International Visiting Scholar Program

To be eligible for an invitation to come to KU SOEHS as an International Visiting Scholar, a scholar should meet these criteria:

1. A prospective International Visiting Scholar must be a faculty member at an institution of higher education or a research institute. It is assumed that the International Visiting Scholar will be a foreign citizen but may be an American citizen working abroad.
2. A prospective International Visiting Scholar must have a defined research project to work on while in residence.
3. A prospective International Visiting Scholar must be sufficiently proficient in English to engage in the planned research project and function on a day-to-day basis. In accordance with federal regulation, the University must verify English language proficiency through one of the following options: 1) a recognized English test, 2) signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or 3) a video conference interview with KU’s Applied English Center. Additional information regarding these verification options, including recognized tests and test scores, is available through the KU International Support Services office. Visiting Scholars are also allowed to enroll in one free Applied English Center course.
4. The research scholar applicant should have credentials and experience consistent with the research project proposed.

The faculty member and the International Visiting Scholar must agree that the faculty member will serve as the Scholar’s Faculty Partner while the Scholar is in residence.

If a prospective International Visiting Scholar has not identified an appropriate faculty member at KU, the prospective Scholar may send a resume and a research program description to Global Education Academy (the KU SOEHS office administering this program) and request introduction to a potential faculty partner. SOEHS Global Education Academy cannot guarantee that a faculty member will agree to serve as faculty partner but may be able to make suggestions.

The Visiting Scholar will have affiliate status at the University of Kansas and, as such, will have access to library services, free bus service on campus, and other services offered to affiliates. The Visiting Scholar will not have an academic or professional title, other than Visiting Scholar, at the University of Kansas.

While in residence, a Visiting Scholar is expected to

1. Engage in research and scholarly pursuits on a full-time basis at the University of Kansas, spending at least 80 percent of the visiting research period in residence at the main campus in Lawrence. (The research scholar should report to SOEHS any travel plans outside of Kansas.)
2. Submit a brief monthly update on the progress of his or her research project.
3. If appropriate, make a presentation on his or her research project to a KU class, informal research discussion group, or public forum.

It is expected the duration will not be less than one month, nor will it exceed one academic year plus the preceding or succeeding summer. In exceptional cases, extensions may be considered.

A prospective International Visiting Scholar must arrange his or her travel to Kansas. If traveling by air, Scholars should purchase tickets to Kansas City International airport (MCI). The GEA will arrange for airport pickup to Lawrence. The International Visiting Scholar must arrange for lodging, including temporary lodging upon arrival if necessary. The GEA will assist Scholars in finding information about both short-term temporary lodging and longer-term housing. On-campus housing for International Visiting Scholars is limited. Lawrence does have a wide selection of rental units.

After a prospective International Visiting Scholar has been issued an invitation by the School of Education and Human Sciences and the Visiting Scholar has accepted that invitation, the SOEHS will initiate the J-1 Application Process through KU’s International Support Services. The prospective Visiting Scholar will then receive further instructions regarding the submission of several online forms. The prospective International Visiting Scholar is responsible for completing all forms and providing all documentation necessary for KU to review, analyze, and issue a Form DS2019. Upon receipt of the DS2019, the prospective Visiting Scholar may then pay the required SEVIS fee and apply for a J-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate and schedule a visa interview. The University of Kansas cannot guarantee that a visa will be issued.

A fee is charged to Visiting Scholars to cover some of the costs associated with this program. The fee is $2,500 for (any part of) a Fall or Spring semester and $1,250 for the Summer term. (Under most circumstances, this fee cannot be waived. If extreme circumstances warrant, applicants may apply to SOEHS for assistance.)

In addition to the above fee, the KU International Affairs (KUIA) office charges separate fees for non-immigrant visa services. The relevant fees are $207 for initial J-1 processing and support and $103 for a J-1 program extension.

The University of Kansas fees outlined above do not include the SEVIS fee or any other fees to be paid to the U.S. government related to visa application or issuance.

SOEHS Fees Waived for Graduate Alums

Prospective International Visiting Scholars who have completed graduate degrees in SOEHS will not be charged the SOEHS International Visiting Scholar Fee. KUIA visa processing fees still apply. Other requirements for visiting scholar status (see above) also still apply. It is assumed that graduate alums will not require most of the types of services offered through this program.

Prospective International Visiting Scholars must arrange their own funding. The School of Education and Human Sciences does not currently have funding to cover the expenses of Visiting Scholars or to provide stipends. To qualify for a J-1 Visiting Researcher visa, applicants must provide documentation to show adequate funds available to cover living expenses in Lawrence and the purchase of health insurance with coverage that meets the requirements for holders of J-1 visas. Details on these requirements will be provided by International Support Services as part of the visa application process.