Global Networks

The Academics Without Borders (AWB) Network is a consortium of Canadian universities and colleges that support AWB’s mission. The Network offers opportunities for academics to propose projects in conjunction with developing world universities and to participate in them. By engaging with AWB in this way, Canadian universities and colleges enhance post-secondary education both in the Global South and on their own campuses. AWB supports the needs of countries in the Global South to develop long-term relationships of mutual respect; with their partners proposing and designing their own projects.

SFU officially became a member of the AWB Network in September 2016. Through the AWB Network, SFU has mobilized volunteers with international partner institutions, such as the Aga Khan University (AKU). At AKU, Vivian Neal (Education Consultant, Teaching and Learning Centre, Simon Fraser University) helped establish a Teaching and Learning Network, sharing her expertise in faculty development in teaching practice and learning technologies to support the development of the network and ultimately improve the quality of the student learning experience at the university.

The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is a network of leading research universities in the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1997, APRU consists of 58 member institutions from 21 economies, including universities in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. APRU aims to foster collaboration among member universities in research, education, and community engagement.  Its activities include joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, policy dialogues, and advocacy for issues of regional and global significance.

If you are interested in learning more about the APRU network and would like to engage in any of its activities, please reach out to Sarah Ngo at sarah_ngo@sfu.ca.

SFU is now a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Network, an international networking organization that brings together researchers and Higher Education Institutions in Commonwealth countries. An ACU membership provides funding opportunities, reputational opportunities, knowledge sharing opportunities related to the Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Resilience.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Commonwealth Climate Resilience Network is working to build resilience within universities and their wider communities. Through the sharing of knowledge and best practice, the network addresses the practical needs of universities and communities, while providing a platform for universities to connect with policymakers and develop effective approaches to resilience and disaster preparedness.

SFU International is a member of the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC). The BCCIC is a network that engages in sustainable development and social justice issues and connects SFU to practitioners and organizations working on international sustainable development.

BCCIC is focused on promoting and supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both locally and globally. Their work includes public engagement, capacity building, networking, policy and representation, research, and youth engagement. BCCIC is one of the leading voices for civil society organizations in the province and acts as a liaison among different provincial and national governments on matters related to Canada's sustainable development policies. 

CBIE is a national organization dedicated to international education at all levels (including K-12, vocational training, and post-secondary education). It’s mission is to advance Canadian international education by creating and mobilizing expertise, knowledge, opportunity and leadership. SFU is a longstanding member and have been actively engaged with CBIE’s initiatives and events, such as successful application for the CBIE Scholarships and funding opportunities, playing a leadership role in their Professional Learning Committee, and representing at their annual CBIE Conferences and events.  

SFU International contact: Carol Zachs

CONAHEC is a not-for-profit membership-based network of approximately 180 institutions of higher education in Canada, the United States and Mexico, as well as a select group of institutions from other parts of the world.  It seeks to advance the consolidation of the North American higher education community and its relationship with international partners by promoting collaboration and cooperation among its members and providing space and events in which member representatives can meet, interact and develop their collaborative and cooperative projects.

SFU International contact: Yukino Mori

IOHE is a non-profit academic network with a mission to contribute to the transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Americas to respond to their social and political contexts, by building and creating common spaces for Inter-American cooperation. Highlighted initiatives and programs include the Virtual Mobility Space in Higher Education (eMOVIES), Space of Women Leaders from Higher Education Institutions in the Americas (EMULIES), and Institute for University Management and Leadership (IGLU). IOHE hosts the Conference of the Americas on International Education (CAIE), where SFU have a strong representation. SFU has been a member since 2015, and SFU’s Dr. Joy Johnson, President and Vice-Chancellor, currently serves as a Vice-President for the Canadian Regional Council (2020-2022 term). Under President Johnson’s leadership, SFU will lead the national conversations and engage in initiatives that would strengthen collaboration and cooperation amongst IOHE members.

SFU International contact: Yukino Mori

The Talloires Network is an international association of institutions committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of higher education. The Network advocates for the expansion of civic engagement activities, and promotes the most promising practices from our members and others in the field of higher education.

The University Social Responsibility Network (USRN) was established in 2015, and its secretariat is based in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The network is interested in integrating social responsibility into institutional management, teaching, research, services and public activities. By allowing the member universities to work together on social responsibility, USRN seeks to find solutions to address economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world today, making the world more just, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable.

SFU joined USRN in July 2018. The office of the Vice President, External Relations has been leading USRN-related activities on campus, working with academic and student services units to raise awareness of the Network and SFU’s strategies for involvement.

Since 1978, WUSC’s Student Refugee Program (SRP) has allowed people who have had their education interrupted by conflict and persecution continue their studies in post-secondary institutions across Canada. The program supports over 130 refugee students per year through active partnerships with over 80 Canadian campuses.

To find out more information, please visit the World University Services of Canada (WUSC) website.

Being one of the academic institutions partnered with WUSC, SFU has been sponsoring students since 1981 and an overwhelming majority of students have completed their degrees and found stable jobs. SFU International Services for Students (ISS) provides support services for SFU students who identify as refugees or newcomers. SFU also partners with WUSC to directly sponsor refugee students via the Student Refugee Program (SRP). For more information, please visit the SFU WUSC Student Refugee Program website.