Frequently Asked Questions
What types of membership does TIEC offer?
There are two kind of memberships:
- Texas Membership: Open to public and private universities located in Texas.
- Affiliate Membership: Open to select institutions of higher education that are outside of the U.S.
Why should I become a member?
TIEC offers member institutions global connections that advance international strategies, build programmatic capacity, increase student mobility, and enhance global engagement to complement and strengthen comprehensive internationalization efforts at the institutions.
Once a member, TIEC gets to know you well and helps connect you with potential partners based on your institutional strengths and interests. Through the TIEC network, it takes a fraction of the time and effort to find a partner than reaching out institution by institution. TIEC’s members are vetted so that joint programs can begin from day 1.
Through member spotlight sessions, and informative programming, we provide members what they need to get the job done: build lasting partnerships, revenue-generating programs, exchange programs, and joint funding proposals.
Once my institution becomes a member, why should faculty become faculty fellows?
Global Engagement
Faculty are immersed in international education environments, from classrooms to research institutions, and explore the world’s educational diversity.
Professional Growth & Research
Fellows get the opportunity to gain valuable insights, skills, and perspectives that enhance their career and broaden horizons. Engaging with international scholars contributes to innovative educational solutions.
Cultural Exchange
Many fellows build enduring relationships from cross-cultural experiences, promoting international goodwill.
Educational Impact
Fellows play a pivotal role in advancing global learning and shaping the future of international education.
What should be on my checklist before departure as an exchange visitor?
- Here are some great tips of things check before you leave your home country:
- Make travel plans to allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with your host university. J-1 exchange visitors may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the DS-2019.
- Weather in Texas can be extreme! We have an average of 300 sunny days per year, and summer temps can be intense! But we do have freezing temperatures on occasion, especially in January and February. Pack a variety of clothing for all seasons, including a warm overcoat and summer attire.
- Consider bringing your traditional or national costume to wear for cultural events.
- Exchange some currency to U.S. dollars either before leaving or at the airport. A mix of $5, $10, & $20 bills will be helpful. Determine transportation from airport to the university or your housing. Most airports have taxis, shuttles, and ride-share services like Uber or Lyft available.
- Ensure you have all required immunizations or arrange to get them. Your university can tell you what (if any) immunizations they require.
- Bring all prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions you will need during your stay.
- Check with your university for help with housing arrangements.
- Check out our J-1 Visa Sponsorship page for a lot more information!
What is the typical experience of an exchange visitor in America?
Of course everyone’s experience will be unique, but we have compiled some resources for you to get an idea of what to expect from your experience.
- Read about a wide variety of exchange visitor experiences
- Ask your Campus Representative upon arrival and check in to your university, whose name is found on the letter you received from TIEC with your DS2019. They will help in getting you oriented to your new campus and will collect important information and copies of your documents which they will forward to us to validate your program participation.
- BridgeUSA Resources: BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor’s Rights and Protections and BridgeUSA Welcome Brochure
- Texas Resources
What types of membership does TIEC offer?
There are two kind of memberships:
- Texas Membership: Open to public and private universities located in Texas.
- Affiliate Membership: Open to select institutions of higher education that are outside of the U.S.
Why should I become a member?
TIEC offers member institutions global connections that advance international strategies, build programmatic capacity, increase student mobility, and enhance global engagement to complement and strengthen comprehensive internationalization efforts at the institutions.
Once a member, TIEC gets to know you well and helps connect you with potential partners based on your institutional strengths and interests. Through the TIEC network, it takes a fraction of the time and effort to find a partner than reaching out institution by institution. TIEC’s members are vetted so that joint programs can begin from day 1.
Through member spotlight sessions, and informative programming, we provide members what they need to get the job done: build lasting partnerships, revenue-generating programs, exchange programs, and joint funding proposals.
Once my institution becomes a member, why should faculty become faculty fellows?
Global Engagement
Faculty are immersed in international education environments, from classrooms to research institutions, and explore the world’s educational diversity.
