Hosting Foreign Scholars
Department checklist
The following checklist reflects a wide range of concerns about the quality of life supporting foreign scholars at UNL. It is not meant to be an exhausting taxonomy of mandated services, but rather to point the way toward more effective use of our institutional resources in serving these important persons in our midst. It is constructed on two key assumptions:
- Foreign scholars are generally more mature and independent than are students, but need specific information and support for successful academic experiences, and
- Foreign scholars are well-served by some formal recognition (receptions, introductions, networks) in order to compensate for the lack of a formal role (such as enrollment) in the University
PRE-ARRIVAL LOGISTICS (to be communicated to the scholar)- Visa decisions and documentation
- Formal appointment
- Appropriate tax information
- Primary contact person at University
- Housing options (including temporary accommodation list)
- Cost-of-living facts
- Climate/clothing needs
- Banking information
- Health insurance information
- Clarifying expectations on: office space, desk, lab space, telephone, clerical support, computer, photo copying, etc.
- Airport-to-campus transportation information
- Spouse/dependent expectation:
- Visa limitations (employment)
- Language learning facilities
- Day care/schooling options
- Legal, health documents (birth certificate, inoculations)
- On/off campus spouse programs
ARRIVAL LOGISTICS
- Transportation from airport
- Personal orientation to campus and community
- Welcome arrangements (receptions): Chancellor / Vice Chancellor / Dean / Department Chair / Faculty Sponsor
- International Affairs (visa services, personal counseling, Family Handbook, Renters Guide, Newsletter)
- Health insurance with coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
- Appropriate foreign student association contact
- Payroll procedures
- Social Security
- Housing arrangements (temporary and long-term)
- Community receptions: International organizations, / Mayor / official "key to the city"
- Extensions of professional courtesies (library, athletic, and recreational priveleges; department signage)
- Introductions to colleagues
PROGRAM- Connecting scholar to contacts in field
- Arranging for lecture opportunities in field
- Travel as culture-learning (field trips)
- Transportation information (driver’s license, auto purchase information, public transportation)
- Visiting government agencies, political and civic associations
- Community group involvement:
- Schools
- Houses of worship
- Spouse/dependent groups
- Language-learning opportunities
- Artistic, musical, recreational programs and opportunities
I:/docs/chcklst
