Faculty Exchanges

The faculty exchange component of Drake University’s Chinese Cultural Exchange Program (CCEP) provides Drake faculty an opportunity to broaden their teaching, research and personal development through meaningful contact with Chinese faculty and students at one of Drake’s partner institutions in China.  Through such exchange, CCEP seeks to further develop deep personal and professional relations between Drake faculty and their counterparts at Chinese institutions to encourage further professional collaboration.  Through such collaboration, CCEP’s faculty exchange contributes to Drake’s mission of providing an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship.

 

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about CCEP faculty exchange program for Drake faculty:

 

As a Drake faculty member, how do I apply for placement and how are placements determined?

Interested Drake faculty should submit a faculty exchange program application along with an updated CV to Kirk Martin in the CCEP office (kirk.martin@drake.edu, x. 3035, The Point 106).  Currently, CCEP selects 4-6 Drake faculty members to participate in the faculty exchange program per year (with applications accepted at the beginning of the Spring semester).  After all program applications and faculty CVs have been submitted to CCEP, these materials are shared with Drake’s partner institutions for them to review with the appropriate departmental staff and faculty.  Both the partner institution’s interest in hosting Drake faculty as well as CCEP’s determination of the partner institution’s capacity to meet Drake faculty’s goals in visiting China will determine CCEP’s placement decisions.

 

CCEP also encourages faculty with previous professional collaboration with Chinese faculty members or researchers at non-partner institutions to apply for the faculty exchange to continue existing projects and to further develop relations with new institutions of higher learning in China.  Drake Faculty members with such proposals are encouraged to contact Kirk Martin.  

 

How long do exchange placements last, when do they occur and what exactly is expected of me during my time there?

Most faculty is placed for 1-2 weeks in late May or June, before the end of host institutions’ Spring semester in mid-July.  While exact details of Drake faculty’s responsibilities are negotiated with the host schools in which they are placed, most faculty are asked to provide a series of lectures, seminars, demonstrations or other teaching activities for undergraduate and graduate students and/or faculty.  Drake faculty is asked to propose topics for teaching activities as part of the application process for the exchange program which are presented along with applicants’ CVs to Drake’s partner institutions.  Visiting Drake faculty will also have many opportunities to meet with faculty, staff and students of the host institutions outside of their teaching responsibilities.  CCEP encourages Drake faculty to take advantage of the exchange program to engage their Chinese counterparts and students to help CCEP identify potential for further professional collaboration between schools.

 

What expenses are provided for faculty exchange participants?

CCEP provides roundtrip travel expenses from the U.S. to the host institution as well as fees for the business (F) visa needed for travel to China.  Host institutions provide visiting Drake faculty with living accommodations during their stay. 

 

Does the health insurance offered through Drake cover any medical expanses that might be incurred while abroad?

The Point of Service Summary Plan Description is posted on the HR website at: www.drake.edu/hr.  Click on Benefits and then Summary Plan Descriptions.

 

Full-time faculty/staff have access to coverage abroad if they are currently covered by Drake’s plan. The services would be processed at the non-network benefit, provided they are services normally covered by the plan. Participants would need to pay for their services, and file a paper claim with First Administrators upon their return.

 

Can my family members come with me?

Limited arrangements have been made previously for family members to accompany Drake faculty on their exchange visits.  Drake’s partner institutions will have the final determination as to whether they are willing to provide accommodations for family members and CCEP will only cover the expenses listed above for participating Drake faculty.

Read the BLOGS of Drake faculty's experience in China:
Darcie Vandegrift and Bruce Gilbert

CCEP also hosts visiting scholars from China. Please contact us for more information:

Kirk Martin, Director, kirk.martin@drake.edu, tel: (515) 271-3035