Fostering Linkages in Academic Innovation and Research (FLAIR)

British Council India invites expressions of interest from UK universities to host newly recruited faculty members from the universities and colleges of Kerala, a Southern state of India.  The programme, which is in its second year, is supported by the British Council through an agreement with Government of Kerala.

As per the agreement, Government of Kerala will fund 20 faculty members from different disciplines in the sciences, arts and humanities with 0-5 years of teaching experience to a four week internship in the UK, starting first or second week of February 2015.  The UK programme of the internship is likely to include a two days induction programme by Higher Education Academy (to be confirmed) followed by academic placements with the chosen UK universities and an evaluation at the end of the training period.

The primary objective of the FLAIR International Faculty Internships is to build capacity in teaching and learning and research among young faculty through international exposure. 

The British Council will select up to four UK universities to support the programme.  Please note that the selected universities may be requested to organise a two days induction programme on Teaching and Learning which could include the following:

• Introduction to UK higher education system
• Share innovations and good practise in teaching and learning
• Innovations in pedagogy
• Responsibilities of faculty and career progression
• Quality frameworks in teaching

Selection of the UK universities will be done jointly by the Government of Kerala and the British Council based on a) strength of their teaching and learning offer, b) international reputation of the university c) broad academic programme proposed and d) administrative and other support that will be made available.

The selected universities may charge a nominal fee to organise the programme for the faculty, not exceeding 750 GBP per faculty member.

It is expected that the university selected will host a minimum of five faculty, provide guidance and support for accommodation, provide a visa support letter as per UKVI requirements and organise pre-departure briefing through video conferencing and arrange meet and greet services on arrival in the UK.  After the faculty are enrolled for the internship, universities need to provide invoices (if applicable) directly to the Government of Kerala as per their requirements within a week.  On selection a contract covering the terms discussed will be signed between the British Council and the University.  The British Council reserves the right to select the university as per the requirements of the Government of Kerala.

Tentative Timeline of the programme: