International Opportunity Grant

The International Opportunity Grant (IOG) is a funding initiative by the University of San Diego (USD), designed to promote international engagement among its faculty, staff, and administrators. Managed by the International Center and funded by the Provost’s Office, the IOG program supports globally focused research, scholarly activity, and conference participation that enhances the internationalization of USD’s campus and curriculum. With a total annual funding pool of $70,000, the grant reflects the university’s commitment to cultivating global perspectives and academic exchange. The purpose of the IOG is to expose USD personnel to diverse international environments, fostering the development of long-term academic collaborations and professional relationships across borders. This exposure is expected to result in curriculum enhancements, scholarly publications, and expanded research agendas that contribute to the university’s global mission. Funding is awarded to support internationally-based research or the presentation of research at international conferences, with a strong preference for activities that demonstrate direct academic outcomes. Research with human subjects must have or be in the process of obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Eligible applicants include all full-time, benefit-based contract faculty, tenure-track and tenured faculty, as well as full-time benefits-based staff and administrators. Given the limited pool of funding, individuals may receive support only once per fiscal year, though repeat applications are permitted in subsequent years if substantial progress is demonstrated. New applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. The grants may provide up to $2,000 per person, although the average award typically amounts to $1,700. The program operates on a biannual cycle. For the Fall 2026 round, travel must take place between July 1 and December 31, 2026. The call for proposals is issued in February 2026, with a submission deadline of March 4, 2026. Awards will be announced in April 2026. All applications must be submitted online, and applicants are required to provide details such as travel destination and dates, a proposal of up to 400 words, and an itemized budget. Applications must be endorsed by department chairs or supervisors. If the applicant is a department chair, the proposal must be reviewed by their dean. Expenses eligible for funding include airfare, hotel fees, conference registration, and research materials. All recipients are expected to use the USD One Card for purchases where possible. Reimbursement requires submission of original receipts within ten days of return or by the end of the funding round, whichever is earlier. Awards are contingent upon proof of acceptance when applicable, particularly for conference presenters. Upon returning, recipients are required to submit a brief written report detailing the impact of the experience on their curriculum and professional development. They must also share their insights informally during an open forum at International Education Week. Language enhancement support is also encouraged, with suggestions such as Babbel, Rosetta Stone, or Duolingo Plus to prepare for international travel. Contact for the program is Kanani Meheula, Associate Director for International Affairs, who can be reached at [email protected] or via the International Center at (619) 260-4598.