application.

Arranging the visit

Upon agreement of the host institution, the INU Coordinator will introduce the visiting staff member and the host institution so they can liaise directly to make the necessary arrangements, including deciding upon mutually agreeable dates for the visit.

Funding the visit

The Sending Institution will be responsible for: 

• Travel costs (airfare / train travel, etc.) for the travelling member of staff, as well as any associated costs such as visa applications, travel insurance etc.

• Covering subsistence during the visit (meals, refreshments, local travel costs) according to their own institutional expenses policy.

Applicants may be asked to pay for their local transportation and some meals.

The host institution will be responsible for:

• Arranging and funding accommodation (hotel or homestay) for the visiting member of staff, as well as covering the cost of ad hoc meals (i.e. when hosting lunch or dinner for the visiting staff member

Reporting on the Experience

• The applicant and host institution will be asked to complete an evaluation report on the experience and will be asked to provide photos and quotes which can be used on INU’s social media.

• A short video will also be requested of the visiting staff member, outlining what they gained from the experience (using a smartphone in landscape mode), for use on the INU website / social media. This can be taken during or after the visit and should be no longer than 3 minutes. Please ensure this is filmed in landscape format, in a quiet environment without background noise and the camera is steady. This may also be used on the INU website, promotional materials and on social media channels.

Seed Money Fund

The INU Seed Money Fund addresses the need for INU faculty / professional services staff to start a project of significance which will benefit the network. This open seed-funding call seeks creative ideas that support internationalization and global engagement within the INU and is open for any member of staff at an INU member institution to apply.

Applications from those who have recently undertaken the Researcher Mobility Program or Staff Knowledge Exchange, to further their partnership and begin new projects are most welcome.

The call is open to all disciplines and a variety of activities across our INU member universities.

The Award

There are two rounds of funding available for seed money projects.

Phase 1 – New projects

New projects should apply under phase 1.  This phase is for new applications for a project which is yet to receive funding support from INU.

There are 2 awards of up to $3,000 each year under Phase 1.

Applications under phase 1 need to have a minimum of 2 INU member institutions involved in the project.

Phase 2 – Expanding projects

Phase 2 is for projects which are already underway and have already been awarded Seed Money Funding previously under Phase 1.  This provides the opportunity to apply for a second round of funding, to develop and expand the initiative further.

There are 2 awards of up to $3,000 each year under Phase 2.

Applications under phase 2 need to have a minimum of 4 INU member institutions involved in the project.

Who can apply?

All faculty or staff members from the Viadrina. The Network encourages collaboration among two or more INU members. A member institution can submit multiple applications.

How to apply?

To apply for Seed Money funding, please complete the application form. This should be completed by the nominated project lead.

The following supporting documents will be required:

• Project description (Describe the proposed project and explain how this initiative aligns with INU mission/vision, outline the expected outcomes, long term sustainability etc)

• If you’re applying under Phase 2, please attach a separate document outline the outcomes from Phase 1 Seed Money Funding.

• List of partners including:

Name, job title, faculty / department, university, email address.

The role and contribution of each partner should be clearly defined.

• A letter of support from each partner, signed by their line manager

• A detailed budget of up to $3,000

Seed Money Fund applicants should consider carefully which elements can be delivered remotely, via online methods, and which elements may require travel.  In terms of sustainable internationalisation, accessibility and cost effectiveness, applicants should consider a balance of online and in-person activity.

When applying for Seed Money Funding, you consent to the International Network of Universities collecting and storing the data from the application form in line with their privacy policy.

Selection criteria

The selection committee is comprised of three representatives of INU institutions and will consider application on the following basis:

• Priority will be given to projects that align with INU mission, vision, and value statement.

• Project proposals will be rated based on potential outcomes and impact.

• Applications need to have a future vision, of how the project can develop and grow. It needs to be sustainable without INU funding in the long-term.

• Applications should include a minimum of 2 INU members, however in most cases, it is expected that applications will include a greater number of INU members.

If only 2 members are part of the project, evidence needs to be given to show approaches were made to other INU members to be involved, or to show why this particular initiative can only relate to two institutions.  Applications which address how projects can extend to other INU members will also be viewed preferentially.

If you would like to be connected with faculty / staff at other INU member universities to invite them as partners in a project, please do contact the INU Coordinator who will be happy to facilitate in connecting you.

Successful Projects

Recipients of Seed Money Funding will be required to report back on progress to the INU Council as follows:

• Seed Money Fund recipients are expected to give INU a project update at least once every 3 months.

• 12 months after the funds have been awarded, the nominated project lead and project partners will be asked to give a presentation to INU Council, showcasing the project and its outcomes.

• A written annual report for the INU will also be required, as well as photos and quotes which can be used on INU’s social media / website.

Deadline to apply

31st October each year.

Researcher Mobility Program

The Researcher Mobility Program allows PhD students (or equivalent) and active researchers within the INU network to engage in research at another INU member university.  The purpose of this program is to develop joint research initiatives between INU member universities and to share expertise between research centers.

