The International Welcome Centre; key support services for researchers

The International Welcome Centre (IWC) is among a handful of its kind in Spain and Europe, catering directly to the needs of international doctoral candidates, researchers, postdocs and visiting staff - before, during and after their mobility period at the University of Granada (UGR).

At the IWC, we provide academics and researchers with essential information and targeted assistance in all non-academic matters that are important during their time at the UGR. We thereby enable them to make the most of their academic life and research, while at the same time facilitating their integration in Granada. We offer a wide range of services, including information and assistance services regarding visa applications and residence permits, funding opportunities, childcare and schooling options for family members, assistance with lodgings, contracts and access to UGR facilities and services. Moreover, we provide services in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French and, if necessary, in a wide range of other languages via the University's International Office.

Over the past two years, the International Welcome Centre has provided assistance to hundreds of researchers and academics from 5 continents and over 65 countries across the globe. Many of these international staff members were able to complete short-term or long-term research placements at the UGR thanks to the diverse range of programmes supported at our institution, in collaboration with bodies such as the Carolina Foundation, the Iberoamerican University Association for Postgraduate Studies (AUIP), Erasmus+, the Coimbra Group, and the Carolina Foundation. Others have taken advantage of the ample opportunities available through the UGR Research Fund (Plan Propio de Investigación).

The success of the IWC, which opened in 2015, has ushered in a new phase in the UGR’s long-standing commitment to becoming a benchmark institution in internationalization initiatives.

Who can make use of the IWC's services?

• International doctoral candidates

• International researchers

• International academic staff

• International postdocs

What areas can we help you with?

• Language support services

• Accommodation

• Banking

• Childcare and family issues

• Visa applications

• Health insurance

• Medical care

• Intellectual Property

• Job opportunities

• Pension rights

• Recognition of qualifications obtained at foreign institutions

• Career development

• Funding opportunities

• Research

• Taxation

• Unemployment benefits

• Work permits

• Wi-Fi access

• University cards

EURAXESS - Researchers in Motion

In addition, the UGR’s International Welcome Centre is a Local Contact Point of the EURAXESS Service Network. Launched in 2004 by the European Commission, EURAXESS - Researchers in Motion, is a unique, pan-European initiative providing those who wish to pursue research careers in Europe with access to a comprehensive range of support and information services. The IWC, as the EURAXESS Local Contact Point, also gives researchers the opportunity to further their personal development and professional careers, offering guidance on career opportunities, legal issues, tax and social security, as well as advice on healthcare and family support. The EURAXESS portal provides comprehensive practical information related to living and working in the European countries participating in the network. At a regional level, each country has created a network of institutions that unite the national institutions with Local Contact Points (such as the IWC at the University of Granada). The regional institution that represents EURAXESS in Andalusia is the Andalusian Knowledge Agency (AAC), with headquarters in Seville. Currently in 2017, there are over 500 EURAXESS Local Contact Points throughout the world, 104 of which are found in Spain.

To learn more about the International Welcome Centre and our services please visit: The International Welcome Centre homepage.

http://internacional.ugr.es/iwelcomecentre?lang=en