International Visiting Scholars

The Exchange Visitor (J-1) Program was established by the U.S. Government to allow scholars from other countries to come to the U.S. to participate in educational and cultural programs. The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is “to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges” [Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright - Hayes Act) of 1961].

More information can be found on the Depart of State website.  

You can also check out The Exchange Visitor Program Participant Welcome Brochure that contains contact information for the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program. J-1 scholars can also learn about Your Rights and Protections in different languages.

International Visiting Scholars group shot


The Office of Global Strategies and International Affairs and Global Agriculture Programs has been approved by the Department of State to administer a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for Kentucky State University (KSU). Our J-1 designation has been approved as a consortium for the following 4 categories:

  • Professor: A person who is engaging in this program for the purpose of teaching and/or conducting advanced research at KSU (5-year program limit).
  • Research Scholar: A person who is engaging in a research program at KSU for the purpose of undertaking or participating in research or demonstrating and sharing specialized knowledge or skills (5-year program limit).
  • Short-Term Scholar: A person who is participating in KSU’s J-1 program for six months or less (no extensions).
  • Student: A person who is engaging in an academic program at KSU for the purpose of pursuing formal courses, or any combination of courses, research or teaching that leads to a recognized program objective, degree or certificate at KSU.

All participants in our J-1 Exchange Visitor program are required to abide by the federal regulations pertaining to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program as well as by the requirements set forth by Kentucky State University as a J-1 program sponsor.