Summer Academic Training Policies And Procedures

Submitted By Gabriel_Teodoro
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Pages: 8

2015 Summer Academic Training Policies &
Procedures
Overview
The Institute of International Education (IIE) and Coordenação De Aperfeiçoamento De Pessoal De Nível Superior (CAPES) strongly encourage all eligible Brazil Scientific Mobility Program (BSMP) grantees to actively seek and partake in a workrelated experience that directly relates to their major fields of study while participating in the program. The scope of this policy falls directly in line with the greater BSMP objective of widening the academic and research exchange between the
U.S. and Brazil and increasing Brazilian initiatives in sciences, technology and innovation.
Table of Contents








Academic Training Description………………………………...……... 1
Academic Training Policies …………….………………….…….……..2
Process to Obtain Approval for Academic Training ……….….3
Importance of Academic Training……………………………….…….3
Summer Coursework……………..……………………...….…...….…….3
Alternative Activities……………………………………………….…..…...4
Grantees Unable to Secure Academic Training ……….…...…. 4

Academic Training Description
As defined by J-1 exchange visitor regulations, the purpose of Academic Training (AT) is to provide employment authorization to J-1 grantees so they can gain practical experience in their major field of study while maintaining J-1 visa status. For the purpose of BSMP, AT is further defined as a traditional internship, co-op, observership, or practicum that is completed over a pre-approved period of time during the summer and relates directly to the grantee’s Field of Study as noted on the DS-2019.
AT must be approved in writing by IIE before the grantee may participate in any activities or orientations related thereto.
For the purposes of the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program, AT takes place during the summer (generally May—August) for 30
-45 hours/week and can be any of the following:




Internship
Research opportunity
Observership

Eligible grantees are required to participate in full-time AT over the summer, as it is an integral component of the BSMP scholarship. AT has no effect on academic placement. Grantees who continue their scholarships in the Fall 2015 term are expected to return to their primary host institution after Summer AT concludes. Requests for transfers will not be considered.
1

Academic Training Policies & Procedures
Undergraduate Program
Academic Training Policies
The authorization to engage in AT is under the discretion and permission of IIE and established BSMP policy. In order to be eligible for AT, grantees must meet the criteria below:
1. Have successfully maintained full-time academic enrollment and J-1 status throughout their BSMP scholarship.
2. Be in good academic standing while simultaneously fulfilling all the requirements that a host institution requires of its non-degree grantees.
3.

Have completed at least one semester or two quarters of full-time academic coursework in the U.S. under BSMP.

I. Qualifications
A. AT can take place either on- or off-campus, and may be paid or unpaid.
B. AT should be full-time (between 30 to 45 per week). Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
C. AT should be no shorter than four weeks in duration and cannot be any longer than the total amount of time spent in the grantee’s full course of study (but should not be longer than 16 weeks). AT that lasts fewer or more weeks than the standard number may be permitted in special cases.
D. AT will cease, at the latest, on the last day of a grantee’s DS –2019 or, if the grantee is continuing his or her scholarship in the Fall, before the beginning of the grantee’s Fall term.
E. AT must relate directly to the grantee’s Field of Study as noted on his or her DS-2019.
II. AT Requirements
A. Non-continuing grantees (those with an end date of 8/31/2015 on the DS 2019) must begin summer AT activities within 30 days of their last exam of the Spring term.
B. Grantees must report any changes to the terms or conditions (supervisor, location, dates, etc.) of an