Faculty and Staff: International Professional Development

The Institute for International Studies provides support for several international professional development opportunities for faculty and professional staff. These programs enable you to develop international content for your courses, new ways to integrate international students into the classroom and co-curricular life, and develop study abroad programs. See below for a quick synopsis of each program and eligibility details.

As you peruse programs and determine your fit, consider inquiring within your department for program support. This could be in the form of funding support for all or a part of the program. There may also be advice on which program to apply for given previous experiences of your departmental colleagues.

Discover Belize

This program was new in 2012 and hosted three faculty who examined opportunities to deliver courses in Belize for US study abroad students, native students and faculty in the local schools and community college, or a combination of both. Dates and eligibility for 2013 have not yet been determined (2012 program took place in May). Participants will pay round-trip airfare and meals. Applications are accepted online with a final deadline of January 15, 2013.

Discover Brazil

Begun in 2011, the Discover Brazil program will tentatively take place May 13-27 2013. Applications are being accepted for the Faculty Director of this program that combines students, faculty, and staff. Participant applications will be accepted online with a final deadline of January 15, 2013. A sample program schedule gives an overview of the activities that may take place on-site. However, this program will be formed around the academic interests of those participating in the program. Participants will pay round-trip airfare, visa fees, and some meal expenses.

Discover China I

Discover China I takes place in Beijing and Xi'an and is hosted by the People's Education Press. Applications are accepted online with a final deadline of January 15, 2013. Up to 6 faculty and staff participants will be selected. A sample program schedule gives an overview of the activities that are customarily included in DCI. The 2013 tentative program dates are June 3-17.

Discover China II

China II takes place at the University of Shandong at Weihai, on the eastern coast of China. This program is integrated with a full university campus. Participants are expected to present a 45 minute session on some aspect of their field. The sample schedule provides a very broad overview of how the program is scheduled. Applications are accepted online with a final deadline of January 15, 2013. The 2013 tentative program dates are May 13-27.

Discover Korea

The Discover Korea program is the only professional development program was the first program to combine our faculty and staff participants with our student participants for a unique experience. It is a 2-week intensive program hosted by Daegu University in Daegu, South Korea. The sample schedule will illustrate a packed program chocked full of traditional and contemporary experiences in South Korea. The 2013 program dates are May 13-27. Applications are accepted online with a final deadline of January 15, 2013.

Europe in Transition

EiT is the longest running international professional development program available at MSU. Participants will provide a 2-hour lecture on a topic related to their academic interests. The program is housed at the University of Regensburg, Germany, a long-standing exchange partner of Murray State. Applications are accepted until February each year at the online application.

International Professional Development Programs Eligibility Guidelines

Full-time MSU faculty or professional staff will be considered before adjuncts, retired faculty, and staff.

To be considered, applicants must complete the full application, including the permissions and essay required. The essay should specifically address the following while keeping in mind the participation objectives indicated below:

Your interest in the program and the professional value of the experience
Indicate your plans to integrate the experience in your teaching, research, and/or service area
Provide an overview of your international or other relevant experiences dealing with diversity and/or challenging environments
Explain how you would use this experience to prepare or present at one or more of the following:
- International Education Week
- Teaching & Learning Technology Forum
- Residential Colleges
- Student organizations
- Other: be specific

Participation Objectives

To enhance faculty/staff professional and educational experience
To continue to expand faculty/staff international experiences that can be used in professional activities and contributions to the MSU community
To begin to understand culture and higher education at the program site
To provide a positive, professional representation of MSU while on site
To have a continuing impact on the internationalization of MSU

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