Guidelines for Hosting International Scholars

All units that plan on hosting a visiting scholar, regardless of sponsorship, should notify the Drexel Global office (global@drexel.edu) and International Students & Scholars Services (isss@drexel.edu) to ensure appropriate protocol are followed.

Non-Drexel Sponsored Visiting Scholars

Units interested in welcoming a visiting scholar sponsored by a third party (Fulbright, AMIDEAST, IIE, among others) will work with Drexel Global. Units may be interested in co-sponsoring programs or events to connect the visiting scholar to the Drexel community, including research talks or partnership development. Interested departments can research the Fulbright Non-US Scholar website for specific program options to host a scholar.

Steps to Host a Fulbright Scholar

• Invite an overseas colleague to consider coming to Drexel as a visiting scholar
• Contact the Drexel Global office (global@drexel.edu) for specific connections to current international partner institutions.
• Recommend that the scholar get in touch with the Fulbright commission in his/her country or contact the U.S. Embassy for application and deadline information

• Provide a letter of invitation to the scholar indicating the terms of the proposed partnership and the relationship between the scholar’s interests and those of the department
• Upon receipt of a Fulbright award, work with the scholar to determine an appropriate arrival date to campus
• Provide the scholar with Drexel’s International Faculty Guidebook

Since these scholars often are awarded a stipend for living expenses by their sponsoring fellowship, providing resources to off-campus housing and helping scholars become acquainted with the University comprises most of the pre-arrival work.

Host units should be prepared to assist with:

• Providing a link to Drexel Off-Campus Housing
• Submitting the Non-Employee Associate Form to HR (Email address, DragonCard, and Drexel Libraries privileges.)
  • *Please note, visiting scholars will only have access to online library databases while physically located in a Drexel library due to licensing
• All host departments are expected to provide an office space that the visiting scholar can utilize during their time at Drexel
• Introducing the scholar to department staff and colleagues and discuss an appropriate work schedule
• Maintaining frequent contact with the scholar throughout the duration of his/her stay on campus
• Connecting the scholar to opportunities in Philadelphia and across campus

Drexel Sponsored Visiting Scholars

Units interested in hosting a Drexel-sponsored scholar will work with International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) (drexel.edu/isss). Policies and procedures are listed on the ISSS website and must be followed to ensure timely J-1 visa processing.