ITU-Elite Visiting International Program for

Scholars and Specialists（ITU-E VIPS）

Summary

  • Professor guidance on academic pursuit.
  • Library resources and facilities to pursue independent research.
  • One or two-semester professional development experience for Chinese academics and professionals.
  • Supportive colleagues with whom to network and collaborate.
  • Opportunities to audit courses across the curriculum.
  • Intermediate and advanced level intensive English available.
  • Explore the diverse and dynamic Silicon Valley area.

International Technological University is proud to partner with Beijing Elite International Cultural Communication & Exchange Co.,Ltd to offer the ITU-Elite Visiting International Program for Scholars and Specialists (ITU-E VIPS).

The goal of the ITU-Elite Visiting International Program for Scholars and Specialists (ITU-E VIPS) is to provide sabbatical opportunities for Chinese faculty and/or working professionals across academic disciplines, to enrich the ITU academic community, and to strengthen a better understanding of American life and its people.

Provided on ITU’s Silicon Valley Campus in Santa Clara, California, the ITU-E VIPS program enables visitors to maximize the academic and professional impact of their international experience, fully enjoying the rich cultural opportunities of one of the world’s foremost metropolitan centers while based on a safe suburban campus.

Most participants will spend one or two academic semesters at ITU. With ITU’s approval, participants may apply to extend their stay in accordance with U.S. government rules and regulations.

Expectations

Participants will pursue independent research and/or research collaborations and can also audit ITU classes. Participants may also present their ongoing research at faculty colloquia and get academic guidance at request.

Inclusions

  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will receive an official certificate as proof of their participation in the program.
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will receive support from service team for identifying housing, transportation, and schools for any accompanying children.
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will be hosted by the Office of International Education at ITU and co-hosted on a case-by-case basis, with an appropriate academic department.
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will have access to ITU facilities, including libraries, computing, and recreational facilities, however, private office space will not be available.
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will receive invitations to special events and receptions throughout their ITU visit and will be invited to give guest lectures and presentations and will be encouraged to engage in joint research projects with ITU colleagues.
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will have opportunities to audit ITU courses at post-graduate levels (subject to English proficiency on a space-available basis).
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will have opportunities to enroll in ITU courses for which they are qualified (based on English language proficiency) on a for-credit basis for an additional tuition charge (and fees, if applicable).

All travel expenses, including the cost of a visa or travel permit, and personal expenses, including but not limited to housing, local transportation, and insurance, are the responsibility of the individual Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists.

Qualifications.

Requirements for Global Visiting Scholars.

Visiting Scholars will pursue independent research in cooperation with a member of the ITU faculty but may also audit classes.

  1. Must have a full-time faculty appointment at a university or other authorized higher education institution (HEI).
  2. Must have a distinguished record of scholarship as demonstrated by CV.
  3. Must have a concrete research plan (including a tentative dissemination plan) reviewed and accepted by an ITU faculty mentor who will cooperate in that research.
  4. Must have evidence of English proficiency consistent with that plan.

Applicants with a senior-level faculty appointment will be designated “Senior Global Visiting Scholar.” Applicants not meeting all these requirements may qualify for an invitation as “Global Visiting Specialist.”

Requirements for Global Visiting Specialists.

Visiting Specialists will pursue a professional development plan involving formal coursework and/or English study.

  1. Must have a full-time professional position in their field of expertise at a company, government entity, or higher education institution.
  2. Must have either a Graduation Diploma or a bachelor’s degree from HEI.
  3. Must have a concrete professional development plan.
  4. Must have evidence of English proficiency consistent with that plan.

Visiting Specialists with at least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in a field taught by ITU will be designated “Senior Global Visiting Specialists.”

English Proficiency

In order to audit or enroll in regular ITU courses at either undergraduate or graduate levels, Visiting Scholars and Specialists must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to TOEFL 70, IELTS 6.0, iTEP 3.7, Duolingo 100, E3PT 65, GTEC 1150, PTE-A 53.

In order to enroll in English courses, Visiting Scholars and Specialists must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to TOEFL 40, IELTS 4.5, iTEP 2.9, Duolingo 70, E3PT 48, GTEC 900, PTE-A 23.

 

Applying to the ITU-E VIPS Program

How to Apply

Complete applications shall include the following:

  • An application form to the ITU-E VIPS Program
  • Robust professional development plan (for specialists) or detailed research and dissemination plan (for scholars)
  • Educational background
  • Professional background
  • Evidence of English proficiency
  • Valid passport

We will conduct personal interviews with candidates to ensure that all participants have the necessary qualifications and demonstrable English skills in order to participate in the program and to function on a day-to-day basis.

Visiting Scholars and Specialists will have opportunities to enroll in ITU courses for which they are qualified (based on English language proficiency) on a for-credit non-degree basis for an additional tuition charge (and fees, if applicable).

Visas and Insurance

Successful candidates will be issued a DS-2019 form enabling them to obtain a J-1 visa and a J-2 visa for each of his/her dependents. ITU reserves the right to determine the final eligibility of each candidate. ITU retains sole decision-making authority regarding its selection of Visiting Scholars and Specialists, in accordance with U.S. and California State laws and ITU’s policies.

All participants must have medical insurance coverage while participating in the program in the U.S. Any medical costs not covered by their insurance policy must be paid by the participant.

Other Opportunities

Academic credits earned by scholars and specialists during the academic year or semester in residence may be applied to an ITU degree program, including online programs which can be completed in China and on-campus programs. Since a different visa type is required to pursue an academic degree program, program participants interested in an on-campus degree program would need to return home in order to apply for the correct visa.

For more information about ITU-E VIPS, please contact.

scholar@itu.edu