G-MEO Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists (GVSS) Program

Chinese language version

Summary

  • One or two-semester professional development experience for Chinese academics and professionals
  • Library resources and facilities to pursue independent research
  • 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 New York City metropolitan area

Fairleigh Dickinson University is proud to partner with Global Maximum Educational Opportunities, Inc. (G-MEO) to offer the Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists (GVSS) Program.

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

Provided on FDU’s Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, N.J., just 16 km from New York City which is easily accessible by mass transportation, the GVSS programs enable 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 FDU. With FDU’s approval, participants may apply to extend their stay in accordance with U.S. government rules and regulations.

Expectations

Visiting Global Specialists will either audit at least nine credits of FDU graduate coursework per semester or enroll in FDU’s English for Professional Success (EPS) program. Participants who do not meet the English proficiency requirements needed to audit FDU classes (see Qualifications below) will be required to enroll in EPS courses.

Visiting Global Scholars will pursue independent research and/or research collaborations but may also audit FDU classes. Participants will be expected to present their ongoing research at faculty colloquia and to submit a progress report at the end of each semester.

Inclusions

  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will receive an official certificate indicating their participation in the program
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will receive support from G-MEO 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 FDU and co-hosted on a case-by-case basis, with an appropriate academic department
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will have access to FDU 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 FDU visit and will be invited to give guest lectures and presentations and will be encouraged to engage in joint research projects with FDU colleagues
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will have opportunities to audit FDU courses at post-graduate levels (subject to English proficiency on a space-available basis)
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will have opportunities to audit FDU’s proprietary English for Professional Success (EPS) program (subject to a placement test and on a space-available basis)
  • Global Visiting Scholars and Specialists will have opportunities to enroll in FDU 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 FDU 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 FDU faculty mentor who will cooperate in that research.
  4. Must have evidence of English proficiency consistent with that plan.
  5. Must have an official letter of support from their institution which, minimally, (1) gives explicit approval for the research plan and visit duration/timeframe; (2) provides assurance of continued employment after the visit; and (3) provides a statement of financial support (where applicable).

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 bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience or a master’s degree and at least five years of professional experience as demonstrated by resume.
  3. Must have a concrete professional development plan.
  4. Must have evidence of English proficiency consistent with that plan.
  5. Must have an official letter of support from their organization which, minimally, (1) gives explicit approval for the professional development plan and visit duration/timeframe; (2) provides assurance of continued employment after the visit; and (3) provides a statement of financial support (where applicable).

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

Applicants not meeting the threshold for being a specialist could be invited to enroll in a graduate degree program at FDU so that the individual could apply as an F-1 student. 

English Proficiency

In order to audit or enroll in regular FDU 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 for Professional Success (EPS) 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 GVSS Program

How to Apply

  • G-MEO will review applications for the Visiting Scholars and Specialists program and will recommend candidates to FDU. Complete applications shall include the following:
    • An application form to the GVSS 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
  • G-MEO 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 FDU 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 enabling them to obtain a J-1 visa and a J-2 visa for each of his/her dependents. FDU reserves the right to determine the final eligibility of each candidate recommended by G-MEO. FDU retains sole decision-making authority regarding its selection of Visiting Scholars and Specialists, in accordance with U.S. and New Jersey State laws and FDU’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.

Living Expenses

Minimum of $9,500 per semester (fall or spring) and approximately $24,000 for one calendar year for rent, meals, local transportation, and medical insurance.

Other Opportunities

Academic credits earned by scholars and specialists during the academic year or semester in residence may be applied to an FDU 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

G-MEO New York Office

Ilyanna Keller, Director, College Division, Global Maximum Educational Opportunities, Inc.
Phone: +1 646-216-2186 
Email: Ilyanna.keller@g-meo.com
Website: www.gmeochina.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gmeochina
Instagram: @gmeochina

G-MEO China Office

Sara Luo, Director, Chengdu American Center, Global Maximum Educational Opportunities, Inc.

Email: sara.luo@g-MEO.com 
Mobile: (+86) 15882140846 (China)
QQ: 331449135
Website: www.gmeochina.com
WeChat: 成都极妙教育g-MEO
Weibo: 成都极妙教育g-MEO