Strategic International Experience Grants to collaborate with University of Waterloo open for support staff

Applicants must be employed at the University of Twente as a support staff member.

The SIEGs have been designed to fund most of the travel expenses associated with a visit to the partner institution. Any additional funding required beyond the grant is the responsibility of the applicant's unit and must be negotiated with the sponsoring 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 the 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.

We understand that applicants may not have connections to the University of Waterloo. While we encourage applicants to consider identifying their host unit at UW, 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 Waterloo, we can seek an introduction for you.

 After the communication of the evaluation outcomes, successful applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

Before travel

• Communicate with the University of Waterloo prior to the visit to create a clear plan of activities during the trip.
• Submit the list of proposed activities to UT’s Strategy & Policy-International Affairs for review.
• Review final plans and arrangements with UT’s Strategy & Policy – International Affairs prior to departure.

Upon return

• Complete a back-to-office 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, and how they will share internally their experience, and a plan for potential collaboration
• 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 Notice of Award
• 24 April 2024: Successful applicants email Notice of Award confirmation
• 15 June 2025: Final reports due and all conditions met

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.

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 Waterloo 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.
• Applicants will be notified by email after the selection committee reviews submitted applications and selects candidates to move forward with an interview.

Proposals will be assessed based on the following:

• 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.
• Feasibility – how the project will create near-term impact and what the prospects for achieving the desired impact are.
• Sustainability – what are the anticipated impacts of this project beyond engagement through the SIEG funding.

• The SIEG (maximum of EUR 2,750) will cover University of Twente permissible travel expenses.
• Award recipients must register their travel via MyFIN (Unit4) 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.

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 support 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 for ensuring 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, UT’s Strategy & Policy, International Affairs will be in contact to assist you with the next steps.