J-1 Scholars/Exchange Visitors
Non-U.S. Fulbright
The Florida State University hosts a small number of well-qualified international Fulbright scholars and graduate student researchers each year at a variety of academic departments on campus. Fulbright offers a wide range of grant opportunities, primarily administered by The Council for International Exchange of Scholars and The Institute of International Education. Incoming international Fulbright scholars can engage in semester-long research projects or lectures in a seminar course. "Occasional Lecturers" can be invited to give a one-time presentation to a class or as part of a conference.
Fulbright Research and Teaching Programs
FSU Faculty and academic departments may be approached by a Fulbright scholar seeking to work collaboratively on a particular project. The following information from the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (http://www.cies.org/vs_scholars/vs_awards/) explains that process:
"In many countries, particularly those with bi-national commissions, scholars are expected to submit evidence that they have identified a host affiliation in the United States as part of the application process, well before an actual grant is awarded. Scholars usually include a letter of invitation from the host institution in their application materials."
In these circumstances, it is appropriate for an inviting faculty member, with the approval of their departmental chair, to provide a letter of invitation directly to the scholar detailing a proposed research and/or lecture plan, giving the names of the possible collaborating faculty, the proposed dates of the scholar's stay, and any support that can be provided - office space, a computer, e-mail and Blackboard access, access to the libraries, on-campus housing, etc. For the most productive stay, the scholar's research or teaching interests should be closely aligned with those of their inviting faculty member or academic department. Departments must be prepared to process a courtesy appointment for visiting Fulbright scholars upon their arrival, in order to allow them full access to the resources they will require to complete their research program. Due to a relative shortage of affordable, furnished, short-term lease options, with good access to public transportation, the inviting department should also be prepared to request on-campus housing for the Fulbright scholar.
In instances when a scholar has already been granted a scholarship, CIES or IIE work with the university to arrange a research or lecture program appropriate for the scholar. In either of the above instances, the inviting or collaborating faculty member is asked to copy the CGE Exchange Visitor Advisor on correspondence regarding the proposed Fulbright program. In this way, the CGE can provide support with airport pick-up, advice on housing choices, inclusion in cultural programs, transportation to the Social Security Administration, and general advice on getting settled on campus and in housing. Additionally, CIES normally requires the CGE Exchange Visitor's Advisor's signature on the Institutional Reply Form used to confirm the research or teaching program with FSU, so it is helpful to know of the proposed program prior to receiving this form.
One-time Fulbright Lectures
If your department would like to host a Fulbright scholar for a one-time lecture, CIES provides reimbursement for travel expenses to Fulbright scholars already in the U.S. to travel to another institution. The program is called the Occasional Lecturer Fund. Hosting universities are expected to cover the costs of accommodations and local transportation. The list of available Fulbright scholars and their disciplines is at http://www.cies.org/vs_scholars/vs_dir.htm. Information on the Occasional Lecturer Fund is at http://www.cies.org/olf/.