This short-term exchange program will last from 8 to 10 weeks. The precise duration and timing of the exchange will be determined by the host university, depending on UMass Lowell’s academic calendar and the availability of the professors coordinating the different departments at Kennedy College of Sciences.
Applicants will not be required to show proof of English language proficiency. Yet, considering that the program will take place in the US, students must have a good command of the language to succeed. During the selection process, however, the host university may conduct brief virtual interviews as a screening method to differentiate prospective students.
• Students applying and participating in the student exchange must either be born in the region or enrolled at the University of Azores.
• Upon application, students must submit an updated copy of their resume, a motivation letter, and a support letter from a Portuguese professor.
• Undergraduate students must have completed studies corresponding to the normal study load of one academic year by the commencement of the exchange period.
• Students pursuing advanced studies leading to either a master or a doctoral degree must have completed the number of credits equivalent to one semester by the commencement of the exchange period.
• For most short-term exchanges, the professors coordinating the program require applicants to meet certain qualifications or have completed specific mandatory courses beforehand.
The Saab Family Foundation is the official sponsor the UMass Lowell Exchange Program and with TERINOV being its Portuguese point of contact.
Yes. Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the US must first obtain a visa. Exchange visitor (J) visas are non-immigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the US.
Once you obtain a Form DS-2019 from a Sponsor, you may apply for an exchange visitor visa at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You can either visit the US Embassy in Lisbon or the Consulate in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island.
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
• Passport valid for travel overseas: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US
• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt: You are required to pay for the visa application prior to the interview
• Photo: You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements
• Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019: Your program sponsor will provide you a SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019 after the sponsor enters your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. All exchange visitors must be registered in SEVIS.
The wait time for an interview and processing for an Exchange Visitor Visa varies from country to country and is based on your individual circumstances, therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
You may not arrive more than 30 days before the program start date shown on your DS-2019. Upon completion of your exchange program, you have a grace period of 30 days to depart the US.
You should contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Yes, international students may still come to campus if visa and travel conditions allow. The staff at the International Students & Scholars Office are very much looking forward to meeting and working with all exchange students upon their arrival on campus.
Students who have their visa approved should plan to book a flight to arrive at Boston Logan International Airport. From there, you can either arrange your personal transportation to reach the university or take UMass Lowell’s scheduled airport transfer services upon arrival at the airport.
The university shuttle bus will transport you around campus seven days a week. Any activity the university has to offer is only a quick shuttle trip away, nonetheless, most buildings can be accessed by walking.
UMass Lowell is a large, public university located in Lowell, Massachusetts. A safe, suburban environment can offer many of the amenities of city living without the constant hum. On-campus, you can find over a hundred student activities and groups. So, whether you want to meet with other fellow students or get some exercise to relieve stress, there is a group or activity waiting to welcome you.
Seven core actions are being implemented: required education for all; daily self-screening for all; enhanced cleaning; increased testing and tracing capabilities; arranging for high-risk individuals to study and work remotely; increased mental health support; and use of face coverings and physical distancing.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires travelers arriving to Massachusetts to self-quarantine for 14 days, exempt from these restrictions are individuals who hold a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts.
All travelers must also complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival.
Surveillance testing will not be charged to students; the university assumes the cost of all surveillance testing. Symptomatic testing and testing for individuals in close contact to someone who has tested positive is covered by insurance.
All students living on campus are required to have an isolation and quarantine plan. For students who can travel in a private vehicle, we strongly recommend isolation and quarantine in the comfort of your own home. For students living on-campus who cannot travel home, the university has set aside dedicated isolation and quarantine space. Those students will be provided food and essential items.
All students living off campus will be strongly encouraged to have an isolation and quarantine plan. The university will provide support services in your off-campus location or at your home. The university will not provide on-campus isolation and quarantine space.
UMass is committed to supporting all students during any required isolation and quarantine. This includes contact tracing, academic support, health services and counseling services. All students in isolation and quarantine, both on- and off-campus, will receive a daily wellness call.
Your current Exchange Visitor Visa is only applicable for the UMass Lowell Exchange Program and under your current program sponsor. Upon completion of your current Exchange Visitor Program, you are expected to depart the US. If you intend to pursue a 2nd exchange program (in a different category and with a different sponsor), you will need to apply for a new Exchange Visitor Visa for your new exchange program and new sponsor – in order to re-enter the US for the 2nd program.
If your sponsor terminates your participation in their exchange program for just cause, the sponsor will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the US immediately. You will not be entitled to the post-completion 30-day period because you did not successfully complete your program.
If students maintain the same SEVIS record, there is no need to transfer their I-901 SEVIS Fee payment. Students who are unable to enrol in the next session may defer their enrolment to the next available session. Fee transfers are available for F and M students who have already paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee and who:
• Reapply for a visa within 12 months of the date of their initial I-901 SEVIS Fee payment or
• Are from a Visa Waiver Program country and reapply for status as a student at the port of entry within 12 months of the date of their initial I-901SEVIS Fee payment.
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