Can someone explain to me in short what the differences between a F-1 and a J-1 visa are? Are there any advantages or disadvantages connected with them or are there differences in the application proces?

[quote]Can someone explain to me in short what the differences between a F-1 and a J-1 visa are? Are there any advantages or disadvantages connected with them or are there differences in the application proces?[/quote]

Generally, if you are on a Fulbright scholarship, you get a J-1 otherwise you get an F-1. Normal students aren't eligible for a J-1 visa as it has specific requirements:

University Students must:

Be financed directly or indirectly by the U.S. government, the government of their home country, an international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute, or supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds;
Be carried out according to an agreement between the U.S. government and a foreign government, or according to a written agreement between American and foreign educational institutions, an American educational institution and a foreign government or a state or local government in the United States and a foreign government; or Student is participating in a student internship program that will fulfill the educational objectives for the student’s degree program in his or her home country; or
Pursue a non-degree program must be enrolled full-time in a prescribed course of study. The maximum duration of a non-degree program is 24 months inclusive of academic training.

I'm eligible for both visa types - but what are the advantages of a J-1 visa, if any?