Our experience is that the most successful collaborations are highly desired and supported by a specific UC San Diego faculty member who will serve as an advocate for the partnership. UC San Diego therefore requires that all international agreements have a designated faculty member who commits to engage in all aspects of the negotiation and drafting of an agreement; who will secure approval for the collaboration from the department chair and divisional dean; and who will support proposed projects, exchanges, and programs throughout the duration of the agreement.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is available to assess the University’s interest in potential collaborations. To conduct the assessment, we require that potential international collaborators submit a brief proposal letter that can be shared with prospective UC San Diego deans, faculty and/or unit directors. Please include the following in the proposal letter:

1.  Information about the proposed collaboration

     a.   Academic departments or research areas of interest;
     b.   If relevant, the names of faculty you have contacted about the proposed collaboration, or with
           whom you would like to collaborate;
     c.   Specific goals, objectives, and activities of the collaboration.

2.  If a student exchange is proposed, please specify:

     a.   English language abilities, academic merits, professional goals, etc.;
     b.   The proposed number of graduate and/or undergraduate students who will participate;
     c.   Whether the students will conduct research or study at UC San Diego;
     d.   The proposed length of time students will stay at UC San Diego;
     e.   How the students' education and living expenses will be funded during each year of the program.
           Include scholarship information if relevant.

3.  Any additional information that will facilitate assessing UC San Diego's interest in the proposed
     collaboration.

Once we receive the proposal letter, we will contact the relevant department heads and/or faculty to determine if there is mutual interest in establishing collaboration. Such mutual interest is required to move forward with signing any form of agreement.

If you plan to visit UC San Diego, you may wish to consider meeting with specific academic units to discuss potential areas for collaboration.  If this is of interest to you, please see the section on International Protocol for additional information.

For more information on establishing an international agreement, contact Michelle Hermas ( ), Director for the Office of International Affairs. Our office will provide the information you need to get started and will work with you throughout each step of the agreement development process.