Academic Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who usually applies for the Program?
- How do I apply?
- How may I be accepted?
- In order to be considered, do I need to pass the TOEFL?
- Does a Visiting Scholar pay a fee?
- Are there any scholarships available?
- If I am accepted, what should I do to prepare?
- How do I get a visa?
- If I came as a Visiting Scholar, could I bring my family?
- How long may a Visiting Scholar do research at the Levin College of Law?
- May a Visiting Scholar get an extension to study for a longer period?
- May a Visiting Scholar attend law school classes?
- How much interaction may a Visiting Scholar have with faculty and students?
- What responsibilities does a Visiting Scholar have?
- Are there opportunities to study English as a Visiting Scholar?
- How do I find out about Gainesville?
- How do I find out more about the University of Florida and Levin College of Law?
- My question was not answered.
Who usually applies for the Program?
Any serious researcher may apply. In the past, applicants have been judges, professors, lawyers, law and Master’s Degree students, research officers and various government officials.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted at intlprogs@law.ufl.edu in January and February of each year. At that time, email a resumé, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement explaining your area of research and why you are interested in the University of Florida as a place to do your research.
How may I be accepted?
After all applications have been collected, they are given to the International Programs Committee for consideration. The Committee meets each March and decides which Scholars will be invited for the upcoming academic year (August-May).
In order to be considered, do I need to pass the TOEFL?
At this time, no TOEFL is required to be considered as a Visiting Scholar. However, the law school expects that Scholars have a good understanding of English for productive research and effective communication with other Scholars, faculty and students.
Does a Visiting Scholar pay a fee?
No fee is currently required.
Are there any scholarships available for research?
No scholarships or stipends are available. The Visiting Scholar is responsible for all expenses associated with his/her stay. Most Visiting Scholars are funded by their governments, businesse, or universities.
If I am accepted, what should I do to prepare?
You will first want to get a credit card and a personal laptop computer. You should also go to http://www.gainesville-rent.com/ to start looking for an apartment. The Program Assistant at intlprogs@law.ufl.edu can give you information on hotels and rental cars, and can provide you with contacts (previous Visiting Scholars) who can give you tips on how to settle into the American culture.
How do I get a visa?
Concerning a visa, you have two choices: 1.) obtain a visa on your own 2.) Have the Program Assistant for International Programs help you with paper work for a J-1 visa. The J-1 will allow you to stay in the U.S. for an entire year, if desired.
If I came as a Visiting Scholar, could I bring my family?
Yes. The Program Assistant for the International Programs Department can help with visa paper work for immediate family members. She also has information concerning school registration.
How long may a Visiting Scholar do research at the Levin College of Law?
A Visiting Scholar may do research for up to a year, although some Scholars only come for six months.
May a Visiting Scholar get an extension to study for a longer period?
Because of limited space and the number of applicants each year, it is not our policy to allow extensions.
May a Visiting Scholar attend law school classes?
Yes, a Visiting Scholar may attend law school classes with permission of professors. Of course, no credit is given for attendance.
How much interaction may a Visiting Scholar have with faculty and students?
Both faculty and students are interested in Visiting Scholars. Visiting Scholars are encouraged to attend faculty colloquia and luncheons, and interact with students in the International Law Society. Each fall the Visiting Scholar is invited to an International Programs Reception, for students and visiting faculty from all over the world.
What responsibilities does a Visiting Scholar have?
Other than personal research, a Visiting Scholar is required to give a presentation or lecture on his/her topic to either faculty or students. This is the International Programs Committee’s attempt to give more exposure to Visiting Scholars and to foster interest in world cultures.
Are there opportunities to study English as a Visiting Scholar?
There are several opportunities, ranging from free evening classes in several locations around Gainesville, to more formal classes through the English Language Institute or Santa Fe Community College.
How do I find out about Gainesville?
Look at the official website for Gainesville at http://www.state.fl.us/gvl/, the Gainesville Sun newspaper online at http://www.sunone.com/, or the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.gainesvillechamber.com/index2.htm. You can buy Gainesville-related publications (maps, apartment guides) on the Chamber of Commerce website.
How do I find out more about the University of Florida and the College of Law?
http://www.law.ufl.edu is the Levin College of Law website. http://www.ufl.edu is the University of Florida webpage. http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/ifss/ifss.htm is the website of the International Center on main campus. This website will be most beneficial. http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/resources/iso.htm is the University of Florida International Student Organizations website.
My question was not answered.
Please contact the Program Assistant if you have any further questions.
Intlprogs@law.ufl.edu / 352-273-0777