Pacific Lutheran University extends a warm welcome to its international scholars! The Exchange Visitors and Visiting Scholars are a valued part of the PLU community. The Wang Center for Global Education is committed to providing support to our visiting scholars each year. We are here to provide assistance with campus logistics, as well as support with immigration services.
The broad purpose of the Exchange Visitor program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange in order to develop mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Exchange programs exist in a variety of formats and permit visitors to come to this country for a wide range of activities. Comprehensive information about the J-Visa Exchange Program can be found at http://j1visa.state.gov/.
To help prepare you for your arrival at PLU, please read this section of our website.
International Scholar Handbook: This handbook is intendend to provide Exchange Visitors (professors, research scholars, or students on J-1 Visas) with pre-arrival information to ensure the visitors understand the nature, objectives, and requirements of their programs, to ease their arrival, and to help them derive the fullest benefit from their experience in the U.S. and at PLU. Please download a copy to maintain with you during your stay.
Arrival and Orientation: The closest airport at PLU is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Once you are settled into your lodging facility, exchange visitors must report to the Wang Center for Global Education for introductions, orientation, and immigration reporting. Allyson Lindsley will need to make a copy of your DS-2019, I-94 Card, Passport, and Visa. She will also review your insurance policy with you at this time. Once this process is finished, you will be given a tour of campus and get your picture taken for your PLU ID card. Please email Allyson at lindslal@plu.edu to schedule a meeting time. International Student Services conducts an orientation for incoming international students to PLU, and all Exchange Visitors are encouraged to attend as many relevant sessions of this orientation as possible. For visiting professors, there is a fall faculty orientation and conference. Please check with your supervisor as to if your attendance at these faculty sessions is mandatory.
Food & Dining: Exchange Visitors, depending on if they are living on campus or off campus, can choose between a university meal plan, or can prepare their own meals. If you prefer to utilize the campus dining facilities, PLU Dining Dollars can be purchased. Please contact Allyson Lindsley at lindslal@plu.edu if you prefer this method.
University Events: There a variety of university events that exchange visitors are encouraged to attend. Professors and Research Scholars are invited to attend the University Conference and Fall Faculty Conference
Living Arrangements: PLU has some housing available for Exchange Visitors in nearby apartment buildings. These one room apartments are for rent and have a small kitchen and bath. On-campus living arrangements are also available. Some of our past scholars have resided in Hong International Hall.
Health Center Requirements: Exchange Visitors are required to complete a Medical History Form before their arrival or as soon as they arrive on campus. All international students, faculty, and scholars are required to have their immunizations up-to-date. The Health Center will review your Medical History Form and tell you if immunizations are needed.
Finances and Money: Upon your arrival, you are encouraged to open a checking or savings account when you are here. You can meet local banks at First Year Orientation, or the Wang Center for Global Education is happy to assist you with finding a bank. The PLU Business Office will cash personal checks up to $75 with valid PLU ID.
Transportation: We encourage Visiting Scholars and students to explore the Tacoma/Seattle area. A Transit Center is just 2 blocks from campus. To learn more about transit options, visit www.piercetransit.org or http://tripplanner.piercetransit.org. Airport Van service is convenient and available through Shuttle Express at www.shuttleexpress.com.
Visa Information: Comprehensive Information about the Visa Process for Exchange Visitors can be found on the Department of State’s website: http://j1visa.state.gov/participants/. Exchange Visitor's will be expected to to pay a $100 Visa fee and $100 SEVIS fee.
12 and 24 Months Bar: Time spent in the United States as an Exchange Visitor (J-1 or J-2) may affect future eligibility for future J-1 categories. Such periods of ineligibilty are referred to the 12 and 24 month bar. These bars apply to the categories "Research Scholar" and "Professor", but do not apply to "Short Term Scholar" or "Specialist".
2 Year Home Residency Requirement: As an Exchange Visitor, you may be subject to the 2 Year Home Residency Requirement after completion of your program. Exchange Visitor subject to this requirement must return to their home country and be present for a aggregate of 2 years before returning to the U.S. in immigrant status, H Status, or L Status.