Academics Without Borders: Empowering Education, Enriching Lives
Academics Without Borders (AWB) is a charitable organization based in Canada that collaborates with higher education institutions in the most disadvantaged countries, enhancing their capacity to educate the professionals and leaders crucial for the prosperous societies they aspire to build.
AWB provides chances for Canadian university faculty and staff to volunteer in ongoing projects or propose new ones. Typically, these efforts stem from established partnerships with colleagues in collaborating institutions.
Join the Global Effort
In many parts of the world, higher education institutions face significant challenges in providing quality education due to limited resources and support. AWB steps in to bridge this gap by leveraging the expertise of Canadian university faculty and staff. By volunteering with AWB, you can make a tangible difference in communities striving for progress and development.
AWB offers unique opportunities for Canadian university faculty and staff to volunteer in ongoing projects or propose new ones. These initiatives are often born from established partnerships with colleagues in collaborating institutions, ensuring that the efforts are meaningful and impactful.
Types of projects supported by AWB
AWB projects typically include
Coverage of Expense
AWB volunteers are reimbursed for their expenses but are not paid a salary. Depending on the specific call for volunteers, AWB may cover some or all of the following expenses:
• Necessary vaccinations and medications
• Medical and travel insurance
• Economy air travel
• In-transit costs for hotels and meals
• Stipend for living expenses
• Visa costs
Get Involved!
Get Involved!
If you’re interested in making a difference through volunteering, subscribe to AWB’s newsletter to receive the latest news about volunteering opportunities you might be interested in.
Additional resources:
Visit AWB Page
Current Opportunities
Call for Project Proposal
Requirement: Academics Without Borders (AWB) is currently inviting faculty and staff from AWB Network member institutions to submit first-stage project proposals focused on capacity building at a partner institution of higher education in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). This is a call for project proposals, not a traditional funding grant. Successful initiatives become AWB projects, with AWB supporting all stages of project development, volunteer selection, implementation, and evaluation.
This call is designed to build on established academic or professional relationships between Canadian faculty or staff and colleagues at an institution of higher education in an LMIC. Sustainability is a key requirement—partner institutions must be actively involved and able to sustain project outcomes beyond the project period.
Project Duration and Other Details: Projects may be implemented fully online or through a hybrid approach, with international travel encouraged only when necessary. While AWB does not provide salaries or honoraria, it may cover eligible direct costs such as economy airfare, insurance, visa fees, required vaccinations, and a modest living stipend for volunteers. Partner institutions are expected to contribute in-kind or financially where possible.
Application process: The process has two stages.
- Submission of a first-stage proposal using the official AWB form attached here (deadline: March 9). Send the Proposal to Corrie Young, Associate Executive Director – Projects & Network at cyoung@awb-usf.org
- Eligible proposals advance to a second stage. Submission & inquiries: Corrie Young, Associate Executive Director – Projects & Network
Volunteering Opportunity in Rwanda
Support the establishment of Health Professions Education Institute in Rwanda:
Academics Without Borders (AWB) invites KPU faculty to volunteer and support the establishment of a Health Professions Education (HPE) Institute at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda. The volunteer will work closely with UGHE leadership and the Educational Development and Quality Center to strategically design and operationalize the institute. Responsibilities include conducting a situational analysis, co-designing governance and organizational structures, building a financial sustainability model, and producing a five-year operational plan. The project will begin remotely and later include capacity-building workshops during the on-site visit.
Who Should Apply: Faculty members (working or retired) with an MSc or PhD in a related field and expertise in health professions education, education leadership, health systems, or similar areas. Experience establishing academic centers, developing financial models in higher education, and working with institutions in low- and middle-income countries is considered an asset.
Timeline: April 2026 – March 2027
Deadline for first Stage of Application: March 13. 2026
Send your CV, statement of motivation, and two letters of reference to Corrie Young, AWB's Associate Executive Director, Projects & Network @ Corrie Young
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