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Applying and Pre-Arrival Information
General Information | How to Apply | Information for Campus Faculty and Mentors | Estimated Program Costs | Visa and Immigration Information | Contact Information
Current Visiting Scholar Information
Orientation and Information | Immigration Forms and Documents | Past and Present Scholars
The Visiting Scholar Program was started at Western Oregon University to create a more diverse campus culture, and to provide international scholars an opportunity to conduct research, study, teach, observe, share their skills, and participate in cross-cultural activities while in the United States. Research Scholars and Professors have an opportunity to interact in cross-cultural activities with Western’s students, faculty, staff and community.
Often, the most valuable resource for Visiting Scholars is the faculty mentor or department head. Visiting Scholars will be paired with a faculty mentor in a designated department who will assist in clarifying the scholar’s learning plan and help set up attainable goals to reach during the period of research.
Visiting Scholars may use resources on the Western Oregon University campus such as the WOU library, computer rooms, laboratories, and facilities. Visiting Scholars may sit-in on academic classes to gain knowledge for their research topic.
There will be various opportunities through out the year for scholars to meet with Western faculty and students. Scholars may meet with the International Students and Scholars Affairs administrators to discuss opportunities of further cooperation between WOU and their home university.
* Currently WOU only accepts visiting scholars from partner institutions with which there is a joint program or exchange program. If your institution is interested in connecting with WOU, please contact the Director Neng Yang.
Go to the Visiting Scholar Application Page
To request or invite a Visiting Scholar to the WOU campus, departments or faculty need to follow the International Visiting Scholar approval procedure
Faculty mentors of the Visiting Scholars are an important part of the scholar’s experience in America. With the mentor’s support, a Visiting Scholar has a greater opportunity to get involved in campus life, classes, and presentations. Find out more about department and mentor’s responsibilities with the Visiting Scholar Program.
Please let the International Students and Scholars Affairs office in Maaske Hall know if you have any further questions about inviting a Visiting Scholar or Professor to the WOU campus; there may be other visa options. Contact Information.
Below is the estimated breakdown of costs for an intentional visiting scholar at Western Oregon University. Please note that costs may vary by individual or program and are subject to change without notification.
It is estimated that it costs a minimum of at least $1,000 a month to live in the United States for an international visiting scholar. This cost includes the mandatory insurance fee at around $280-$475 per term (price varies depending on term), housing/utilities at $350-$500 per month, and food $200 or more a month. Additional expenses vary by person which include cell phone bill ($30 to $80 per month), transportation (If you buy a car you have to get a drivers license, pay for car insurance, and gas. Or a bus ride costs $2 every ride), and other expenses such as books for your classes and personal travel.
After receiving the Acceptance letter and DS-2019 immigration document from the International Students and Scholars Affairs office at WOU, you will need to apply for a J Exchange Visitor visa. Click here for general information on the America.gov site about applying for a U.S. visa.
Things to remember: Take note of the Program Start Date on your DS-2019; know that you cannot come more than 30 days before or after the start date. If you need to change the program dates or cancel your research at WOU, contact the ISSA office.
Your visa may be denied for many reasons, so it is important to ask the visa officer to have the reason for denial in writing. You may decide to bring additional evidence and try again for a visa. If you need additional support from the school or mentor, or if you need to defer the start date on the DS-2019 to a later date; contact the ISSA office immediately and we may be able to issue a new DS-2019 and Acceptance letter.
If you decide not to apply for a visa, or not use the WOU DS-2019, please destroy the DS-2019 and send an e-mail to the Responsible Officer saying that you wish to cancel your program to WOU.
Exchange Visitors admitted into the US on a J visa may be subject to the “Two-year foreign residence requirement of Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)”.
If you are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement, you may not change your status to that of H, L, or K, or to immigrant or legal permanent status until you have fulfilled the two-year foreign residence requirement by going back to your home country or receiving a waiver of this requirement.
More information about the requirement and applying for a waiver is located on the Travel.State.Gov website.
Contact the Responsible Officers at Western Oregon University with any questions about the Exchange Visitor program.
Responsible Officer: Neng Yang
Alternate Responsible Officer: Adria Zampich-Gibbs
Phone: 503-838-8425 E-mail: global@wou.edu Fax: 503-838-8338
Emergency Contact Phone Numbers
Note: Please note that policies, costs, and procedures on this page are subject to change without notification.
International Students and Scholars Affairs ph:503-838-8425 fax:503-838-8338 | or e-mail: global@wou.edu
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