IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Seeks U.S. and Canada-based Academics to Mentor Displaced Scholars
Application Survey Deadline: October 19, 2026
The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is seeking experienced academics and professionals based in the U.S. or Canada to serve as virtual professional mentors to displaced scholars through the IIE-SRF Alliance Mentor Initiative.
IIE-SRF arranges, funds, and supports fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at partnering higher education institutions worldwide. Due to protracted insecurity or continued threats to their safety, many IIE-SRF fellows are unable to return to their home countries immediately after the completion of their fellowships. IIE-SRF fellows and alumni are accomplished academicians but often face significant challenges navigating foreign academic or professional marketplaces. Tailored assistance and academic and professional resources can help fellows continue their work until it is safe to return home or help them to rebuild their careers in exile.
The IIE-SRF Alliance Mentor Initiative will match mentors with IIE-SRF fellows and recent alumni based in the U.S. and Canada. IIE-SRF intends to match fellows and mentors by the end of 2026. Each pair will then hold an introductory meeting, before the formal three-month mentorship term commences in early 2027. There is an option to extend for an additional three months if desired by both parties. See the FAQ for more details. Take the mentor application survey by Monday, October 19, to get involved in this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the life of a displaced scholar.
For questions about the initiative, contact IIE-SRFAlliance@iie.org.
For more information, contact: Global Affairs at rae.alexander@uconn.edu