About the program
The Visiting International Scholars (VIS) program was created more than a decade ago for academics and professional journalists and other communicators who wish to spend at least a semester, but usually a year, in the school and the University. Participants learn a great deal not only about their specialty in mass communication but also about U.S. culture by living in Chapel Hill. For a number of participants, the program brings them to the United States for the first time.
Associate Professor Suman Lee is the faculty director for the program. About 20-30 participants are in the program at any one time. Traditionally, most come from China and Korea, but other areas of the world have been represented as well, including Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. The program is open to people from any country.