Fellow ecologists, I would appreciate anyone with experience and/or resources to assist me in understanding the mechanics of bringing in an international student (getting her M.Sc. in Uruguay) into a lab of an undergraduate institution in the United States. The MSc student does not yet have a post-graduate degree (and thus is not a visiting scholar - J VISA?) and also will not be taking courses (and thus will not be "enrolled" in a credit program - Student VISA). She just wants to come to do an experiment for 4-6 weeks.
Has anyone encountered this 'in between' category before? If they are not paid, is there a solution? Is providing housing considered payment? I have been bringing my undergraduate students to Uruguay for the past several years - as privileged US students, they do not encounter VISA issues or apparent liability problems. In addition, they have been fully supported by federal funding whereas little resources exist for scientists in the host countries in which we work. I would like to see a little more quid-pro-quo in helping this student with extending her Master's project in my lab. Any help, links, experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Romi Burks -- *Dr. Romi L. BurksProfessor of Biology* *Co-Chair of Interdisciplinary Programs* *Animal Behavior & Environmental Studies* *1001 East University Avenue* *Georgetown, TX 78626* *Office Phone: 512-863-1280* *Website:* www.profromi.com &* Twitter: ProfRomi*
