What is the Global Dialogue Fellowship Program?

NAFSA's Global Dialogue Fellowship Program seeks to assist university leaders in several sub-Saharan African countries to help increase their institution’s international education capacity and bring their expertise to university leaders in the United States.

The program is designed to support academic leaders and faculty members in developing new and deeper international opportunities for students, scholars, faculty, and exchange visitors at their home institutions, and to create new channels of dialogue with academic leaders from around the world.

The NAFSA Global Dialogue Fellowship Program will provide support to five African higher education professionals who are working to:

  • Provide greater access to international study and research for their institution;
  • Increase international competence among their students, faculty members, and administrators;
  • Strengthen institutional relationships with higher education institutions in other countries.

The program will pair each Global Dialogue Fellow with a U.S.-based mentor Global Dialogue Partner for on-going conversation and will provide support for each fellow to attend two consecutive NAFSA annual conferences in the United States. In turn, the fellows will help representatives of potential partner institutions in other countries better understand African higher education and consider new partnerships in Africa.

Functions and Responsibilities of Global Dialogue Partners

Global Dialogue Partners will assist international educators from Africa in building their institution’s international education capacity. The partners will maintain a professional relationship with a Global Dialogue Fellow for a minimum of 17 months, helping the fellow increase his or her knowledge of model practice in international education development and management, and expand his or her network of contacts at higher education institutions outside of Africa.

Each Global Dialogue Partner will:

  • Provide insights and tips for an assigned Global Dialogue Fellow from Africa regarding international programs model practice and the development of successful institutional partnerships for international education;
  • Acquaint their fellow with resources to support capacity building in international education;
  • Identify useful connections between their fellow and international educators at higher education institutions in other world regions and make introductions virtually or in person at the NAFSA annual conferences;
  • Participate in group conference calls with other Global Dialogue Fellowship Program partners and fellows and one-on-one calls with their assigned fellow;
  • Respond to questions from their fellow regarding international higher education partnerships and direct the fellow to resources or colleagues as needed;
  • Advise their fellow on workshop and session selection at the 2015 and 2016 NAFSA annual conferences;
  • Attend the 2015 and 2016 NAFSA annual conferences and participate in a facilitated pre-conference group workshop with all fellows to share information about programs and plan for a successful conference experience and year-round collaboration (Complimentary registration for the two conferences will be provided to each Global Dialogue Partner, but support for the partner’s travel or accommodations is not provided);
  • Provide ideas to their fellow in developing an action plan for increased international education activity following completion of the fellowship;
  • Help their fellow navigate the world of NAFSA.

Time Commitment

On average, 3 hours per month will be needed to participate as a Global Dialogue Partner, which includes the following:

  • Mid-March 2015: Group conference call for Global Dialogue Fellowship Program partners and fellows.
  • Early May 2015: Individual conference calls between Global Dialogue Partners and fellows.
  • Early August 2015: Individual post-conference call with fellow.
  • Mid-March 2016: Group conference call for Global Dialogue Fellowship Program partners and fellows.
  • Early May 2016: Individual conference calls between Global Dialogue Partners and fellows.
  • Early August 2016: Individual post-conference call with fellow.

In addition, the Global Dialogue Partners will attend the:

  • 2015 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo in Boston, Massachusetts, May 22-June 3, 201, including the May 22 preconference workshop for Global Dialogue Fellowship Program partners and fellows;
  • 2016 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo in Denver, Colorado, May 29 -June 2, 2016, including the pre-conference workshop for Global Dialogue Fellowship Program partners and fellows.

Term

The position begins mid-March 2015 and ends mid-August 2016, a 17-month term.

Rewards

As a Global Dialogue Partner, you will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise with an experienced African educator, support the professional growth of your fellow, and give back to the international education field.

Support

  • NAFSA staff coordinates the Global Dialogue Fellowship Program and provides support as needed or requested by Global Dialogue Partners.
  • Global Dialogue Partners receive a stipend of $300 per year, $600 total.
  • Global Dialogue Partners receive complimentary registration for the 2015 and 2016 NAFSA annual conferences, but travel and accommodations before, during, or after the conference are not covered.

Required Qualifications

  • Current NAFSA membership throughout 17-month term of service.
  • Six or more years of experience as a faculty member engaged in international education or as a director or senior administrator in international education.
  • Experience in building institutional partnerships with higher education institutions outside the United States.
  • Demonstrated interest in African higher education.
  • Demonstrated experience in supporting the professional development of colleagues.
  • A strong network in international education.
  • Willingness and availability to partner with a fellow over the full 17-month program.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including listening and advising, and the ability to help fellows identify, refine, and achieve learning goals.
  • Approval from your institution to participate in all required program events.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in study, research, or institutional partnership building in Africa.
  • Service in a NAFSA leadership position.

The application deadline for 2014 has passed. Please e-mail [email protected] for further information.