Students - Current Students
Guidelines for the Visiting International Student Scholar Program
PURPOSE:
The Adult Education Program at the University of Georgia has a commitment to fostering international awareness and activity among students and faculty. To that end, visiting international students are welcome to spend time studying in Georgia. New perspectives on adult education that these visiting students bring to our Program enrich our intellectual climate and prove instructive for faculty and students alike.
HOW DO I APPLY TO BE A VISITING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
Applications for the Visiting International Student Program can be submitted to any member of our faculty. The application consists of three items: (1) A letter addressed to the UGA faculty member specifying the proposed dates of the visit and what you hope to accomplish during your time in Georgia; (2) A letter of recommendation from the student’s academic advisor or other sponsor endorsing the proposed visit; and (3) A current vitae. Note: The University offers no financial assistance for this program.
HOW ARE APPLICATIONS FOR THE VISITING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLAR PROGRAM REVIEWED?
Copies of the application letter and vitae are shared with the entire faculty at the next available faculty meeting (meetings are held monthly during the academic year). The full faculty discusses the application and determines whether the Program can meet the needs of the student. In addition to the majority of the faculty approving the application, one member of the faculty must agree to serve as “faculty sponsor” for the applicant.
WHAT DOES THE FACULTY SPONSOR DO?
The faculty sponsor provides the planning and logistical support necessary to ensure that the Visiting International Student has a productive and enjoyable visit. The sponsor communicates with the Visiting Student prior to the visit in order to: (1) provide any letters and endorsement the Visiting Student needs to obtain funding for the visit, (2) facilitate completion of forms necessary for any required visas, (3) help plan for transportation to Athens, (4) assist in locating appropriate housing. The sponsor also assists the student in gaining access to the intellectual resources of the university, including the library and faculty members with relevant specialties.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM EXPECT OF THE STUDENT?
It is the Program expectation that the Visiting International Student will participate in the academic and social activities of the Program. It is anticipated that the student may participate in courses (where English is the medium of instruction) offered by the Program, and/or be working on an independent study basis with one or more faculty members. The Visiting Student may be invited to conduct a public seminar on a topic of his or her choosing.
HOW CAN VISITING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ACQUIRE CREDIT FOR THEIR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE?
Once you have received approval for your visit from the sponsoring faculty member in the Department of Adult Education, should you desire credit, you have two options available for acquiring credit for your academic experience while visiting The University of Georgia. Graduate credit or continuing education units (CEUs) are the two possibilities explained below:
Graduate Credit
The University of Georgia Graduate School has a provision for students to be admitted nondegree status. Applicants who do not intend to pursue a degree at UGA but who wish to take graduate-level courses over a semester(s) for professional advancement, may apply to the Graduate School for nondegree status. The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher degree from an accredited institution.
Applying for Nondegree Status
Nondegree applicants must submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- the application for admission
- an application-processing fee (check or credit card)
- two official transcripts from the institution that awarded the highest degree
A statement of purpose should be completed in the space provided on the application for admission. The academic major of Adult Education must be entered in item 4 on the application for admission. Satisfactory completion of courses under nondegree status allows the student to obtain an official transcript from the University of Georgia. Students are responsible for paying all university fees and charges related to enrollment.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
A Visiting International Student may also obtain a certificate of completion of a learning activity that carries with it a number of continuing education units. Formally defined, one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education manages and administers the awarding of CEUs on campus.
Applying for CEUs for Learning Experiences in the Adult Education Department at UGA
International Program applicants could contact one of the faculty members in the Adult Education Program at the University of Georgia and express interest in learning experiences such as seminars, workshops, and directed studies for which they could receive an Official Document for the number of CEUs awarded for these experiences.
Adult Education faculty and the applicant would design a curriculum describing the experience(s), contact hours, and learning projects to be completed and present this proposal to representatives from the UGA Center for Continuing Education who manage awarding CEUs.
The applicant would be required to pay a minimum fee in US Dollars (USD) for the learning experiences and maintenance of a formal transcript signifying successful completion of Continuing Education Units. The CEU fee will be determined by the number of individuals participating at any one time. The University of Georgia will assist the applicant in acquiring an on-campus identification number that can be used to access the official CEU transcript.
