[Global] Rotary Grants for University Teachers

Rotary Grants for University Teachers provide funds to higher education faculty to travel abroad to teach at colleges and universities in developing countries. The program is intended to build international understanding and foster development while strengthening higher education in low-income countries. The program also aims to establish ties between higher education institutions, leading to the exchange of ideas and information across the globe. The subjects taught by grant recipients must be relevant to the needs of the local population and contribute to the area's socio-economic development. For 2002-03, 38 grants were awarded.


Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must hold (or if retired, have held) a full-time college or university appointment for three or more years but need not hold (or have held) a specific rank.
• The subject(s) taught must have practical use to the host country.
• The applicant's home and host countries must contain at least one Rotary club.
• The proposed host institution must be located in a low-income/developing country. Low-income countries are currently defined as those with a per capita GNP of US$6,375 or less.
• Applicants must be proficient in the language of their prospective host country.
• Applicants may be Rotarians or non-Rotarians.
• Awards are not restricted by gender, age, or marital status.

Ambassadors of Goodwill

Rotary University Teachers serve as ambassadors of goodwill. They are asked to speak at Rotary functions as well as at many non-Rotary functions, civic organizations, and other forums. As educators, they serve as goodwill ambassadors to their students and colleagues each day. Rotary University Teachers also represent their home countries and their colleges or universities to the people of their host countries.

Teaching in a developing country can often present new challenges and unexpected adversity. One former teacher reported that in the African city in which he was teaching, the power supply would be cut off at almost any time of the day — and always without warning. While it is impossible to prepare for all such contingencies, grant recipients are challenged to face these kinds of problems with equanimity. By doing so, many participants find that the teaching experience is a learning experience as well.

Grant Types and Funding

Two types of grants are available:

• US$12,500 grant for three to five months of teaching service
• US$22,500 grant for six to 10 months of teaching service

Grant funds may be used for round-trip transportation, living expenses, teaching and research costs, and miscellaneous ambassadorial expenses. Availability of the grants is determined by each Rotary district based on their available funding and may vary from year to year.

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Materials for Download

Program Guide for Rotarians 245 K

Rotary Grants for University Teachers Handbook 239 K

Insurance Coverage Certificate 58 K

Medical Certificate 24 K

Program Evaluation Form 29 K

Rotary Grants for University Teachers Application (193-EN)