How to become a Visiting Scholar in Ethnic Studies
The Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley is able to accommodate a limited number of visiting scholars each year to engage in significant independent research projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Graduate students are eligible to apply as “Visiting Student Researchers” when they meet the following specifications: https://vspa.berkeley.edu/visiting-student-researcher
US-based and international scholars are eligible to apply as “Visiting Scholars” when they meet the following specifications: https://vspa.berkeley.edu/visiting-scholar
The Application Process
All visiting scholars and visiting student researchers must receive an invitation from an Ethnic Studies faculty member.
Prospective visiting scholars and visiting student researchers who do not have an active collaboration in place with an ES faculty member can look for a faculty member whose research interests match their own. Faculty profiles can be found here
Once a scholar has identified a potential faculty sponsor, they should provide the faculty member with the following information via email:
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current CV
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brief description of intended research (length should be 200 words or less)
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brief statement on scholarly or intellectual relevance to the field of Ethnic Studies
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brief statement on intellectual rationale for working with this faculty sponsor
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beginning and end date for their visit
If the scholar receives an invitation from the faculty member, the scholar should then contact Gillian Edgelow at gilliane@berkeley.edu for details on the administrative processes.
Fees
There are several fees involved in the process of obtaining Visiting Scholar status at UC Berkeley.
- $690 for the DS2019 Processing Fee for the J-1 Visa (there will also be a US government SEVIS fee for the visa itself)
- University Services fee – details here
- $500 Department fee (per semester)
NOTE: A department administrative fee reduction may be requested if a scholar is arriving without institutional support or where there is financial hardship. This request should be included with your application. Please note that the J-1 visa fee and University Services fee are both mandatory and cannot be waived.
Information Regarding Visas
J-1 Visas
Foreign visiting scholars will need to obtain a J-1 Visa to pursue their research in the Ethnic Studies Department. J-1 Visas are obtained by the issuance of a DS-2019 (which is the “certificate of eligibility”). There are several steps to securing a J-1 Visa and each step takes time. Plan for the visa application process to take 3-4 months, depending upon your home country.
Please note: Documentation of an “objective measurement” of English language proficiency is required for all J-1 Exchange Visitors. Either a recognized English language test (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, etc) or signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school.
Additional Information
Facilities
Visiting scholars have access to the University’s libraries and are given normal borrowing privileges. Visiting scholars do not have access to secretarial services, office space, office supplies, and generally do not have the use of telephones, fax or express mail services. Visiting scholars are often able to consult with faculty members interested in their field of study, and to participate in the intellectual life of the department by attending presentations and colloquia.
Visiting scholars in the Department of Ethnic Studies will be given access to the following:
- Use of the department copier
- Use of the department scanner
- An email address @berkeley.edu
- A wireless connection to the internet
- A departmental mailbox
Health Insurance
International visiting scholars must have adequate health insurance during the entirety of their appointment at UC Berkeley. Details can be found here
Questions?
All questions about the Ethnic Studies Visiting Scholars Program should be sent to:
Gillian EdgelowVisiting Scholar Coordinator510-643-7172gilliane@berkeley.edu