Faculty and Scholars
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides a rich academic and professional environment for faculty and scholars from all over the world as well as pathways to internationalize your research and scholarship.
Have a question?
Illinois International can help you find the answer and connect you to the appropriate office or university resource.
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
The OVCRI leads the university’s research strategy; manages regulatory, administrative, compliance, and research support activities; and develops policies that guide the conduct of research.
Fulbright Scholars
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. There are several different awards to which interested faculty and staff may apply.
The Global Relations director serves as the Fulbright Scholar Liaison for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Contact iip-globalrelations@illinois.edu with questions and inquiries.
BRIDGE Seed Fund
The BRIDGE Seed Fund supports collaborative research projects between faculty at the University of Birmingham and Illinois. The call for proposals opens annually in January.
UNIQ Seed Fund
The UNIQ (Universities: National Taiwan University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Kyushu University) Trilateral Alliance’s seed fund supports the development of joint innovative research and educational programs, encourage the sharing of expertise, and promote cross-institutional collaboration.
University of Illinois System/UNAM Joint Research Partnership Program
The University of Illinois System and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) have established a joint seed fund that issues a call for research proposals annually.
IGI Area and Global Studies Fellowships and Scholarships
The Illinois Global Institute’s centers and programs offer a wide range of fellowships and scholarships specific to their regional or thematic areas of study.
Internationally-Themed Event Grant
This grant supports on-campus or community-based events hosted by Illinois faculty, staff, or departments that have an overall international theme. The original source of these funds is an endowment initiated by a grant from the Hewlett Foundation that was matched by private donations and university funds.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Events supported include cultural programs, conferences, symposia, and educational outreach events geared towards students and/or the community.
- Funding amounts depend on the nature and scope of the activity, but will not exceed $1,000.
- Illinois faculty and staff may apply for these grants on behalf of their unit or department. The grant is not open to Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) or other student groups.
- Departments and units can only apply once annually (July 1 – June 30) per event or series, and must demonstrate how the event fosters an environment where international perspectives are integral to our institutional culture.
- Open houses and receptions are not eligible for grant funding.
- Recipients must include formal acknowledgement of Illinois International sponsorship on materials and communications about the event.
Deadline and Application
Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis but must be received at least six weeks prior (but no longer than one year prior) to the event taking place in order to be considered.
Decisions will be sent within 10 business days of application submission.
International Conference Travel Grant
The International Conference Travel Grant is available to tenure-track faculty members to fund conference registration, travel, lodging, per diem and related expenses outside of the United States for purposes of presenting at an internationally-themed conference. The original source of these funds is an endowment initiated by a grant from the Hewlett Foundation that was matched by private donations and university funds.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Grants may range from $500 to $2,000 per award, depending on awardee expenses and departmental matching funds.
- This grant is limited to full-time faculty members in pre-tenure (tenure-track) status at the time of their conference participation.
- Applicants must secure at least 20% support for costs from their department and/or college. This grant is intended to supplement departmental and college funds, not replace them.
- Individuals who receive grant funding may only reapply for a new grant three years after initial funding is given.
Deadline and Application
Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis but must be received a minimum of three weeks prior to the event taking place in order to be considered. A decision will be sent within 10 business days of application submission.
New Approaches to International Area and Global Studies Grant
The Illinois Global Institute’s New Approaches to International Area and Global Studies Grant supports projects that expand the scope of global studies at Illinois through teaching, research, and/or public engagement.
NTU/U of I Joint Funding Programs
National Taiwan University and the University of Illinois System have launched two joint funding programs: a Joint Research and Innovation Seed Grants Program and a Travel Grants Program. The programs are intended to foster greater connection and collaboration between the universities’ faculty.
Libraries Across Campus
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus has several libraries and resource centers outside of the University Library that provide valuable information and resources.
International and Area Studies Library
The International and Area Studies Library collection includes nearly 2 million volumes in over 150 languages, connecting students and scholars to the knowledge crucial to developing global competencies through the study of distinct nations and regions, as well as transnational issues and global concerns.
Mortenson Center for International Library Programs
The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs strengthens international ties among libraries and librarians worldwide through training, professional development, and partnerships for the promotion of international education, understanding, and peace.
University Library
The University Library holds more than 15 million volumes and 24 million other items and materials in all formats. In addition their various collections, the University Library hosts events, offers research support services, provides loanable technology, and much more.
Curricular Development and Teaching
The Office of the Provost oversees a broad cross-section of academic and administrative units. In collaboration with the Chancellor, the Deans, the other Vice Chancellors, and the Academic Senate, the office stewards the university’s strategic plan, manages the university’s budget, sets academic policies, and recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the faculty.
