Information for Visiting Scholars from Abroad

Information and Application Procedures for Visiting Scholars from Abroad

Thank you for your interest in a research stay in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. To help applicants understand the application process to receive Visiting Scholar status in the department, we have summarized the following steps.

1. You submit documents and information required for initial consideration:

   1. Current curriculum vitae of applicant. The department presumes that a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree is necessary to adequately conduct research. An applicant without such a degree must justify the department's waiver of this requirement.

   2. TOEFL score confirmation. Applicants who do not hold a degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction must provide confirmation of a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 580 or more.

   3. Research summary. Applicants should submit a one- to two-page summary of the research that they will conduct during the appointment as a visiting scholar.

   4. Memo. In addition, please include a memorandum which indicates:

   • Your specific reasons for choosing the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis over other universities and departments in the United States.

   • The professor(s) in the department who have indicated an interest in serving as the sponsor/host for your research or advanced study. You may find a list of faculty members whom you may contact, and their research specializations, on the "PEOPLE" page on our website.

   • Proposed dates of your stay.  The department allows a maximum stay of twelve months.

     Please note:  The academic year consists of two semesters. The first semester begins at the end of August and finishes in the middle of December. The second semester begins in the middle of January and finishes in the middle of May. In addition, there is a Summer Session which begins in the middle of June and finishes in the middle of August. The Visiting Scholar should plan to be in Madison before the beginning of any of these sessions. Most Scholars are in residence during the normal term of the academic year—end of August to middle of May—plus the Summer Session.

2. The faculty reviews your request at a department meeting.

   Upon receipt of the above-described information, the Department considers the request for a visiting scholar appointment at the next regular department faculty meeting, which are held monthly during the nine-month academic year.  If a majority of the faculty approves, the Chair will forward the request to the UW-Madison School of Education.

3. After faculty approval, you submit additional documents.

   Before the School of Education can approve the appointment and request that the University of Wisconsin–Madison issue you a DS-2019 immigration form, you must send us:

   1. Financial documentation indicating sufficient funds to cover your stay. Documentation must be in English and an original; photocopied or faxed copies are not acceptable. In addition, specific U.S. dollar amounts are required on financial documentation; statements such as "funds to cover stay" are not acceptable. For the 2007-08 academic year the University required documentation of $1,400/month to cover living expenses for an individual. For a family, costs would be higher, adding approximately $600/month for a spouse/partner and $350/month for each child to cover living expenses. In addition, health insurance costs may be calculated at $140/month for the applicant, or up to $576/month for the applicant plus family members.   Applicants who use private funds to cover their stay must send bank records in English, on letterhead, with original signatures, indicating account balances, which clearly demonstrate that funds are sufficient to cover the intended duration of stay. Please note: The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis does not provide financial support to Visiting Scholars.

   2. City and country of birth for applicant and accompanying family members.

   3. Date of birth of applicant and accompanying family members.

   4. Country of citizenship and legal permanent residence of applicant and accompanying family members.

   5. U.S. Social Security number (if you have been to the United States and obtained a Social Security number on a previous visit).

   6. A copy of the passport identity page for prospective J-1 scholar and accompanying J-2 dependents.

   More complete information for international visitors is available on the International Faculty and Staff Services website. Please read this website, which has links to important information about health insurance requirements with the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

4. Once the School of Education approves and the department chair sends a formal invitation, the university sends you DS-2019 authorization.

   The DS-2019 form allows the applicant to request a J-1 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate. This DS-2019 form is sent to the applicant by the University of Wisconsin–Madison's International Faculty and Staff Services.

5. The Department offers the following visiting scholar services when you arrive

   1. As available, office and desk space. In most cases, visiting scholars will share an office with others on short-term appointments. Each office has a telephone for local calls.
   2. Staff identification card which will allow you to make use of campus libraries and most University facilities.
   3. Use of a computer on the School of Education network, allowing for word processing, e-mail, and access to the Internet.
   4. Access to a photocopier for necessary duplication of research materials.
   5. Essential office supplies.
   6. Incoming faxes. (Outgoing faxes and mailing costs are the responsibility of the visiting scholar.)
   7. Access to courses taught in the Department and the University. Visiting scholars should ask the faculty member teaching each course for permission to observe classes.

6. While at the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis ...

   In consultation with the faculty mentor, the department invites visiting scholars to contribute to the intellectual life of the Department (e.g. make a course presentation, present a public lecture to students and faculty, interact with student organizations, and/or attend Department gatherings and seminars).

   At the conclusion of the appointment, the visiting scholar will submit a summary report to the department chair detailing the results of the research and comments on his or her stay in the department.