Visits should be for 2- 4 weeks and should form the basis for future collaboration between the two research centers.

Following a successful visit, the host research center and visiting researcher may like to consider applying for Seed Money Funding, to support their on-going collaboration (ideally considering how other INU members could participate/benefit also).

Number of awards

5 awards of up to $2,000 each year.

The award contributes towards travel and living costs to facilitate the visit.

The INU member university will cover the upfront costs of the visit (up to a maximum of $2,000) and will invoice INU to reimburse the costs, providing invoices/receipts where possible.

Expenses submitted to the home institution must be as per its institutional expenses policy.

Criteria

Applicants must be enrolled as a PhD student or employed as faculty engaged in active research at an INU member universities for at least 6 months, prior to the application.

Applicants must have a good level of English to undertake this programme.

Before applying

1. Initially, applicants should identify a research centre at an INU member university which matches their research interests. This can be done via the INU member university websites (Links at bottom of the page).
2. The researcher should connect with the relevant member of staff within the research group and confirm if they would be willing to accommodate their visit. The applicant should outline the following information at the outset in their communication to the potential host research centre:

• their research interests and how this aligns with the host research centre:
• the purpose of their proposed visit
• their expectations of the visit

It is recommended the link to the INU Researcher Mobility Programme website is also provided at the first point of contact also.

3. If the host research centre is happy to accommodate the visit, Letter of Acceptance is required is required to submit with the application.

4. A Letter of Support is required from your home institution (signed by both your line manager and the INU Council member at your University).

Making an application

The visiting researcher is required to submit the application form and supporting documents to the INU Coordinator before the deadline of 21 March 2023.   The following supporting documents will need to be submitted with the application.

Supporting documents

1. A statement of purpose including:

• Details of your current research activities
• Objectives of the visit
• How will this help you as a researcher and the interests of your research center.
• Future plans to continue the collaboration between the two research centers

The statement of purpose should be signed and agreed by the visiting researcher and the host research centre.

2. A planned schedule – outlining key activities during the visit. This should be developed by the visiting researcher and the host research centre in collaboration.  This can include an indication of potential dates for the visit (although confirmed dates are not required).

3. Letter of Support signed by the researcher’s supervisor/line manager and INU Council member at the home institution.

4. Letter of Acceptance signed by the host research center

5. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resumé of the visiting researcher

6. A budget outlining the expected cost of the visit. (Quotes to provided when possible.)

• Travel costs
• Accommodation
• Subsistence

INU can cover up to $2,000 only.  Any additional costs would either need to be agreed to be covered by the sending institution separately or by the visiting researcher.

In applying for the Researcher Mobility program, you may consent to the International Network of Universities collecting and storing the data from this form in line with their privacy policy. 

Criteria for selection

The following criteria will be considered when reviewing applications:

• Clear objectives and purpose of the visit
• Commitment to developing an international research collaboration (making use of the online resources to sustain a partnership)
• A demonstrated understanding of INU and our mission and values
• Potential impact for INU members institutions
• Potential impact for visiting researcher and host institution

Successful applicants

Applicants will be informed by mid-May if they have been successful. 

Following this, applicants will have 12 months to arrange and make the visit to the INU member university research centre.

If 12 months passes, and the visit has not yet taken place, the applicant will need to re-apply for funding.

Deadline to apply

21st March 2023

Intercultural Learning for Global Engagement Conference 2023

Intercultural Learning for Global Engagement group (ILGE) are committed to creating an inclusive curriculum for students, reflecting the rich diversity of cultures around the world. Through the International Network of Universities, we bring together expertise and experience from our partner institutions to enable students and staff to develop intercultural understanding and a global perspective.

As part of INU’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 2023, INU is organising an online conference on Intercultural Learning for Global Engagement.  The week-long conference will take place from Monday 27th – Friday 31st March 2023 and which will showcase exemplars and expertise from INU member universities in the field of intercultural learning and global engagement.

Sessions will address the following areas:

1. Intercultural learning: theory, practice, and research
2. Institution-wide efforts in development of intercultural competencies
3. UN SDGs at intersection with intercultural competencies/global engagement related topics

The conference is open to all staff, both faculty and professional/administrative staff who have an interest in building intercultural competences for students and staff, and who would like to learn from best practice at other institutions.  We hope the conference will provide a platform for staff across INU members to make connections and form the basis for future collaborations.

The Program

The program of sessions can be viewed below (along with details of the timing for each session based on your time zones).

We aim to make the sessions as interactive as possible to enable you to engage with other members of the audience from institutions from around the world, as well as learning from the speakers themselves.

Registration

You’re invited to register for the sessions you would like to attend via the Eventbrite Registration Page. Registrations can only be accepted from members of staff working at an INU member university.

Registrations will close on Thursday 23 March 2023

Workshop Sessions – Time Zone Differences

You can find the Sessions Timetable here.