IEASA MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME 2024
Background
The International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) launched its Mentorship Programme in 2022 to support the Association’s mission to foster the interchange of knowledge and ideas in the higher education internationalisation field. The Programme is aligned with IEASA’s strategic focus on enhancing member engagement and services, which was identified as a priority in IEASA’s strategic framework for the period 2021-2025. The Mentorship Programme makes a considerable contribution to strengthening the professional capacities of IEASA’s members, the majority of whom are based at public South African universities, thereby contributing to the development of the country’s public higher education sector as a whole.
Programme Overview
Purpose
The purpose of the IEASA Mentorship Programme is to help participants develop supportive and mutually beneficial relationships with others working in the field of higher education internationalisation in South Africa. In this context, mentorship is generally understood as a developmental process involving the transfer of skill or knowledge from a more experienced person (mentor) to a less experienced person (mentee). Based on a collaborative relationship between two (or more) people, it fosters learning, support and professional development. While the main focus of the mentorship is on the mentees’ professional growth and development, it is hoped that the connections made during the programme will provide the foundation for long-term professional relationships among participants.
Components
The IEASA Mentorship Programme provides IEASA members with a collaborative platform for networking and learning by matching mentors with mentees. The Programme consists of the following components:
- Matching: Following a call for mentors and for mentees, respectively, participants will be matched by IEASA. Once the matching is concluded, each pair of mentors and mentees will sign an agreement.
- Introductory Session: An introductory session will be held virtually for all participants of the programme to clarify expectations, outline the role/s of mentors and mentees and provide practical guidance.
- Monthly Sessions: Between May/June and November, mentors and mentees will hold at least five meetings. The Programme is designed to be flexible to allow participants to determine the meeting format and frequency that best fits their specific needs and goals. At the end of the sessions, mentors and mentees provide feedback to IEASA, using relevant templates.
- Additional Engagements: For example an in person meeting will be held during the IEASA Conference in August 2024.
- Closing session: Once all mentors and mentees have concluded their monthly sessions, IEASA will host a closing session to debrief all participants and provide them with an opportunity to share their experiences.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Programme, mentors will receive a certificate of appreciation and mentees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Programme Participants
Volunteerism
Participation in the Programme is strictly on a volunteer basis.
Eligibility Criteria
The Programme is open to –
- IEASA members (individuals who have signed up for membership in 2024).
- Representatives of institutional members (nominated by the Rector / Vice-Chancellor to be the institutional representative for 2024).
Both categories can participate as either mentors or mentees, and honorary members can participate as mentors only. In order to be eligible for participation as a mentor or mentee, members have to be in good standing at the time of registration or application.
Mentor/Mentee Profiles
Mentors typically are:
- Experts in the field of higher education internationalisation;
- University staff with considerable (10+ years) experience in higher education internationalisation, particularly in leadership and senior management roles;
- Willing to share insights, experiences, skills and/or connections with their mentee/s.
Mentees typically are:
- University staff with limited experience in higher education internationalisation;
- Invested in their professional development and eager to learn;
- Willing to share their own knowledge and perspectives with their mentor.
Timelines
| Activity | Month & Year |
| Call for mentors | March 2024 |
| Call for mentees | March 2024 |
| Matching of mentors and mentees | April 2024 |
| Programme kick-off / Introductory session (online) | May 2024 |
| Monthly meetings | May/June – November 2024 |
| In person meeting (IEASA Conference) | August 2024 |
| Closing session (online) | November 2024 |
| Issuing of certificates | December 2024 |
CALL FOR MENTORS
Are you interested in developing or strengthening your mentorship and leadership skills?
Are you:
- An expert in the field of higher education internationalisation?
- A university staff member with considerable (10+ years) experience in higher education internationalisation, particularly in leadership and senior management roles?
- Willing to share your insights, experiences, skills and/or connections with a mentee?
If you have answered YES to the above questions, consider registering as a mentor for the IEASA Mentorship Programme.
To participate in the programme, please complete the registration form below and upload a short CV (max. 3 pages) by 10 April 2024.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, feel free to send an email to Dr Samia Chasi, Manager Strategic Initiatives, Partnership Development & Research: samia@ieasa.studysa.org.
We look forward to your submissions!
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Please note: Final confirmation of participation is at the discretion of IEASA, pending the review of information and documentation provided as well as of mentee numbers and needs.
Disclaimer: In accordance with the legal requirements set out in the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which came into effect on 1 July 2021, we wish to let you know that your information is securely stored and access is strictly controlled. Your personal information will be processed for the purpose of the programme only and will not be shared with external parties.
CALL FOR MENTEES
Are you interested in interacting with an experienced professional for general guidance and/or advice on specific projects, activities and goals?
Are you:
- A university staff member with limited experience in higher education internationalisation?
- Invested in your professional development and eager to learn?
- Willing to share your own knowledge and perspectives with a mentor?
If you have answered YES to the above questions, consider applying for a place as a mentee in the IEASA Mentorship Programme.
To apply for participation in the programme, please complete the application form below and upload a short CV (max. 3 pages) by 10 April 2024.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, feel free to send an email to Dr Samia Chasi, Manager Strategic Initiatives, Partnership Development & Research: samia@ieasa.studysa.org.
We look forward to your submissions!
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Please note: Final confirmation of participation is at the discretion of IEASA, pending the review of information and documentation provided as well as confirmation of mentoring capacity.
Disclaimer: In accordance with the legal requirements set out in the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which came into effect on 1 July 2021, we wish to let you know that your information is securely stored and access is strictly controlled. Your personal information will be processed for the purpose of the programme only and will not be shared with external parties.
