Visiting Scholars

Application Guidelines

Selection Criteria

The Institute accepts visiting scholars who are pursuing a research project on East Asia that is transnational, border-crossing, or comparative in nature. Visiting scholars with a country-specific research project concerning China, Japan or Korea are advised to apply to the Centers of Chinese, Japanese or Korean Studies. The Institute welcomes visiting scholar applications from active academic researchers and university faculty members. Applicants are expected to hold advanced academic degrees. The Institute also welcomes applications from individuals with experience in government service, business or professional fields who are likely to benefit from interactions with research scholars. Current PhD students may apply for affiliation as a Visiting Student Researcher. These opportunities however are limited and are offered only in connection with current Institute research projects. Furthermore, a letter of academic sponsorship from a regular Berkeley faculty member is required to accompany the Visiting Student Researcher application.

Application Review

The Institute of East Asian Studies reviews applications for visiting scholar affiliation three times a year.

For arrival during the Fall Semester (August 15 – December) - DEADLINE: April 15
For arrival during the Spring Semester (January – May 15 ) - DEADLINE: September 15
For arrival during the summer (May 15 – August 15) - DEADLINE: January 15

The application process, from acceptance as a visiting scholar until arrival in the U.S., often takes at least three months and can take up to six months to complete due to visa regulations. Scholars should plan their arrival date accordingly.

Privileges and Responsibilities of a Visiting Scholar

Institute Visiting Scholars are independent researchers while in residence at Berkeley. Visiting Scholars enjoy full access to Berkeley libraries and electronic resources and receive an e-mail account for use during their stay. They may be invited to present or otherwise take part in seminars or conferences organized by the IEAS. Visiting Scholars are welcome to attend all announced scholarly events on campus. Classroom participation as an auditor is subject to the approval of individual faculty members. All Visiting Scholars are asked to submit a final report on the outcome of their research affiliation. The IEAS appreciates copies of publications or papers completed during a visitor's affiliation with the Institute.

Please note that the Institute cannot guarantee office space to its visiting scholars. Nor does it provide individual computer equipment or phone lines. Visitors should plan to bring their own computer to use for their work.

Application Procedures

STEP 1
A complete application consists of:

A cover letter/letter of introduction (in English)

A research proposal addressing the following:

Title of proposed project while in residence at Berkeley
Description of research project and plan of research
Research goals during period of affiliation
Brief statement on how affiliation with the Institute will help you accomplish these goals or further your career development
Proposed arrival date and length of stay

Name and contact information for Faculty Sponsor at UC Berkeley, if applicable

For student researcher applicants a letter of sponsorship is required from a Berkeley faculty member

Curriculum vitae (in English)

$200 Non-Refundable Application Fee

Fee must be paid in US dollars and can be in the form of an international money order, cashier's check, or personal check payable to "UC Regents"

Proof of Funding:

The Institute does not provide funding for visiting scholars/researchers it agrees to host. Applicants must submit documentation verifying and detailing funding for the entire period of their desired affiliation. If funding documentation is not in English, the applicant should provide a translation.
Note that minimum funding requirements for issuance of United States visa are as follows:

Minimum $1,600 per month for scholar
Plus additional $500 per month for spouse
Plus additional $200 per month for dependent child

Funding may come from any of the following sources or a combination of them:

Scholar's home institution — Requires letter of support which details amount of funding, use of funds, and date to which funding is guaranteed
A fellowship awarded by the applicant's home government or a recognized international organization — Requires letter of support which details amount of funding, use of funds, and date to which funding is guaranteed
Personal funds — Requires a bank statement or letter detailing the total amount in savings available

Copy of passport information page for scholar and any accompanying dependents

Complete applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed directly to:

Institute of East Asian Studies
Visiting Scholar Program
University of California, Berkeley
2223 Fulton Street, 6th Floor
Berkeley, CA 94720
E-mail: halperin@berkeley.edu
Fax: 510-643-7062
Phone: 510-643-6698

STEP 2
Completed applications are then reviewed by the IEAS Visiting Scholar Committee. Applicants will be notified of the Committee's decision in writing within a reasonable period of time.

STEP 3
Successful applicants will be asked to submit additional application forms and to pay the required non-refundable fees listed below:

Fee	Research Scholar Six months or longer; Applications for visa extensions allowed	Short-Term Scholar Six months or less; No visa extensions allowed
J-1 Visa Processing Fee	$410	$410
University Visiting Scholar Service Fee	$400	$400
IEAS Affiliation Fee*	$2,000	$1,250
Total	$2,810	$2,060

Fees must be paid in US dollars and can be in the form of an international money order, cashier's check, or personal check payable to "UC Regents".

*For non-academic scholars, this fee is replaced by an affiliation fee. For non-academic scholars intending to spend from 1 to 5 months: $5,000; for those intending to visit from 6 to 10 months: $10,000.

We are not able to accept wire transfers or payment by Western Union.

STEP 4
Once all fees have been paid and secondary application materials have been received, the Institute will process the applicant's DS-2019 which will allow him/her to go to the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for the J-1 (Visiting Scholar) visa.

STEP 5
After receipt of the DS-2019 and related materials, applicants are required to pay a one-time U.S. government Homeland Security processing fee of $180. Instructions on how to pay this fee will be sent to applicants with the DS-2019 and may also be found at http://www.fmjfee.com. Once this fee has been paid, applicants will then contact the local Consulate or Embassy to apply for the J-1 visa. To find the address, phone number, and business hours of the nearest Consulate or Embassy, please visit the U.S. Department of State website: http://travel.state.gov. Usually an interview with the American authorities is required to secure the J-1 visa.

STEP 6
Once an invited Visiting Scholar has the visa in hand and travel plans scheduled, she/he should inform the Institute of her/his arrival dates and to schedule an appointment to complete the arrival forms required by the US government.

IEAS Centers

IEAS Programs