ISP General Questions

When should I apply for an International Scholarship Program?

An Independently Funded Scholar can apply any time. We review of applications throughout the year. Please allow up to 6 weeks for a response after we have accepted all of your documents.

The Stecker Scholarship Program applications are reviewed twice each year. The application deadlines are April 15 and October 15 each year. Applications not received by a deadline will be submitted for the following deadline.

What visa should I use?

Independently Funded scholars will use a tourist visa unless otherwise requested by their sponsor. We will provide an invitation letter once your application is approved by the program.

A Stecker Scholarship Program funded scholar will use a J-1 visa. We will help with the J-1 visa application process.

What kind of English Language Verification document is required? What score is required?

The applicant must have passed a recognized English language test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Minimum requirements can be found on the International Scholars Program English Language Verification form.

Can I use my college or high school English course report?

No. All test reports must be within 3 years of the application date.

Do I have to provide all original records of immunization?

Yes. If original records are not available, titer results are also accepted.

We do not have some of the required immunizations in my country. What should I do?

You may visit a neighboring country that provides the required vaccine to complete the required immunizations.

Can I get the vaccine after I arrive United States before I start the program?

No. We will not review your application for approval without a completed immunization record, and we will not offer an invitation until we approve your application.

I acquired immunity by getting the chicken pox when I was young. I do not have the vaccination record. What can I do?

You may provide a varicella blood titer test report that demonstrates you have been exposed to varicella.

I had BCG when I was young. My PPD result will be positive. What should I do?

Individuals must have proof of a Tuberculosis skin test within 12 months prior to the visiting scholar appointment. Those individuals with a positive PPD test must have a chest x-ray and certification from a licensed physician that they are free of active Tuberculosis.

Why do I need health insurance?

Medical charges in the United States are very expensive and if you become ill, you are responsible for any medical costs. Any scholar participating in a program for 14 days or more must purchase health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay at NCH. The coverage must comply with The U.S. Department of State’s requirements used for the Exchange Visitor non-immigrant visa category found at eCFR :: 22 CFR Part 62 -- Exchange Visitor Program Visits less than 14 days may be covered by the scholar/visitor’s current health plan or by traveler’s insurance.

My institution provides health insurance for international travel. Do I still have to buy insurance?

You must provide the policy in an English translation for us to review before you arrive at our hospital. If the policy is approved by our program, you may use that coverage to fulfill the health insurance requirement. Otherwise, you must purchase the required health insurance.

The medical insurance coverage criteria include:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

What is the Proof of Financial Responsibility (support) document?

The Proof of Financial Responsibility document is a document or combination of documents is a letter of financial support from your home institution, or an award letter showing that your government or professional organization has provided you a scholarship or financial award to cover your salary and living expenses while you are participating in the International Scholars Program.

The document can be a personal bank statement showing your own personal funds if you are paying for your own expenses.

How much money do I have to provide on the statement?

Your proof of sufficient funds must be equal to or greater than USD $2,000 per month. If your scholarship only partially covers your costs, you can deduct that amount from the required USD $2,000 and provide documentation of the remaining funds per the Proof of Financial Responsibility form.

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Stecker Scholarship Program Questions

Can I gain hands on experience while participating in the Stecker Scholarship Program?

No, the Stecker Scholarship Program is observation only. Hands-on clinical experiences are not allowed through this program.

How much funding is provided to an approved Stecker Scholarship recipient?

Stecker Scholarship recipients receive a stipend and are reimbursed for reasonable travel costs. Stecker Scholarship recipients receive a stipend of $7,486 USD out of which all expenses are paid, including but not limited to SEVIS fee, rent, utilities, food, health insurance and reasonable travel costs.

How do I demonstrate English proficiency?

The US Department of State (DOS) requires J‐1 program sponsors to determine that prospective exchange visitors have sufficient English proficiency to successfully participate in our international programs. English proficiency can be demonstrated by providing 1) an official score record from a recognized English language test taken within 3 years of exchange visitor application and meeting minimum score requirements (see English Language Verification form); or 2) proof of a degree with a transcript for a program taught in English, completed within the last 12 months.

My country of origin does not offer all the required immunizations. Will I still able to come to Nationwide Children's Hospital as a Stecker Scholar?

The Stecker Scholarship application may be reviewed and approved before medical and immunization documentation is complete. But the final award letter and invitation will not be provided until all applications requirements including immunizations are met.

I was accepted as a Stecker Scholar but am not able to come the following year. What do I do?

Stecker awards must be used within twelve months of approval. If the Scholar is not able to visit Nationwide Children’s within those twelve months, they must petition for an extension in writing with circumstances explained for consideration by the International Advisory Council.

I am a student or recent international medical graduate. Can I apply for a Stecker Scholarship?

No. All Stecker Scholarship applicants must have completed all required training in their country. Students and trainees will not be considered for a Stecker Scholarship award. Because Mr. and Mrs. Stecker wanted to ensure the awards were given to applicants who would have an immediate impact on the health of children, mid-career professionals make the strongest applicants.

I am not able to visit Nationwide Children’s for 3 months. Could I still be considered for a Stecker award?

Yes, the stipend award would be pro-rated based on the visit length.

If I apply with peers and or my team, can we be considered for the Stecker Scholarship Program as a group?

Yes, delegations are considered for Stecker Scholarship awards. In these cases, the group or team plans a shorter visit, and the stipend award is divided among them.

What are the other general International Scholars Program requirements I must meet?

The general International Scholars Program requirements can be found on the main ISP web page.

I still have questions, who can I talk to?

Contact the International Scholars Program at ISP@nationwidechildrens.org.

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