The key purpose of the J-1 scholar program is to foster cultural exchange between researchers from across the world. Hosting an international scholar is vital to this aim. Although the officials at the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) always strive to support arriving international scholars, it is expected that the host faculty or department will help new international visitors acclimate to life in the U.S. This includes assisting scholars with basic needs upon their arrival such as securing housing, setting up a phone plan, opening a bank account, and shopping for furniture and groceries.
Further, as the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program exists to foster cultural exchange between nations, we would strongly encourage that any supervisor hosting a J-1 visa holder make every effort to engage in cultural programming activities with their hosted visitor. Additionally, UMass Lowell's Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is a great resource for international students, staff, and faculty who are new to the U.S.