Global Mobility

The scheme is designed to provide staff with the opportunity to have an international experience by supporting them at both a personal and professional level – offering the opportunity to share expertise and learn about new cultures – while at the same time supporting the University’s strategic objective of being ‘A globally connected, globally influential university.’

The objectives of the I.E.F are;

(a) Supporting personal and professional development by;

• Providing personal and career development opportunities for staff through exposure to other cultures and working practices.

(b) Connecting with the world through Internationalisation to;

• Provide the opportunity to measure and benchmark against international best practices and to identify, promote and embed measurable improvements on return;
• Promote knowledge and understanding with partner universities;
• Share learning about best practice with colleagues upon return;
• Facilitate reciprocal visits/exchanges and act as ambassadors for the university in promoting sustainable relationships with partner universities;
• Advance an aspect of the university’s internationalisation strategy

All applicants must provide evidence of how their project meets the section (a) objective and at least one section (b) objective. 

Please note that the fund is primarily to support personal and professional development and to enhance the University’s reputation as a globally connected and globally influential University.  It is not designed to be used as an alternative source of funding for direct research activity or to supplement professional development which should be locally funded. Managers are encouraged to support proposals where there are opportunities to further the University’s internationalisation strategic plan.

A separate fund is available to support proposals aimed at facilitating the development of collaborative projects with universities overseas. For support in developing international collaborations and partnerships, visit International Partnership Development Fund.

The International Experience Fund is financed by the University Trust.  It provides joint funding which means it will provide a contribution to the total costs with the balance contribution coming from College (School/Research Insitute)/ University Service.

(a) All successful applicants will receive the first £1,000 towards their trip from the fund.

In addition to the initial award of £1,000, applicants will receive 50% of the outstanding balance of funding from the IEF with the remaining costs to be funded locally by the applicant's College (School/Research Institute)/University Service.

(b) Candidates undertaking projects involving visits to one of the University of Glasgow's strategic partner universities will receive a further £250 from the IEF.  Therefore a project involving a visit to a strategic partner will attract an initial £1250 from the International Experience Fund and 50% of the outstanding balance.

Please note that details of University strategic partners can be found on the Internationalisation web pages.

Please see the worked examples below;  

Proposed visits should be of a short term nature (i.e. normally between 3 to 21 days) with funding incurred within 6 months of the approval decision date. All proposals should include details of the funding requested and sign off from the relevant budget holder within the College or University Services confirming commitment of joint funding.

Once approved, extensions may be considered if circumstances pertaining to the successful applicant have changed (e.g. pregnancy, maternity leave plans, other health related factors, etc).

Applications should be completed and funding arrangements confirmed and in place before any travel arrangements are confirmed.

Eligible expenses generally include travel, accommodation, institutional gifts for hosts and subsistence for the University of Glasgow nominated applicant(s) travelling. Funds will be reimbursed in accordance with the University’s financial regulations.

Given that successful applications will be demonstrating benefits to both the University and applicant(s), along with a credible plan for transferring knowledge back into the workplace, it is anticipated that nominated applicant(s) will be required to make an employment commitment of 6 months to the University following a visit. If a nominated applicant(s) ceases their employment contract with the University within 6 months of their visit, they may be required to repay / reimburse expenses.

Selection will be based upon the information applicants detail in the application form.  This includes the extent to which the proposed visit / exchange delivers the University strategy with specific reference to enhancing the University’s reputation as a globally connected, globally influential University and that the proposal can satisfy at least two of the International Experience Fund objectives.

The Selection Committee will also take into account a number of factors, over time, to ensure a range and spread of coverage and originality.   Members of the Selection Committee include: Vice Principal of Internationalisation, Director of the Marketing, Recruitment & International Office, Employee and Organisational Development International Experience Fund Lead and HR Director.

The University of Glasgow is committed to promoting equality of opportunity in all its activities and aims to provide a work, learning, research and teaching environment free from discrimination and unfair treatment.  Procedures for the consideration of proposals are intended to be fair, transparent and consistent with the University’s Equal Opportunities Policies.