CKS visiting scholars are self-supporting, either by their personal funds or through financial support by their home institutions or other grants. Affiliation as a visiting scholar requires payment of several fees to CKS and various other University departments (for details see Application Information).
The Center provides library privileges, shared computer facilities with Korean language software and internet connections, modest research assistance, administrative support, and meeting space. Office space is shared with approximately 3 to 5 scholars per room.
The main contact for questions about visiting scholar applications is Dianne-Enpa Cho (diannecho@berkeley.edu). Please do not contact her until you have read this entire website, which explains the process in detail. Please also note that the entire application process may take as long as four months to complete.
The visiting scholar program has reached capacity for spring 2010. We can no longer accept applicants for the spring semester. You may apply for fall 2010. Please apply as early as possible, since spaces fill up quickly. The final application deadline for fall 2010 is May 1, 2010. If our program has reached capacity before that date, we will note this on our website.
A complete explanation of the CKS visiting scholar application process is available on this website under Application Information. If you need further information about visiting scholar programs at UC Berkeley, you may consult two websites for up-to-date information. These websites are:
(1) Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs (VSPA). The website contains complete information on the VSPA program.
(2) Berkeley International Office. This website contains information on such matters as the issuing of visa documents, immigration advising as well as advising services in other areas, including cultural adjustment, financial needs, work permission, family matters, general advising, liaising with other campus offices, and navigating our large university and the community around us. In particular, see the section on J-1 Exchange Visitors.
The CKS accepts applications under the following categories:
Most CKS visiting scholars have a Ph.D. and hold a teaching position at a university in Korea. We also accept journalists, researchers from government or private institutes, and (in limited cases) government officials. Current Ph.D. candidates are not eligible for visiting scholar status.
The period of affiliation is usually either one year or six months. Scholars cannot be in residence at CKS for more than one year.
The rules for funding and bringing family members with you are set by the U.S. government. CKS and UC Berkeley have no control over this policy.
The US government requires that you show that you have $1,600 per month available for yourself, plus $500 per month if you are accompanied by your spouse, plus $200 per month per accompanying child. (For example, if you are bringing a spouse and two children, you would need at least $2,500 per month, or $30,000 per year.) See Application Information for more details about proof of funding.
Visiting scholars receive a J-1 visa and their dependents receive J-2 visas. The only family members who can receive J-2 visas as your dependents are your spouse and children under 21 years of age. Any other family members who wish to come with you must get their own visas (such as tourism or student visas), and CKS unfortunately cannot help you with this process.