Exchange Students and Visiting Scholars

Scholars Pre-Arrival Guide

Exchange Visitors

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a Federal program administered by the Department of State. They promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange. The Exchange Visitor Program provides eligible foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in exchange programs within the United States and then return home to share their experiences.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is organized into a number of different categories. UNCP has been designated to sponsor the following categories: student, student intern, professor, research scholar and short-term scholar. UNCP's Office of Global Engagement (OGE) has trained officers who can help you understand applicable federal, state and university regulations and policies.

It is important to remember that the Exchange Visitor Program at UNCP is not a pathway to work in the US. Rather, it is intended to further the educational, cultural, and research interests of the scholar and the needs of the faculty sponsor, grant program, or University. 

Visiting Scholars

Faculty members and administrators from around the world are invited to apply to UNCP’s Visiting Scholar Program. This initiative affords international scholars an economical opportunity to come to UNCP for a period of one semester or one year for research and study.

This program gives accepted scholars access to UNCP’s library and research centers; the ability to observe classes; and the chance to interact with UNCP students, faculty, and administrators. Scholars will also have the opportunity to participate in cultural enrichment and travel opportunities within the United States. Global Engagement offers a wide variety of cultural events and opportunities on the UNCP campus and in the local region.

Foreign Scholars should contact the school or department that they are interested in working with directly. UNCP schools and departments are responsible for reviewing scholar applications, evaluating scholars research proposals, determining space availability, and arranging transportation at the airport. After the scholar is accepted by the department, Global Engagement will assist with the immigration paperwork

To identify an appropriate department for your program of research please visit the link HERE.