Global Education and Training
Global Education and Training provides customized training programs to external professionals and students. In partnership with GET, faculty can leverage their expertise, gain additional teaching experience, and enhance their global academic network.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prioritizes the health, safety, and security of students, faculty, and staff during university-related international travel. International Safety and Security supports travelers on a 24/7 basis through numerous services. Staff who are planning to travel abroad should review the policies, insurance enrollment requirements, and helpful tips on the Safety Abroad website.
24/7 Emergency Contact
In the event of a life, limb, eyesight, or other significant emergency, seek immediate medical care at the closest hospital or medical facility.
When it is safe to do so, contact the University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) using the emergency number. UIPD will link travelers abroad with our staff.
International Travel Policies
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prioritizes the health, safety, and security of students, faculty, and staff during university-related international travel. The university has several policies focused on health, safety, and security during travel abroad for university business.
International Insurance
University policy requires enrollment in university-approved international insurance for all university-related travel. International Safety and Security manages the insurance enrollment process and provides resources for using the insurance abroad.
Using Your Insurance
The university’s international insurance is a great benefit for travelers—providing potential support throughout the travel abroad experience, from initial planning to follow-up care.
Program Leader Training
In accordance with the university Policy on Health and Safety in Education Abroad, International Safety and Security provides training for faculty and staff program leaders each semester.
Safety and Wellness Tips
All travel carries some level of risk to one’s safety and wellness. Maintaining one’s health and safe abroad often comes down to applying strategies to reduce exposure to risk or mitigate the impact of a potential issue. International Safety and Security provides resources to help travelers plan ahead.
Safety Abroad Updates
International Safety and Security shares important updates regarding travel safety and related issues via the Safety Abroad Updates blog, making it a useful resources for not only travelers, but campus and community partners.
International Scholar Services
Review the International Student and Scholar Services website for important immigration information, helpful guidance, and key resources for those navigating the university as an international scholar.
Global Relations
Global Relations the university’s international agreement portfolio in collaboration with sponsoring colleges and departments.
International Agreements
Global Relations facilitates inter-institutional partnerships between the university and organizations and corporations abroad. Units wishing to initiate an agreement should visit the Global Relations website.
Strategic Partnerships
Global Relations works with campus leadership and faculty to identify those agreements with the greatest potential to be leveraged into broader strategic partnerships. There are several strategic partnerships that have been active for years.
Universitas 21
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a member of the U21 network, which grants Illinois students, faculty, and staff access to several high-value cooperative research, learning, and development opportunities.
Active Agreements and Partnerships
View all active agreements and partnerships via the university’s global engagement data dashboard.
Intercultural Learning
Illinois International’s GUIDE Sessions provide professional learning opportunities for faculty, staff, and scholars who want to strengthen their ability to work effectively across cultures and support international students and colleagues. These interactive sessions offer practical tools grounded in intercultural research, helping participants refine their communication skills, deepen cultural understanding, and create more inclusive academic and workplace environments.
GUIDE Sessions are open to all campus professionals and do not require prior experience with intercultural training. Participants are encouraged to attend multiple sessions to build a well-rounded foundation in intercultural competence.
Custom Sessions
Interested in bringing an intercultural learning to your classroom or unit? GUIDE trainings can be tailored to your audience and goals through a collaborative development process.
Upcoming Global Events
Find events and opportunities to engage with global perspectives, ideas, and experiences locally in Champaign-Urbana. The International Campus Events Calendar includes events with a global theme hosted by the university’s area studies centers, cultural houses, and units across campus.
English as a Foreign Language
Intensive English Institute
The Intensive English Institute provides a challenging and supportive educational environment where learners can gain proficiency in English for academic, professional, or other purposes. IEI’s program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.
Department of Linguistics Courses
The Department of Linguistics in the College of LAS offers non-degree English language courses, which are open to visiting international scholars, faculty, and staff.
‘Place Making and Rural Tourism in China’ wraps up transdisciplinary project
Professor Windy Zhao shares reflections on developing a transdisciplinary, short-term education abroad program in collaboration with the Caoxia Village community.
Inaugural conference goes ‘beyond borders’ for collaboration on mental health research and services
The inaugural Beyond Borders: Global Collaborations for Mental Health Research and Services, led by Illinois assistant professor Flora Cohen, connected more than 200 students, scholars, and practitioners.
‘I’ll always remember this school:’ Gloria Porras reminisces on life-changing experience at Illinois, IEI
Gloria Porras, a former student of the Intensive English Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, talks about her time on campus and her experience in the Scholars at Risk program.
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We welcome and encourage Illinois colleges and units to use our website to raise awareness of a resource you provide.