J-1 Scholars
For many years, Washington State University (WSU) has had the opportunity to host international scholars from around the world. These scholars bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the campus. WSU is designated by the United States Department of State as an official sponsor. The International Scholar Advisor in International Programs is the appointed Responsible Officer (RO) responsible for advising program participants.
Purpose of Exchange Visitor Program
The U.S. Department of State administers the Exchange Visitor Program. The purpose of the program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. Through this program, foreign nationals may visit the United States temporarily to teach, lecture, study, observe, conduct research, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills. Designated sponsoring organizations facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into the United States to complete the objectives of any one of the program categories. At the conclusion of their program, participants are expected to return to their home countries.
Scholar Categories at WSU
There are three principle categories within the Exchange Visitor Program in which WSU sponsors foreign faculty to come to WSU to engage in collaborative projects. They are Professor, Research Scholar, and Short Term Scholar
Professors:
A professor may primarily conduct teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post‑secondary accredited educational institutions; may also conduct research, unless disallo w ed by the sponsor.
Scholars:
A research scholar may primarily conduct research, observing, or consulting in connection w ith a research project at post‑secondary accredited educational institutions; may also teach or lecture, unless disallo w ed by the sponsor.
A short term scholar is a professor, research scholar, or person w ith similar education or accomplishments coming to the United States on a short‑term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at post‑secondary accredited educational institutions from one day to a maximum of six months. No extensions beyond the six months are permitted.
Please note that it is appropriate for a professor or research scholar to come to the United States as an exchange visitor only when the underlying purpose of his or her entry is to stimulate international collaborative teaching and research efforts or to promote interchange between research and educational institutions in the United States and other countries.
The exchange visitor shall not be a candidate for a tenure track position.
The exchange of professors and research scholars promotes interchange, mutual enrichment, and linkages bet w een research and educational institutions in the United States and foreign countries by providing foreign professors and research scholars the opportunity to engage in research, teaching, and lecturing w ith their American colleagues, to participate actively in cross‑cultural activities w ith Americans, and ultimately to share w ith their fello w citizens their experiences and increased kno w ledge about the United States and their substantive fields.
Page Updated: April 1, 2008