After the course, the participants
•    have a deeper understanding of the need, importance and practicalities of research mobility
•    are aware of and able to identify opportunities available to undertake international research mobility
•    know the different sources of funding available and how best to access them
•    are able to design a mobility plan
•    receive the necessary support to execute their mobility plan

Description
International research mobility is a crucial part of academic life for universities and particularly for the early stage researcher. Shorter and longer-term stays abroad not only support one’s research work, develop one’s research qualification and network but also contribute to personal development and networking skills on a broad range. This course offers practical tools, guide, information and support necessary to successfully engage in international mobility during one’s doctoral research career.

Course Schedule

Day 1: 9.10.2017 in Room C5 (Main building)
Time: 9-16

9:15-9:30 Opening words, Participants’ introduction
9:30-10:30 Research Mobility: What, why, how, when and where?
10:30-11:00 UTA policy and support for mobility – Lecture by International education office
11:00-11:30 Funding opportunities for mobility 1 (Internal and external funding)
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-13:30 Funding opportunities for mobility 2 (Workshop tailored to student’s need): databases and search strategies
13:30-14:30 Practical issues to consider before, during and after mobility (International HR office)
14:30-14:45 Coffee break
14:45-15:30 Cultural issues commonly faced during mobility
15:30-16:00 Instructions on assignment and groups

Day 2: 23.10.2017 in Room C5 (Main building)
Time: 9-16

9:15-9:30 Working in a new environment
9:30-10:00 Building useful networks
10:00-11:00 Class discussion- Participants to share insights from the interviews conducted (see below)
11:00-11:15 Coffee Break
11:15-12:15 Class discussion- Participants to share insights from the interviews conducted (see below)
12:15-13:15 Lunch
13:15-14:15 Group session for peer-to-peer feedback on mobility plan
14:15-15:15 Optimising your mobility for future career opportunities
15:15-15:45 Closing words

Teacher: Ms.Sci. Motolani Agbebi

Pre-assignment: To participate in this course, please provide a short pre-assignment through Moodle outlining the following:
•    Your name and discipline
•    Stage in doctoral studies
•    Two main issues you would most like to know about undertaking research mobility or obstacles to undertaking research mobility
•    Details of your mobility experience or plans if any, and mobility types and potential funding sources/forms you wish to target.

Between the course days’ assignment:
•    participants will be asked to discuss their plan or desire to embark on a study or research visit abroad with their supervisor(s), should they not have already done so
•    Participants are required to design a mobility plan.
•    Participants are to carry out an interview with one doctoral researcher or post-doc researcher in their faculty on the overall experience during mobility. This should include details on planning, being and returning from a period abroad.
•    Participants are required to submit an updated mobility plan a week after the course is completed. Students will be strongly encouraged and offered support by the doctoral school, the international office and their supervisors to implement their mobility plans.

Number of students: Max. 20 (priority will be given to 2nd year doctoral students, otherwise selection method is draw)

Organised by: UTA Doctoral School and UTA International Education Office

Modes of completion: Pre-Assignment, mobility plan, active participation, peer to peer feedback.

Evaluation: Pass/Fail