Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholars to SFU

SFU makes available a limited number of spaces for innovative scholars to spend time with Faculty as visiting scholars, in order to collaborate in educational and scholarly work and provide opportunities for local Faculty to learn more about education activities in other countries.

Visiting scholars are entitled to library and Internet privileges but are not normally eligible for financial support or use of departmental resources (office space, computer, photocopier, etc.). Academic courses can only be audited and prior approval of the course instructor is required.

Prospective visiting scholars must first secure the consent of an SFU faculty member who is willing to collaborate with them during their stay at SFU.

Visiting scholars can apply directly to a specific SFU Department or Faculty, or to the SFU International office. To apply to be a visiting scholar the following documentation is normally required:

• A letter explaining why you would like to become a visiting scholar at SFU, including the dates and duration of your intended stay;
• curriculum vitae;
• a summary of research interests;
• the name of one or two faculty members you wish to collaborate with during your stay at SFU.

Once your application has been approved and a faculty member has agreed to be your academic mentor, a formal letter of invitation will be issued, (which may be required in order to obtain a visa).

International Visiting Scholars must have adequate medical insurance to cover themselves and any accompanying dependants for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. More information on medical insurance can be found in the Health and Wellness Section of the International Student Handbook.

SFU International is not able to provide housing assistance for visiting scholars. For on-campus housing options visit Housing and Residence. Information on off-Campus accommodation can be found at SFU off campus housing.

Visiting Scholars from SFU

International Professor Exchange (IPE) is a unique and simple Web-based program. This is a service of the Office of International Programs and the Information Technology Systems Division of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

IPE offers an easy way for college and university faculty and academic staff to make known their interest in an international exchange. IPE provides a Web site www.uncw.edu/ipe where individuals can list their professional areas of competence and indicate the kind of international exchange they desire: teaching and/or research, for example, short or long duration from, say, ten days to a year, preferred dates, location etc. These listings, coming from around the world, allow academic professionals to find interested counterparts in other countries, and to initiate an exchange.

SFU International also provides support for SFU faculty members who are interested in becoming an international visiting scholar at one of our partner institutions. Contact our office for more information.