Professional Growth & Research
Fellows get the opportunity to gain valuable insights, skills, and perspectives that enhance their career and broaden horizons. Engaging with international scholars contributes to innovative educational solutions.
Cultural Exchange
Many fellows build enduring relationships from cross-cultural experiences, promoting international goodwill.
Educational Impact
Fellows play a pivotal role in advancing global learning and shaping the future of international education.
What should be on my checklist before departure as an Exchange Student?
- Here are some great tips of things check before you leave your home country:
- Make travel plans to allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with your host university. J-1 exchange visitors may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the DS-2019.
- Weather in Texas can be extreme! We have an average of 300 sunny days per year, and summer temps can be intense! But we do have freezing temperatures on occasion, especially in January and February. Pack a variety of clothing for all seasons, including a warm overcoat and summer attire.
- Consider bringing your traditional or national costume to wear for cultural events.
- Exchange some currency to US Dollars either before leaving or at the airport. A mix of $5, $10, & $20 bills will be helpful.Determine transportation from airport to the university or your housing. Most airports have taxis, shuttles, and ride-share services like Uber or Lyft available.
- Ensure you have all required immunizations or arrange to get them. Your university can tell you what (if any) immunizations they require.
- Bring all prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions you will need during your stay.
- Check with your university for help with housing arrangements.
What is the typical experience of a visiting student in America?
Of course everyone’s experience will be unique, but we have compiled some resources for you to get an idea of what to expect from your experience.
- Read about a wide variety of exchange visitor experiences
- Ask your Campus Representative” Upon arrival at your university, check in with the person identified as TIEC’s Campus Representative, whose name is found on the letter you will receive with your DS-2019. They will help in getting you oriented to your new campus and will collect important information and copies of your documents which they will forward to us to validate your program participation.
- BridgeUSA Resources: BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor’s Rights and Protections and BridgeUSA Welcome Brochure
- Texas Resources
What should be on my checklist before departure as an Exchange Student?
- Here are some great tips of things check before you leave your home country:
- Make travel plans to allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with your host university. J-1 exchange visitors may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the DS-2019.
- Weather in Texas can be extreme! We have an average of 300 sunny days per year, and summer temps can be intense! But we do have freezing temperatures on occasion, especially in January and February. Pack a variety of clothing for all seasons, including a warm overcoat and summer attire.
- Consider bringing your traditional or national costume to wear for cultural events.
- Exchange some currency to US Dollars either before leaving or at the airport. A mix of $5, $10, & $20 bills will be helpful.Determine transportation from airport to the university or your housing. Most airports have taxis, shuttles, and ride-share services like Uber or Lyft available.
- Ensure you have all required immunizations or arrange to get them. Your university can tell you what (if any) immunizations they require.
- Bring all prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions you will need during your stay.
- Check with your university for help with housing arrangements.
What is the typical experience of a visiting student in America?
Of course everyone’s experience will be unique, but we have compiled some resources for you to get an idea of what to expect from your experience.
- Read about a wide variety of exchange visitor experiences
- Ask your Campus Representative” Upon arrival at your university, check in with the person identified as TIEC’s Campus Representative, whose name is found on the letter you will receive with your DS-2019. They will help in getting you oriented to your new campus and will collect important information and copies of your documents which they will forward to us to validate your program participation.
- BridgeUSA Resources: BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor’s Rights and Protections and BridgeUSA Welcome Brochure
- Texas Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a higher education consortium or a nonprofit. How do I collaborate with TIEC’s universities?
Become a TIEC Preferred Partner who gets access to a network of universities in Texas, opportunities for joint grant development, programming and thought leadership, and enhanced visibility and branding.
What are the criteria to join the Preferred Partner Network?
To join the TIEC Preferred Partner Network, higher education consortia and non-profit organizations must meet certain criteria, including:
1. A strong commitment to international education
2. An established network of universities and members
3. A track record of facilitating international partnerships and/or programs
4. A willingness to engage in sustained collaboration with TIEC and its member institutions