| Hosting an
International Scholar
Visiting scholars from many countries
are an important part of Penn State’s
international presence. Broadly defined,
visiting international scholars are in
the United States and affiliated with
Penn State under the provisions of a
visa other than a student visa; they may
or may not be employed by the
University. Faculty and staff hosting
visiting international scholars should
be aware of the options available, which
include helpful links and some of the
best practices developed by experienced
colleagues.
The International Scholars and
Faculty Visa Services (ISFVS)
located in Rider I Building ensures that
regulatory paperwork is in compliance
and provides administrative support for
hiring and sponsorship of international
scholars. Refer to their Web site,
www.ohr.psu.edu/IntlScholars/home.cfm,
to ensure that all federal requirements
and hiring or collaboration procedures
are met. ISFVS offers training for
faculty and staff and orientation for
international scholars that includes
step-by-step information on these
issues.
Responsibilities of
a Mentor/Sponsor
Faculty mentors or sponsors should be
identified for all visiting scholars
before ISFVS will prepare a visa
document. Mentors are responsible for
support related to hosting and personal
needs, such as airport greeting and
assistance in locating suitable housing.
The sponsor should ensure that the
visitor has office space and computer
and library access. Working with an
international scholar can be hampered by
language and cultural barriers; a good
sponsor will smooth the way for an
international colleague so that all the
benefits of collaboration in research or
teaching may be brought to fruition.
Penn State ID Card
Visiting scholars should obtain
a Penn State identification card.
Each local campus card-issuing
office processes id+ cards for
visiting scholars. Check the web
page for your
local campus id+ card office
location and phone number. At
University Park, visiting
scholars should receive from their
Human Resources representative at
their department a form titled
"Authorization for ID+ Card for New
Hire Employees." Even though some
visiting scholars are not officially
Penn State employees, the card is
issued as a courtesy and the form is
needed to obtain the ID+ card. This
form must be presented at the
University Park id+ Office before
the visiting scholar can be issued
the ID+ card. Valid identification,
such as driver’s license, passport,
or military ID, is required when
getting your ID. Photo
identification other than a passport
must be in English. Comments or
questions about the Penn State ID+
card should be directed to
idcard@psu.edu or by telephone
(814) 865-7590.
Health Insurance
Visiting scholars who cannot
obtain adequate health insurance
coverage elsewhere may purchase Penn
State Student Health Insurance.
Although the
Student Health Insurance website
does not mention visiting scholars,
they are indeed eligible to purchase
it.
Housing
Finding housing for an
international scholar can be
problematic if the individual is
coming only for a short time or in
terms of accommodating tastes and
affordability. While finding housing
may ultimately be the responsibility
of the visitor, your physical
proximity makes it much easier for
you to help your colleague with this
task. The following Web sites can
assist you in your search:
Computer Access
It is important to promptly
obtain computer access for your
scholar. Work with your department
to make arrangements. For more
information, visit the ITS Web site
at
its.psu.edu.
Community Information
Browse the International Students
and Services Web site for a treasure
trove of community and University
information. While it is intended
for international students, much of
it applies to scholars as well.
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|
Fulbright scholars and Humphrey
fellows join the Faculty Staff
Club for a trip to the Amish
community in Belleville, PA. |
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