Developing International Exchanges
Funding for exchanges
Many department-level exchanges can be carried out on a reciprocity basis with very little funding except for travel costs. Reliance on in-kind contributions and one-for-one exchanges can be limiting, however, so departments are encouraged to seek external support to keep exchanges thriving.
OIP travel grant program
This program offers grants to support international activities. Awards can be
used for initial travel to establish a new exchange. Deadlines occur three
times per year.
OIP funding database search request
OIP maintains a database of hundreds of external funding sources for faculty international activities. Some of these sources may also be useful to those inteding to establish an exchange with an institution abroad, either as seed money for initial collaboration for a longer-term relationship or to support individual exchangees.
Exchange budget worksheet (PDF)
OIP provides an online worksheet to help you lay out the types of costs incurred by a faculty exchange.
Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA)
The U of M SPA office reviews and process proposals for funding from all external agencies. Staff work with faculty members to develop budgets and assist in the interpretation of program guidelines. After a grant is awarded, SPA serves as the liaison between the faculty member and the sponsoring agency. SPA also has access to the Sponsored Project Information Network (SPIN), a larger, more general database of funding opportunties.
U.S. State Department (formerly USIA) Educational Partnership Program
The U.S. Department of State holds annual competitions for grants to support academic exchanges between U.S. and foreign institutions. Priorities change from year to year. Guidelines are usually released with a three- to four-month lead time before the proposal deadline. OIP can provide current information on program priorities.
Guide to U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Programs
Fulbright-Hays, international education, FIPSE, international business education
National Security Education Program (NSEP) institutional grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Scientific Cooperation Research Program