Strategic International Experience Grants

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be employed at the University of Waterloo as a full-time permanent regular staff member (as defined by Policy 54).
• Be in a position classified under the University Support Group (USG) salary structure.

The SIEG’s have been designed to fund most of the travel expenses associated in a visit to the partner institution. Please note that any additional funding required beyond the grant is the responsibility of the applicant's unit.

For the call’s Strategic International Experience Grants, UT will provide €11,000 overall and UW CAD $16,000 overall. These amounts will be divided into eight awards, with UT awarding four grants of up to €2,750 each and UW awarding four grants of up to CAD $4,000 each within their respective institutions.

The proposals must align with and reference potential impact upon each university’s strategic priorities – namely, the University of Twente’s Shaping 2030 and the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures 2024

Travel must occur between April 2024 and March 2025. Final reports are to be completed by 15 June 2025.

At Waterloo International, we understand that applicants may not have connections to the University of Twente. While we encourage applicants to consider identifying their host unit at UT, applicants do not need to contact their potential host unit(s) as part of the application process until they have been selected for the award.

If an applicant would like to know more about UT, Waterloo International can seek an introduction for you.

The application requires the following items:

1) Completed SIEG application form including required signatures.

2) Proposed project summary may include the following:

• How the activities align with both institutions strategic plan.
• How this experience will enhance the staff member’s current role at the University.
• What challenges may be encountered and how to overcome these challenges.
• Potential of new collaboration opportunities and/or enhancement of the networks between the two universities

3) A letter of support co-signed by the applicant’s head of unit who would act as supervisors for the staff who conduct the project. In this letter, the two co-signatories must confirm their understanding of the following:

• The staff recipient will be required to work with the University of Twente in advance of, and after, travel. This will be considered part of the award recipient’s normal working hours.
• The award recipient will be away for this international experience and will continue to be paid during their time away.

 

Upon being awarded the SIEG, successful recipients must fulfill the following requirements:

Before Travel:

• Communicate with the University of Twente prior to the visit to create a clear plan of activities during the trip.
• Submit the list of proposed activities to Waterloo International for review.
• Review our webpage on faculty and staff travel safety on the Waterloo International website.
• Register their travel with Safety Abroad.
• Review final plans and arrangements with Waterloo International prior to departure.

During Travel:

• Adhere to the University of Twente’s guidelines and regulations, as required.
• Take photographs of your travels and stay at University of Twente.

After Mobility

• Within 30 days of your return to Waterloo, provide Waterloo International with the following:
  • A 1–3-page summary of your experience.
  • Submit any relevant photographs taken during your mobility.

Upon Return:

• Complete a report by 15 June 2025 outlining what they did, when they did it, where they travelled, who they met, etc. as well as what they hoped to achieve, what they achieved, lessons learned, etc.
• Submit your photographs taken during your stay to Waterloo International.
• Participate in an interview for an online story about their experience.

19 February 2024: Announcement and applications open

18 March 2024: Applications close

10 April 2024: Announcement of successful applications

17 April 2024: Successful applicants provided funding agreements

24 April 2024: Notice of awards

15 June 2025: Final reports due and all conditions met 

Proposals will be assessed based on the following:

• Potential impact upon each university’s strategic priorities – namely, University of Twente’s Shaping 2030 and the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures 2024 and Waterloo at 100.
• Feasibility – how the project will create near-term impact and what are the prospects for achieving the desired impact.
• Sustainability – what are the anticipated impacts of this project beyond engagement through the SIEG funding.

• The SIEG (maximum of CAD $4,000) will cover University of Waterloo permissible travel expenses (refer to Policy 31 references and definitions).
• The award recipient has the option to either have their home unit receive a financial transfer and manage the expense claim, in accordance with departmental standards and institutional policy, or select the cash advance option.
• Award recipients must register their travel with Safety Abroad and follow all travel guidelines.
• All activity must adhere to University guidelines.
• Additional funding beyond the grant is the responsibility of the applicant's unit. The call is administered by respective international offices at UT and UW.

What is the purpose of the SIEG?

The purpose of the SIEG’s is to share best practices and provide international experiences to staff who are collaborating with units of interest within the partner institution. Desirable extra aspect: potential for new collaborations, enhancement of networks, etc.

Who is eligible to apply for the Strategic International Experience Grants (SIEG)?

The SIEG is open to all staff members. At UW, applicants must be full-time permanent USG-level regular staff, while at UT, applicants must be non-scientific staff.

Do staff that are more senior get a preference when it comes to applying?

No, the SIEG is open to all full-time permanent staff members. Seniority does not determine the success of one’s application.

What is the funding amount available for the SIEG?

UT provides €11,000 overall, and UW provides CAD $16,000 overall. Each SIEG recipient receives €2,750 (UT) or CAD $4,000 (UW).

What does the SIEG cover?

Travel expenses, including:

• economy air travel and ground transportation
• accommodations and meal allowances
• visa costs

What are the key obligations for applicants?

Applicants must ensure that their proposals align with the strategic plans of both UT and UW. Additionally, applications must be sponsored by management of the applicants’ home unit.

When is the travel period for the SIEG?

SIEG travel must occur between April 2024 and March 2025.

How are proposals assessed for the SIEG?

Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the strategic plans of both UT and UW, as well as their potential for fostering international collaboration.

What if additional funding beyond the grant is required for the project?

Any additional funding required beyond the grant is the responsibility of the applicant's unit and must be negotiated with the sponsoring unit.

What happens once I'm approved?

All travel and visa arrangements will be made by the employee. Employees are responsible to ensure that necessary visa arrangements are made in sufficient time to undertake approved travel. Paid travel that cannot be completed due to lack of appropriate visa or other requirements will not be eligible for reimbursement. Once you have been approved, Waterloo International will be in contact to assist you with the next steps.

At Waterloo, questions and submissions from UW should be directed to Aisha Shibli (Manager, International Funding Opportunities) at ashibli@uwaterloo.ca

At Twente, questions and submissions from UT should be directed to Margriet Dekkers (International Strategic Partnership Coordinator) at m.a.h.dekkers@utwente.nl