Please read through our latest International Center Newsletter for Faculty and Staff!
Updates regarding International visitors, zoom info sessions, recruiting challenges and study abroad information.
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International Center News for Faculty and Staff
March 2023
International Center Hours Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
Drop-In Hours are Monday through Thursday 2 pm to 4 pm
Appointments can be scheduled through Handshake. The URL for Handshake is
https://clarkson.joinhandshake.com/edu
Search for Global Opportunities in CU Global at this link:
https://clarkson-horizons.symplicity.com/https://clarkson-horizons.symplicity.com/
International Visitors: The Process
The International Center assists departments and faculty sponsors with hiring or hosting international faculty,
staff and scholars under the J Exchange Visitor Program. This includes:
● assistance with immigration document preparation
● arrival guide for J Scholars
● general scholar advising to those on J visa status
Clarkson can issue documents under the following categories:
● J Professor / Research Scholar: Individual whose primary duties are teaching or research. These
categories commingle. Length of stay is 3-weeks to 5-years
● J1 Short-Term Scholar: A professor, research scholar or person with similar education or
accomplishments coming to the US on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, training
or demonstrating special skills. Length of stay is up to 6-months.
● J Student Intern: Student pursuing a degree outside the US where the internship is fulfilling the
education objective for his/her degree at home institution. Special conditions do apply. Length of stay is
3-weeks to 1-year. The International Center assists departments and faculty sponsors with hiring or
hosting international faculty, staff and scholars under the J Exchange Visitor Program.
Please visit the International Center intranet to view the ‘Steps to host a J-1 Scholar’:
https://intranet.clarkson.edu/student-life/international-center/
Important Note: Please allow at least 2 – 3 months processing prior to the start of the J program. This allows
enough time for International Center staff to review and process the visa paperwork, visa processing – and –
travel to Clarkson University.
Please email internationalcenter@clarkson.edu with any questions or requests.
The International Center is now offering Zoom Open Hours for new International Students who have made
their deposit for fall term. These sessions will assist them with pre arrival questions. They are held Fridays
from 9-10. The students have been provided with a link to join.
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Round 2 Study Abroad Semester Program Applications open March 1st through April 2nd for Spring 2024
Programs. If you have interested students, please encourage them to apply.
Scam Alert! If you receive an email or telephone call advising that your immigration status is in jeopardy
unless you provide immediate payment for services, fees or fine – DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION!
● A government agency will never contact you by phone or email to demand payment.
● A government agency will never ask you for gift cards or prepaid credit cards.
● Contact the International Center about your status.
● Report the scam to Clarkson Campus Security.
International Recruiting Tips & Challenges
As the recruiting season begins please be mindful that students from certain countries may encounter delays in
visa processing. While things may change over time, please keep this in mind when reviewing applications.
(i.e. India and Nigeria are still facing some issues with visa appointment scheduling.)
It is important to understand that when students apply for their
student visas, they are required to answer 3 basic questions:
● What is the reason for your travel to the United States?
● How do you plan to pay for your educational expenses?
● Prove strong ties to your home country.
Challenges once these questions have been answered:
● Overcoming the US Consular Officers’ perception of immigrant
● intent. The applicant must prove strong ties to their home country.
● Visa appointment shortages.
● Global/political challenges – Some countries are currently going through some political turmoil which
impacts the US Consulates availability to provide regular visa services. In some instances, that makes
the US Consular Officer sensitive to the applicant’s intent to travel to the US. Natural disasters are also
causing delays.
● The applicant’s previous visa application history. If a student has been denied more than two times, this
may have an impact on their visa application.
The US Department of State continues to make student visa applications a priority.
On a positive note: Students may now submit their visa applications up to a year in advance.
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Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
Curious where your Fulbright journey could take you?
Join a webinar to learn more! Visit this website to register for one of the upcoming webinars:
https://apply.iie.org/portal/scholar_webinars
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program’s 2024-25 competition will open soon, featuring over 400 awards offered in
more than 135 countries. Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards allow academics, professionals and artists who are
U.S. citizens to teach, research, and carry out professional projects abroad. Applications will be due
September 15, 2023, but it’s not too early to see what’s possible.
The Fulbright staff are there to support you through the application process. Resources are always available to
assist you along. For more information: https://fulbrightscholars.org/us-scholar-awards#getting-started
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Office Hours Beginning in March
Check the schedule & register here: https://apply.iie.org/portal/office_hours
Page footer: Clarkson International Center ERC 2300 email: internationalcenter@clarkson.edu