Selection Process
Professors and Short-Term Scholars will be selected largely based on mutual interest. Southwest and the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS) are not only interested in sponsoring exchange visitors for our and the consortiums' own academic interests and needs, but also want to play a part in spreading awareness in other parts of the world about two-year institutions and the role we can play in higher education.
All potential professors or scholars should have at the minimum:
- Degree or Professional Certificate from post-secondary institution outside of the U.S.
- 1-year of professional work in field of degree.
- 5-years of total professional work.
Selection of Professor or Short-Term Scholar will, no doubt, vary depending on the circumstances. However, generally one or more of the following criteria should apply:
- Degree or Professional Certificate from post-secondary institution outside of the U.S.
- 1-year of professional work in field of degree.
- 5-years of professional experience.
- Academic specialist not otherwise available with current faculty
- From a region of the world for which there is a unique academic interest
- From a region of the world for which the individual(s) can expand cultural and historical understanding
- Individual(s) has a desire to learn more about the U.S. two-year college system/model
- Appropriate level of training/education level for purpose of program
Screening of prospective exchange visitors (Professors and Short-Term Scholars) will include review of the following documents:
- Formal letter requesting sponsorship
- Letter of support from supervisor
- Complete Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proficient language skills required for program
- Proof that individual(s) can obtain, meet and maintain all the requirements of the J-1 Visa
In addition to the above criteria and required documents, final decisions will be made by the designated Responsible Officer (RO), Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and Executive Director of TnCIS.
TnCIS will also seek to sponsor students as exchange visitors. Generally, students will be interested in short term academic programs already established for domestic students. These students will be required to meet the general admission standards of the institution(s) and the admission standards set forth by the college for international students.
In addition to the above criteria and required documents, final decisions will be made by the designated RO, ARO and Executive Director of TnCIS.
Financial Support
Financial support for Professors and Short Term Scholars may vary, however TnCIS typically assists with housing, domestic transportation, and insurance costs. Exchange Visitors who are sponsored by their home institution, government or other funding source, will be required to submit proof of funding. Exchange visitors should also consider the cost of international travel and visa expenses and other costs associated with length of visit. Participants will not be required to work outside of the designate program.
Below is an estimated guideline for the typical costs associated to a stay.
- Rent - $850/month
- Transportation - Housing arrangements near campus will be made for students and scholars so that they will not need transportation to access the main college campus facilities. Additionally, the school will arrange for transportation of J-1 students and scholars to attend city and state cultural events.
- Food - The school has a cafeteria, where J-1 students and scholars can enjoy two meals a day. J-1 students and scholars can also enjoy meals in restaurants found within walking distance from the main campuses.
- Tuition - Based on institutional exchange agreements, tuition and fees will be waived for exchange students for up to two semesters. Exchange scholars may be eligible for monthly stipends paid by hosting academic departments.
- J-1 students are required to submit financial proof of $8,000 to cover living and insurance expenses for one semester. Additional financial proof of $4,000 will be required for each dependent of a J-1 student or scholar. However if students have secured external funding, these requirements may be less.
- J-1 scholars will be required to submit proof of external funding, or letter of support from home institution.
- Refunds are granted in accordance with existing Southwest polices and timeline.