ACU begins new Exchange Visitors Program For immediate release July 15, 1999 The Center for International and Intercultural Education at Abilene Christian University has been designated as a sponsor of the Exchange Visitor Program in accordance with the Fulbright-Hays Act (also known as Public Law 87-256). The Exchange Visitors Program provides foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in academic exchange programs in the United States and then return home to share their experiences. ACU is allowed to invite students, qualified professors, research scholars and short-term scholars. Invited students are allowed to stay for the length of time needed in their education; professors can come to teach courses; research scholars can stay up to three years while working on extensive research projects; and short-term scholars can stay up to six months while working on research. Kevin Kehl, assistant director of international and intercultural education, recently attended a conference concerning the J-1 Exchange Visitor's visa, and he says that beyond learning the procedures to attain such visas, he "saw the importance of the program to the overall business of international education exchange to the United States." The first invitation has already been sent out to Nikolai Kozlenko of Russia who may be a short-term scholar working with Dr. Mike Sadler in nuclear physics. Kehl mentioned three ways the ACU community will benefit from this exchange program. "We gain exposure to a global perspective through the eyes of foreigners from a faculty and research viewpoint. We also get to meet some great minds and experts in particular fields from various places around the world. Lastly, this more broad education and cultural exchange helps promote global understanding and cooperation." -- 30 -- If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692. Last update: July 15, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@nicanor.acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/people/news/9907015-exchange.html