The impressions and experiences of a visiting scholar you invite to Virginia Tech largely depends on how he or she is received by the academic department and the faculty members with whom he or she will be working. We are offering some suggestions for making the first few weeks of your scholar's stay at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, and in the United States in general, as pleasant as possible.
- Arrange airport pick up for the scholar, or send information about the shuttle service from Roanoke to Blacksburg. Meeting the scholar at the airport reduces the initial culture shock and stress all foreigners feel when they first enter the United States.
- Assist the scholar with locating housing in Blacksburg. You may refer them to the off-campus housing office and explain American customs regarding signing leases and purchasing or renting furniture.
- Offer a guided tour of the campus. Show all the buildings the scholar may have to visit for official business, such as Burruss Hall, Owens Hall, Southgate Center, and the library.
- Explain the Blacksburg Transit System. Make sure the scholar knows what the buses look like and where the bus stops are located.
- Assist the scholar with initial grocery shopping.
- Introduce the scholars to all the colleagues he or she might be working with. Going out to lunch together may be a great icebreaker.
- Get the scholar involved in various department activities.
- Explain the parking policies on campus.
- Assist the scholar with opening a bank account and writing the first check.
- Invite the scholar to your home or introduce him or her to other American families.
- Take the scholar to the Office of International Research Education and Development in 134 Burruss Hall to have his/her passport and DS-2079 form copied. At that time you will be able to schedule the orientation program for the scholar.
We hope that you will feel free to extend this list of recommendations and be able to offer both professional and personal support to the visiting scholar. We wish that this be a mutually beneficial experience for you and the scholar.
For further details please contact:
Dr. Gerald Berkley-Coats
Email: gberkley@vt.edu
Phone: 540-231-6459
134 Burrus Hall
