The SALSA@USC Visiting Scholars Program

Reviewed September 8, 2026 · University of Southern California

Visit SALSA at USC

Connect with the Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance and explore clinical and research collaboration in limb preservation. To discuss a visit, email SALSA@med.usc.edu with your CV, proposed dates, home institution, and areas of interest.

The SALSA visiting-scholar program expects visitors to arrange their own funding. Confirm the proposed activities, supervision, facilities access, and any clinical observation requirements with the sponsoring department before making travel arrangements.

Funding for J-1 scholars

USC’s Office of International Services (OIS) currently lists these minimum amounts:

• Scholar: $2,000 per month ($24,000 per year).
• Accompanying spouse: an additional $1,187 per month ($14,244 per year).
• Each accompanying child under 21: an additional $594 per month ($7,128 per year).

See USC’s current funding requirements and acceptable proof of funds. OIS specifies which financial documents are acceptable; the amounts above are minimum funding requirements, not a complete estimate of living costs in Los Angeles.

Immigration documents and arrival

Work with your USC sponsoring department and OIS on the appropriate visitor category and, where applicable, the DS-2019 and J-1 process. Start with USC’s visa application guidance for scholars and the pre-arrival checklist for scholars.

Health insurance

USC OIS states that J-1 exchange visitors and accompanying J-2 dependents must maintain qualifying health and accident insurance throughout the program. Review USC’s insurance requirements and coverage guidance, including medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, before selecting a plan.

Your department will explain the documents and onboarding steps required for your visit. Confirm the approved submission method before providing passport, financial, or health records.

Questions and current requirements

For the SALSA program, contact SALSA@med.usc.edu. For immigration and international-scholar requirements, use USC OIS. University requirements may change; the linked USC pages govern the application process.