International Visiting Scholars (IVS)

The International Visiting Scholars (IVS) program is authorized by the United States Department of State to welcome and accommodate international professors, researchers, and other scholars to Gallaudet. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) works closely with academic programs and faculty to extend its resources to researchers on a selective basis to promote institutional camaraderie and collaboration. 

The IVS program enables visiting researchers to take part in Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, or Specialist programs. The period of stay for an IVS at Gallaudet University ranges from three weeks to one year.

IVS Guidelines and Requirements

Gallaudet welcomes international scholars to join its distinguished community of learners by participating in scholarly research, educational and cultural programs, or cooperative agreements. The University’s IVS program offers foreign nationals studying or working in the field of deafness an ideal opportunity to gain experience in the following areas:

J-1 Research Scholar/Professor

• Observe or consult in connection with research projects, teach courses, present lectures, or lead seminars.
• Engage in research and/or teaching for up to five years.

(Note: May NOT hold or be candidates for a tenure track position at Gallaudet.)

J-1 Short-Term Scholar

• Lecture, observe, consult, or participate in seminars, workshops, or conferences for up to six months.

J-1 Specialist

• Consult, observe, or demonstrate specialized knowledge or skills for up to one year.

(Note: May not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment in the U.S.)

J-1 Student Intern

• Host international students in the U.S. who are currently enrolled and pursuing a degree at a post-secondary academic institution in their home country for up to one year.

(Note: May not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment in the U.S.)

Eligibility

All IVS applicants must be sponsored by a faculty member at Gallaudet University or by OIA. Participants are required to have funds sufficient to cover expenses such as room and board, local travel, health insurance, and other related fees during the period of their program. Per Exchange Visitor regulations, at least 51% of the funding support documents must come from a scholarship, fellowship, or a grant/award from the student’s home university, a government or nongovernment agency, or another organization. Participants must also possess appropriate credentials, experience related to the activity they will be engaged in, and adequate English language proficiency.

Financial Certification

Participating in the IVS requires one to provide sufficient financial support documents that cover the minimum amount of time that will be spent in the program, including fees and living expenses. Per Exchange Visitor regulations, at least 51% of the funding support documents must come from a scholarship, fellowship, or a grant/award from the student’s home university, a government or nongovernment agency or other organization. The rest (49%) can come from personal or family funds. Please be advised that visiting researchers must pay their own interpreting fees. Also, the University charges an admission/application fee of $200.

All financial documents provided must be in English or translated into English. (See the application form for a guide.)

Visa Requirements

All IVS program participants will be required to obtain a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa. Applicants with B-1, B-2, F-1, F-2, and J-2 visas may not be eligible.

Please note that a tourist visa (B1/B2/WB/WT) status may be, at first glance, thought of as appropriate; however, if the University benefits from the visit, if equipment and facilities used are owned or operated by the University, if the visitor is involved in a formally structured program if the visit, and/or if the research undertaken might result in published work, patent, or discovery, the use of B1/B2/WB/WT visas will contradict U.S. Department of State guidelines. In such cases, only the J-1 visa will be deemed appropriate.

Selection

The selection of visiting scholars is based on both an applicant’s goals in participating in the IVS program, demonstrated record of research accomplishment, and the merit of the proposed project. Consideration in the selection process will be given to the following:

• The project’s relevance to Gallaudet University’s mission is “… a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.”
• Innovative projects that hold promise for the advancement of deaf and hard of hearing people.
• The health of the candidate. Applicants will be required to submit a satisfactory medical certificate from a physician.
• Sufficient command of written English of the candidate. It is advisable for applicants to be familiar with American Sign Language as well, since this is the first language of the majority of deaf and hard of hearing people on campus.
• An up-to-date resume/curriculum vitae. From the candidate.

*APPLY NOW:

Please email the IVS coordinator at Contact International Support to request an application or to learn more about what Gallaudet has to offer international visiting scholars.

*Note: IVS applications are due April 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Fall Semester

April 1

Spring Semester

October 1