Hosting An International Scholar

Consider the following factors carefully before issuing an invitation or replying to a request from a foreign national to join the campus. Decisions must be made about responsibility for administrative issues to ensure the best experience for the scholars, the department, and the institution. We recommend that all basic information be presented to the scholar in writing.

Procedural steps described here refer specifically to Bridgewater State University.

Faculty Mentor/Department Sponsor

Assign a faculty member to serve as a mentor. The mentor is responsible for the scholar's stay at the University. This involves supervision of the scholar's activities within the department including professional and University personnel matters and assistance with private issues.

The department will also need to consider:

  • Will the scholar have office space, a telephone, a mailbox, access to secretarial assistance, photocopying, or other departmental support?
  • Will the scholar be given library and/or computer access? Who will pay for any related fees?
  • Complete the scholar information form

Funding

Determine the funding source and amount that will be used to support the scholar (and dependents, if any) during the period of stay at the University. This information is essential in classifying the scholar's connection to Bridgewater State and in deciding on the appropriate visa application for entering the United States, or transferring to Bridgewater from within the United States.

If Bridgewater State University funding will be provided to the scholar, he or she should be informed that this amount will be subject to U.S. taxation, depending on tax treaties and other U.S. tax laws.

English proficiency

The department should carefully consider the level of English proficiency needed for this position and communicate directly with the scholar regarding the expected level of proficiency before he or she comes to the United States.

University classification and immigration forms

In order to establish a bona fide connection to Bridgewater State University, the University's policy now requires that every international scholar be classified and assigned an official academic title (Research Scholar, Professor, etc.), regardless of whether he or she will be on the payroll. The appointment document should indicate whether the scholar will be on a University salary appointment, or designated "without pay."

Visa

Visiting international scholars will be required to obtain a J-1 Visa to enter the United States. Contact Mary Delgado in the Office of External Affairs 508.531.2922.

Considerations:

Social Security

All visiting international scholars need a social security number to be eligible for employment at Bridgewater State University. Social security numbers are used to report the wages to the government.

For details regarding a social security card visit http://www.ssa.gov/ .

Required health insurance

International scholars on all visa types and their accompanying family members are required to have U.S. based health insurance.

Arrival and orientation

The academic department will take responsibility for meeting the individual at the airport or will assist the visitor in making his/her arrival.

The department will take responsibility to provide orientation to the department and to make introductions to colleagues in the department.

Housing

Upon arrival to the U.S. and Bridgewater State University the scholar is required to report his arrival at the Office of External Affairs for "SEVIS Registration." The scholar will report with appropriate documents including the following:

Passport

Visa

DS2019 Form

Local housing and contact information

The academic department will assist the individual (and dependents, if any) on housing issues.

Resources for local accommodations

Commuter Services has a list of local accommodations.

Last Modified: March 17, 2011