Visiting Scholar Program

Who We Are

Facilitated by the Global Studies Institute (GSI), a unit of the University of Oregon’s Office of International Affairs, the APRU-SCL Hub is now providing a customized visiting scholar program to meet you and your organization’s research or professional development goals. Led by faculty in the Department of Landscape Architecture, SCL is well connected to College of Design and fields related to topics surrounding sustainability such as landscape architecture, architecture, planning, environmental science, biology, law, etc. GSI has expertise in matching the experts and resources to the needs of your projects. This customized program is hosted on the beautiful campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon and is tailored to each individual’s research and area of interest. We also can arrange activities such as lectures, workshops, interviews, video conference, class visits, facility tours, business or local community visits, as well as weekend cultural excursions.


Program start dates are flexible; program duration is ideally three, six, or nine months to align with UO Fall, Winter, and Spring terms (see table below). Participants can opt to stay for 12 months if desired; however, fewer academic activities and faculty support are provided during summer break (June-September).


Potential Research Areas

  • Sustainable Urban Design
  • Productive Cities, Infrastructural Ecologies
  • City-Landscape Sustainability
  • Urban Biodiversity
  • Urban Renewable Energy
  • Sustainable Urban Design
  • Urban Water and Sanitation
  • Urban-rural Linkages
  • Smart Cities

Target Audience

  • English proficiency: ideally proficient in communicating with faculty especially through spoken English. However, it is dependent upon individual projects. Translation support can be provided.
  • International scholars and/or professionals in the fields of landscape architecture, architecture, planning, environmental science, biology, law, etc.

Academic Support Provided

  • Pair each scholar with a UO Faculty Mentor that aligns with his/her area of interest and
    project needs
  • Provide an introduction to related departments, academic events, as well as courses and lectures
  • Offer topic-specific workshops, lectures, or symposia
  • Arrange relevant UO courses sit-ins
  • Aid communication with academic institutions within and/or beyond UO
  • Arrange two customized field trips to local facilities, business or community organizations
  • Provide access to UO Library database and resources
  • Arrange for language tutoring if needed
  • Provide access to the print shop at the College of Design
  • Assist with UO ID application, on-campus
  • Arrange Wi-Fi access and a UO email account

Logistical Support Provided

  • Provide DS-2019 form for scholars that are eligible for J1 Visiting Scholar Visa
  • Housing information
  • Eugene Airport pickup
  • First-time transportation to local stores for daily supplies and groceries upon arrival
  • Information on shopping, phone service, public transportation, etc.
  • Assist with opening a local bank account as well as setting up electricity and Wi-Fi service
  • Arrange two local cultural excursions

Program Outcome

When successfully completing the program, a participant will receive a Completion Certificate issued by the Global Studies Institute of the University of Oregon.

Fee and Application Process

If you or your organization is interested in learning more about the APRU-SCL Visiting Scholar Program, please contact Lori O’Hollaren, GSI Director at loholl@uoregon.edu.